It’s nearly impossible to watch Mamma Mia without getting the itch to book a summer trip to Greece. Each time I rewatch it—which has been about a dozen times—I’m reminded why Greece attracts travelers from all over the world year after year. Most of the film took place on the picturesque island of Skopelos, Greece, where you’ll find sun-soaked beaches, terra-cotta rooftops, and centuries-old churches. If you’re lucky enough to have a trip to this beautiful Mediterranean country on your calendar, you’ll want to start thinking about your packing list.
To help you decide what to wear in Greece this summer, we turned to the women of Mamma Mia. We especially looked to the film’s stars, Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried—who play mother and daughter pair Donna and Sophie—for what dresses, swimsuits, and slip-ons to pack, and incorporated in some of our own travel must-haves. Breathable linen, lightweight dresses, and chic accessories are the foundation of your summer wardrobe for a trip spent island-hopping and sunset-chasing. Below a list of vacation outfits to wear in Greece, inspired by the iconic women of Mamma Mia.
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Essential tops
A few lightweight blouses and tank tops are a must for a trip to Greece. Warm-weather staples like this breezy linen top from Banana Republic and basic tank from Reformation are versatile enough to wear with nearly any pair of shorts or pants you pack. We looked to Sophie’s style throughout the film to select the simple, beachy tops below—all light enough to wear on especially hot and humid days while still looking put together.
Pants, skirts, and shorts
Skip the tight mini skirts and denim shorts that might cause chafing and instead opt for flowy maxis or linen pants that are naturally moisture-wicking and more loose-fitting. Staples like these organic cotton maxi skirts from Quince and Jenni Kayne are comfortable and effortlessly stylish. They can be worn with a basic tank and pair of walking sandals during the day or dressed up with a heel for a sunset dinner at night. A good pair of white linen pants, like this pair from J.Crew, is my ultimate summer must-have and can be worn anywhere from shopping in town to coastal lunches. And if you insist on packing a denim short, let it be something a little baggy with a relaxed fit, like these classic Levi’s.
Sundresses
One thing’s for sure: Sundresses are essential for summer in Europe. Our favorite women from the beloved film gave us plenty of dresses to obsess over. We found similar boho-chic options from Lulus, Hill House Home, and Tuckernuck. We also included a few foolproof styles that can be reworn anywhere this summer, whether you’ll be sailing in Nantucket or wine tasting in Napa Valley. Everlane’s simple yet elegant A-line dress is a prime example of a hard-working sundress that can morph into whatever you need it to be—day or night. Throw any of these vacation-ready dresses on with a pair of cute sandals and you’re ready for a dramatic dancing scene on the island.
Jumpsuits and overalls
A Mamma Mia–inspired packing list wouldn’t be complete without our take on Donna’s classic overalls. This vintage pair from Levi’s is a classic you’ll wear for years to come, and pairs well over a simple white T-shirt. We equally love these comfy overalls from Free People that offer more relaxed fit around the waist and legs. For a more practical take on the look, a wide-leg linen jumpsuit is lightweight and such an easy outfit to throw on when you want something cute yet comfortable.
Walking sandals and sneakers
Comfortable walking shoes are a year-round vacation essential. We pulled together a few different options ideal for a day exploring Greece—stylish yet comfy sandals, a few reliable white sneakers, and a water-friendly pair from Reef. A pair of walking sandals like the one from Rothy’s (one of my personal favorites!) pairs well with a maxi dress or linen shorts and won’t kill your feet after a full day of shopping (flip-flops aren’t going to cut it on these cobblestone streets). Movie fans might remember the scene where Donna and her friends sing “Dancing Queen”—she wears a pair of simple sneakers that look similar to the Allbirds Tree Runners. This pair of shoes won’t take up a ton of room in your suitcase and can serve as your one go-to pair of sneakers for the week.
Beach totes and handbags
A crossbody bag is ideal for a day of sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs, or heading to lunch. Cuyana’s leather saddle bag will keep you hands-free while walking through town and matches anything you toss on for the day. Hat Attack’s raffia shoulder bag is perfect for boat parties and day outings, while Cuyana’s Celestia bag is chic enough for dinner and dancing. You’ll also want to pack a slightly larger bag for the beach that can lay flat in your suitcase. MZ Wallace’s packable tote has plenty of room for essentials like sunscreen, a water bottle, a portable charger, Kindle, and your towel.
Bathing suits
One of the most iconic scenes of the movie is when Sophie and her fiancé Sky sing “Lay All Your Love On Me” on the beach. Sophie’s blue and white printed one-piece inspired some of our swimsuit recommendations. If you prefer a two-piece set, Traveler editors are big fans of comfortable, supportive swimwear from Left on Friday. This brightly-colored set is high-waisted and doesn’t dig into your skin. Have a look through more of our favorite bathing suits to wear this season, too.
Cover-ups
Whether you’re lounging by the beach or headed to lunch, you’ll want a breathable cover-up to throw on. There are plenty of packable styles to choose from—skirts, dresses, and sarongs, to name a few. We’re partial to versatile two-piece sets and easy-to-wear beach dresses that look just as chic as they are comfortable. Crochet or linen materials are your best bet for a lightweight, breezy cover-up.
Sunglasses
Every Euro trip requires a pair of polished sunnies. These classic round frames won’t break the bank, but they will help elevate any outfit you’re wearing, all while offering some much-needed sun protection. You can never go wrong with a simple pair from Ray-Ban, but we’re also eyeing this stylish pair of sunglasses from Le Specs.
Beach hats
To round out our list of must-haves for a trip to Greece, don’t forget to pack a sun hat. Not only does it offer that effortlessly cool look, it keeps your head and most of your face protected on hot days. We pulled some inspiration from Donna’s cowboy-style straw hat; the options below are breathable and slightly easier to pack than an oversized floppy beach hat.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Still planning your trip? Check out more of our Greece travel recommendations:
- Editor-recommended Greek Island hotels
- The best family-friend hotels in Greece
- The best beaches in Greece
- The best hotels in Athens, Greece
- The best hotels in Santorini, Greece
- The best Airbnbs in Santorini, Greece
- The best beaches in Santorini, Greece
- The best things to do in Santorini, Greece
- The best hotels in Mykonos, Greece
- The best Airbnbs in Mykonos, Greece
- The best hotels in Crete, Greece
- The best Airbnbs in Corfu, Greece
- The best hotels in Milos, Greece
