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There’s more reason to visit Barcelona this year, with news that the Sagrada Familia is finished – 144 years after building first began. Antoni GaudÃ’s church is officially complete, giving us yet another excuse to book a trip to the Spanish city. Barcelona has a lot going for it – a booming creative scene, excellent food, buzzing nightlife and beautiful beaches. What you pack needs to work hard to cover all bases; here are the 15 essentials to ensure you look and feel great, whether you’re city-strolling or lounging by the shoreline.
Barcelona in the summer calls for FLUID SILHOUETTES with a breezy, relaxed feel. Consider FLOOR-SWEEPING DRESSES that can be worn on the beach and afterwards for aperitivo in the city. RELAXED POLISH is the vibe here; a pair of boxer shorts or a knee-length column skirt worn with oversized linen shirts and sleek vests. Pops of colour are a good idea, but if you want to fit in, pack SOFT NEUTRALS – khaki, ivory and chocolate tones. And bring comfortable sandals, not only will they serve you well as you discover the city on foot, but they also match BARCELONA’S CASUAL ELEGANCE.Â
The vintage offering in Barcelona is really strong; The Favorite Vintage is the place to go for pre-loved designer finds (including pre-Philo Céline and archival Prada), but the eagle-eyed should make time for the Mercat dels Encants, one of Europe’s oldest flea markets. For emerging independent labels, both local and far-flung, head to Roüa & Friends, a much-loved concept store. Invest in a pair of espadrilles from La Manual, a family-run business that was first founded in 1940.Â
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Lead image: Maksu
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
