To dress for Greece, pack light, breathable outfits in linen and cotton: summer dresses, linen sets and swimwear in white, blue and soft neutrals, with flat sandals for steep island streets and a light layer for windy evenings. Greek outfits are simple, sun-ready and made for long days that move from beach to taverna.
This guide covers what to wear in Greece in summer, Greek island outfit ideas, Greek dresses, how to dress for the wind, and a packing list. For the wider picture, see our guide to European summer outfits.
What do people wear in Greece?
Greek summer dressing is relaxed and practical. Locals wear simple dresses, linen shirts, shorts and leather sandals by day, and something a little smarter for dinner, which starts late. On the islands, swimwear and a cover-up are part of daily life, but only near the beach.
- Natural fabrics: linen and cotton gauze keep you cool in the dry heat.
- A light palette: white, blue, cream and sand reflect the sun and suit the landscape.
- Practical shoes: flat sandals with grip for steps and marble paving.
Greek island outfit ideas
- Blue and white stripes: the long striped shirt dress or the shorter striped mini shirt dress with flat sandals looks made for a Cycladic alley.
- The all-white look: a white cotton gauze midi shirt dress or the white empire waist maxi dress for sunset in Oia or Mykonos town.
- Beach-to-taverna: a linen vest and shorts set over a swimsuit at noon, worn on its own at dinner.
- The halter dress: a halter neck midi dress keeps your shoulders cool on hot afternoons in town.
- The evil eye: the blue eye is everywhere in Greece, where it is called the mati. Wear it as an evil eye kimono robe over swimwear; read more about the mati and the nazar.
Greek dresses: what works best
The best dresses for Greece are long, light and easy to move in. Maxi lengths behave in the wind; cotton gauze and linen stay cool in the dry heat; and a white or striped dress fits the setting perfectly. Greek-style dresses, with draped, flowing lines and simple shapes, are a natural fit, and our cotton gauze dresses and linen dresses share that relaxed, Mediterranean shape. For an island-ready edit, browse our vacation dresses.
Dressing for the meltemi wind
In July and August, the meltemi wind blows strongly across the Aegean islands. Short, flowy skirts and wide-brimmed hats that don't tie become a problem fast. Choose:
- Maxi dresses and skirts with some weight, like a linen tiered maxi skirt.
- Shorts sets and wide-leg linen palazzo pants.
- A light layer for ferry decks and evenings, which cool down quickly.
What to wear in Athens
Athens is a city first: hot, busy and full of archaeological sites with little shade. Wear a light dress or linen pants with a breathable top, sneakers or sturdy sandals for the Acropolis, where the marble is slippery, and a hat. Dress up a little for rooftop dinners.
Greece packing list
- Three dresses: a white or striped day dress, a maxi for evenings and a casual cover-up dress.
- One linen set and one pair of linen pants or shorts.
- Two swimsuits and a cover-up or kimono.
- A Turkish beach towel, which is light and dries fast between beaches.
- A light layer for ferries and evenings.
- Flat sandals with grip and one pair of sneakers.
- A hat that ties, and sunglasses.
Island-hopping by boat? Our cruise wear and resort wear edits cover sea days and dinners ashore. Visiting more of the Mediterranean? See our guides to what to wear in Italy and what to wear in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Greece?
Light, breathable outfits in linen and cotton: summer dresses, linen sets and swimwear, in white, blue and soft neutrals. Add flat sandals for steep streets and a light layer for windy evenings and ferries.
What do people wear in Greece in summer?
Greeks dress for the heat: simple linen and cotton dresses, shorts and tops, leather sandals and swimwear on the islands. Evenings in Athens and the island towns are a little dressier, with a nice dress or linen pants for dinner.
What colors should I wear in Greece?
White and blue are the classic Greek island palette, and they look beautiful against whitewashed walls and blue shutters. Cream, sand, olive and soft stripes work just as well.
What shoes should I wear in Greece?
Flat sandals with a back strap and good grip, since island towns are full of steep, uneven steps and polished marble paving. Bring sneakers for hikes and archaeological sites, and skip heels.
Is it windy in Greece in summer?
Yes. The meltemi, a strong northerly wind, blows across the Aegean islands in July and August. Choose maxi dresses, weighted skirts or shorts sets over short, flowy skirts, and bring a hat that ties or stays put.