You know the kind of anonymously chic destination that could almost be here, there, anywhere? Lisbon isn’t that. Instead, it’s unmistakably, well, Lisbon, a capital of hills, beaches, forests, rivers, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with a vibe that’s hard to put your finger on—relaxed but energized, hipster-cool but also family-orientated. This is a theme, arguably, that extends to what to wear in Lisbon.
“There really is no set ‘Lisbon uniform’ as individuality is key,” says Maybelle Morgan, a freelance journalist who recently moved to Lisbon. “The city is a melting pot of vintage-powered style that is anything but cookie-cutter, and you’ll never find two people in a crowd dressed the same way or in the same brands.” Her advice when you’re thinking about what to pack is, above all, to project your personal style. “Anything goes but make it your own,” says Morgan. “Accessories are key in a city that can sometimes feel too hot to wear clothes, so bonus points for loud pops of color and a mish-mash of textures: straw, crochet, and more.”
When putting together your list of what to pack, there are certain practical items that it will pay to include. From dancing shoes to drawstring trousers, this is our guide to what to wear in Lisbon.
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Daytime looks
As every day will contain multitudes, from brunch with a panoramic view as your pleasing side order to people-watching on the banks of the Tagus, the best daytime looks cover all your bases (coffee, culture, and custard-tart consumption). A cotton dress is always a good starting point, which you can team with a comfortable sandal or sneaker. Another smart option is a matching set that can be styled together or separately to make each piece you’ve chosen work even harder. And because you can easily plan your itinerary around meals in Lisbon, a lightweight pair of drawstring trousers is the way to go—with the comfort-factor of sweatpants but a chicer finish.
