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 is at the top of my travel bucket list. Most of the film took place on the picturesque island of Skopelos, Greece, where you’ll find incredible beaches, terra-cotta rooftops, and plenty of sun. 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 provide you with some inspiration for what to wear in Greece, 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. Below, a list of vacation outfits to wear in Greece, inspired by the iconic women of Mamma Mia.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Shop what to wear in Greece by category:
Essential tops
A few lightweight blouses and tank tops are a must for a trip to Greece. Summer wardrobe staples like this breezy white top from Banana Republic and linen button-down from Everlane 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 sunny days while still looking put together.
Pants, skirts, and shorts
Maxi skirts and linen pants are perfect additions to your Greece packing list. I’m especially eyeing these long, high-waisted skirts from Cuyana and Abercrombie. They can be worn with a basic tank and pair of walking sandals during the day and dressed up with a heel for dinner at night. On any beach trip, you’ll also want to pack your favorite pair of shorts. Mid-length denim or linen options will help avoid any unwanted chafing—they offer a classic look without the uncomfortable feeling of a tight pair of shorts.
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 copycat boho-chic options from Lulus, Free People, and Petal & Pup. Throw any of these vacation-ready dresses on with a pair of walking sandals and you’re ready for a dramatic dancing scene on the island.
Jumpsuits and overalls
A Mamma Mia–inspired 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 ones from Birkenstock and Rothy’s pair well with a maxi dress or denim 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 Skippers. 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 crossbody bags
To find versatile and chic bags that are great for travel, we turned to a few of our favorite brands, including Cuyana, Madewell, and Uniqlo. A crossbody is ideal for a day of sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs, or heading to lunch. I’m eyeing this caramel-colored crossbody from Madewell and Cuyana’s Double Moon saddle bag. You’ll also want to pack a slightly larger bag for the beach that can lay flat in your suitcase. These packable totes have plenty of room for essentials like sunscreen, a water bottle, a portable charger, Kindle, and more.
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—like these options from Solid and Striped and Staud. If you prefer a two-piece set, Traveler editors are big fans of swimwear from Left on Friday. This brightly-colored set is ultra 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. A basic button-up like this one from J.Crew is a must—it’s versatile and easy to rewear with so many outfits that are already on your Greece packing list. For extra sun protection, consider an airy beach pant or a long wrap that will cover your legs.
Sunglasses
Every Euro trip requires a pair of polished sunnies. These lightweight Madewell frames will match any outfit in your suitcase and won’t break the bank—so there’s no need to worry if you accidentally lose or break them in transit. We also love these simple yet classic styles from Ray-Ban, Le Specs, and Sojos.
Beach hats
To round out our list of must-haves, don’t forget to pack a sun hat. Not only does it look chic, 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.
