As I mentioned in my previous post, we are heading to Europe this summer. We finally decided on our country destinations and now are whittling down the cities. We’ll fly in to Madrid and spend a few days there before heading to Italy. We currently have stops in Rome, Naples, Matera, Puglia and Sicily/Palermo in our two week plans. Because some of our stops to the smaller cities/areas will be a night or two Husband has declared we will only survive on one carry-on each. I laughed as I had grand plans of wearing skirts and dresses while strolling through these cities. Instead, I’ve had to whittle down my thoughts and wardrobe to be the following.
- Practical
- Easily washable by hand
- No ironing needed
- Easy to mix and match
- 3-4 days worth of clothes total
It truly is difficult to pack this way but I do tend to over-pack and bring more than enough close and shoes wherever I go. So, here’s what I have so far.
Five tops: The four tops I have are all jersey and either have flutter or cap-sleeves that cover my shoulders. They are all random brands I found at Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls. They are easily washable, don’t require ironing and can be mixed with my bottoms. The Striped Tippi Sweater I just added because it’s linen but I think I won’t bring it because the weather might be too warm and I don’t want to lose it or leave it behind.
Five Bottoms: Old Navy Jersey Skirt, Anthropologie Go Anywhere Skirt, J Crew Maxi Skirt, J Crew Shorts
I prefer to wear a skirt or comfortable dress on a plane and the maxi skirt will be perfect, especially if/when I get cold. The other two skirts and shorts will hide dirt and spots well and can be washed and dried quickly.
Italy Bottoms by audreybella featuring a jersey skirt
One Dress: I have to choose between these two dresses. I had originally planned on taking the Blouson Dress to wear when we go to dinner (one nice dinner in Madrid, Rome and Palermo) but I was able to find the Castle Lake Dress in my size recently. (I sold my size Small because it didn’t fit up top any longer.) Now, I’m leaning towards that one because it’s a little more casual, floats away from the body and has pockets.
Swimsuit: We’ll be at the beach once or twice and I love this Tulle Polk-Dot swimsuit from J Crew. I just need to find a cover-up.
Scarf: I’ll carry this in my bag in case I need it to cover up at any point during our sight-seeing. This one is from Talbots and is linen.
Shoes…I don’t have any really good sturdy walking shoes other than tennis shoes. I will start looking for some that are sturdy, comfortable and just a little bit stylish. Here are my current options.
- Tom’s Ballet Flats: I don’t have these yet but plan on getting them and breaking them in before we go. I was going to take my Black Glitter slip-ons but the ballet flats might be better and a little more comfortable.
- J Crew Madras Converse Sneakers: I will take these to wear with my shorts I’ll be taking.
- Tory Burch Thora Flip-Flop: These will mainly be used when we are travelling to our next location (plane, train, automobile).
I want to take a bag and thought about this one but Husband said he’d rather I not carry anything if possible.
So, that’s my outfit planning…3 months early. I thought about taking a cardigan instead of the scarf but the weather should be warm.
What do you think of my choices? Anything I shouldn’t take? Anything I’m missing. Any other tips or suggestions about the cities?
How fun! I'm extreemly interested to see what you end up packing because Husband and I are taking a cruise to almost the exact same places at the end of May, and I've been stressing what to pack for months now. Yours must be harder though– only one carry-on?!? I could never do it! I'm most worried about blending in with the locals and finding comfy but cute shoes I can wear with both dresses and pants for a lot of walking I think we should solicit the help of DaniBP to be our packer or something– she always does such a good job! I love seeing what others pick because it's usually things I never think of.
Wow, one carry-on? You're an efficient gal. I'd definitely need to bring a tote or shoulder bag with me because I'm one who always wants something "right there" easily accessible, plus somewhere I can stuff random things!
I did it, I know you can too! THe flights within the european countries are REALLY strict about luggage size AND weight. I saw many young college girls crying in airports as they pulled items out of their bags, tried to fit some in their purse, and toss some. I learned MUCh from that on my first trip over there. Remember a large scarf, because many of the churches/duomo's and some other places require shoulders and knees are covered. I didn't wear/take any shorts any time I went over. And everything is STONE – and not always even (hence my broken leg in Venice, lol) and HARD SURFACES so be sure your shoes are well worn/broken in before you go. It sounds like an amazing trip and I know you must be so excited. Can't wait to hear more about it!!! ;D
Yep, minimalist is best. I would also take a jacket of some kind, just in case.
Audrey – Madrid is SO awesome! We live only 20 mins. away and it is such a great city. In June it will certainly be warm so tank tops and skirts are the way to go for sure. Suzy is right about the cobblestone and lots of walkIng, but oh the sights you'll see! I'm so excited for your trip – it will be a great experience!
Make sure to bring a cardi with you bc all churches require ypur shoulder to be covered. I wouldn't brin any shorts or just one pair. I would say cotton flowy dresses are the way to go. I love Europe. You will have an amazing time!
Very excited for you, you sound all prepped and ready to go! Enjoy all the sights, sounds and tastes!
I would echo the other comments. In many of the places you will be visiting, shorts won't be acceptable and when I was in France and the Netherlands and Germany a few years ago, I did not see women wearing shorts. YOu are bang on about the scarf – very necessary. I would also consider a featherweight cashmere sweater. YOu just never know..(God – I sound like my mother!). And finally, I think you are so right – heels are not good for sightseeing and definitely not good for cobblestones! You are inspiring me Audrey – I have to start thinking what I will pack for France!!!! I may need Dani to do it for me!
i agree with suzy,definitly not a lot of women wearing shorts here in europe,i think flowy dresses would be the perfect solution.
definitly bring a cardigan,because in most churches no bare shoulders(and no shorts either)are allowed.
what a exciting trip!
HI_ I have the same dilemma/same one-bag husband. Going to Portugal at the end of May. My one dress an all-black, cotton dress with a full-ish skirt, something like the J Crew Dolores dress (73198), but in black. I have an older one from Anthro like it, and intend to wear with my (ONE allowed) cardigan, or for rainy days, the JC downtown field jacket in moss. I like to wear Naots in Europe for Spring/summer, for all the walking you will do- nothing too precious. I am bringing a closed toe sling back, so it can be worn with skirt (ONE- khaki). The cities in Italy can be quite dirty, black is a good choice. Also, all the natives there wear sneakers, but BLACK (like Pumas, adidas- weird, euro brands of sneakers).
Totally agree with commenters about shorts, bring an extra pair of jeans instead. Maybe shorts are OK in Southern Spain or Capri.
Hi Audrey, i am in Rome and I would suggest to bring one pair of shorts, they could be handy especially in southern Italy.
Our cities are not so dirty that you need to wear black! As a matter of fact, lighter clothes will keep you much cooler.
Have a wonderful vacation.
Wow! Thanks everyone for the comments. Keep them coming. I will re-think some of these, including the shorts…those are gone. I think I'll add a maxi dress and a linen shirt (I have several from J Crew from last year) as a 'sweater'-type covering. I'm looking at several sandal options including Birkenstocks, Clark's, and Ecco. I don't want to spend too much as I may rarely wear them again. Look for an update soon.
Thanks again for the comments. They are very much appreciated.
Sounds like a great trip.
Some other comfort shoe ideas that have style, would be Wolky or Reiker. I like to go to the Nordstrom web site and browse the "comfort shoes" category – lots of nice brands available.
And, a good online shoe store is Online Shoes- if you sign up they have regular promotions – just purchased a pair of patent leather Wolkys for 25% off.
Agree about shorts, and you will need one "thing" to cover your arms if your sightseeing includes any of the great churches or cathedrals.
Here's a link to an article about packing that I've found extremely helpful:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/business/business special/201005506-pack-ss-5.html
have a great time!
Hi! Was wondering which store you found your Tippi Sweater in Linen Stripe – it's sold out online (and allegedly in stores…) Love your packing list!
Hi Audrey
What kind of soap do you plan on using for washing clothes during your trip? I'm going to the Dominican for a week +, and definitely want to pack light, but would like to wash something if needed.
Thanks, and I LOVE your blog!
Brittany