Packing stresses me out, it always has. I am a person who likes options. I have a history of over doing it, and then having fashion brain freeze/ending up not wearing half of what I brought. This round, I got organized! I applied the same principals of planning a photo shoot for my job to packing for this trip, and I tried everything on before it went in the suitcase. Guess what? It worked. Over the week-long trip, I wore everything, and had room to bring home some Italian goodies, too.
The leading factor of course: Weather. Temperatures spanned between the mid-50°s to mid-70°s during the peak of day. And because I run hot, I planned to keep things lightweight. We were told it could be rainy, but we lucked out with only one drizzly morning and storms overnight if at all. Very lucky!
Here’s some of what I wore:
Look at me, branching out with photos! Bad mirror selfies, but hey. Gotta start somewhere. I didn’t photograph every single outfit, but enough to get the idea. The individual outfits are linked below. Of course not everything is a 1-to-1 link as some pieces are old, but close enough. :)
The Travel Outfit
I wore the same outfit both ways (using the hotel laundry service, of course). Comfort is obviously key, but I just don’t like the sweatpants or PJs look on a plane (for me personally. You do you.) I swear this has the same comfort level, but still looks very polished. And yes, I slept in this.
Links: LS Cashmere Crewneck Sweater | Striped Cotton Tee | comfy but supportive Bralette (also great) | 4-Way Stretch Pants (size down) | Suede Flats | my favorite Oversized Travel Tote
The Jeans
I am an American, after all. I love my denim, and on both dusty days walking through ruins and cool nights out in the city, I was glad to be wearing them.
Left (Daytime): Short Sleeve Button-Up (obsessed with this!) | Sunglasses | Straight Leg Jeans | Crossbody Bag | Sneakers
Right (Evening): Cashmere Tee | Old Navy Jacket | Silk Scarf | Barrel Leg Jeans | Black Bag (similar) | Suede Flats
The MVP of the trip? An old faux-suede moto jacket from Old Navy(!) that’s been in my closet for 6+ years. It hasn’t fit for some time, but now that I’m back in it I can’t believe I forgot how versatile and comfortable it is. They have a similar dark brown version this year. Lesson learned: bring a piece of outerwear that works with almost anything.
The Skirts
Skirts are the best. Comfort with fun visual impact? Fantastic. These outfits were great for the museum visits and evenings strolling around to/from dinner. My current favorite is this green smocked maxi (I work at this company, full disclosure.) She’s so comfortable and gorgeous in person. I wore it to dinner near the Trevi Fountain with my favorite tee and my MVP jacket. (I also am wearing it to the office with a roll neck sweater these days. It goes with so much, and looks like art.)
Left: Old Navy Jacket | Cotton Tee | Printed Maxi Skirt | Crossbody Raffia Bag | Suede Flats
Right: Sunglasses | Cashmere Tee | Printed Midi Skirt (on major sale!)| Crossbody Bag | Sneakers
The Dresses
Another surprise key item for this trip was an old rib knit dress by Ann Taylor Loft from probably 2018. I’m so glad I’ve hung onto it all these years, because it is a great piece that you can wear literally anywhere. (Except the Vatican. It has leg slits up the side.) But I actually thought about wearing it on the plane, honestly, it’s that comfortable. Looking around at current items: This is similar.
Also worn at least 3x: this printed dress (without the belt for me.) I’m a 16/18 and can wear the Large comfortably… so size down. (The big project at work right now is FIT so stay tuned for more accurate sizing in the future.)
Links: Sunglasses | Old Navy Jacket | Black Rib Knit Midi Dress (similar) | Block Print Shirt Dress | Crossbody Bag | Sneakers
Ta dah!
We did it. I linked everything all together here.
Yes, I pretty much only wore these sneakers and these flats. They are just incredibly comfortable and easy, and go with everything. Why complicate it? Also Roman streets are almost entirely cobblestone, plan accordingly.
For bags, you should always have a bag that closes. Crossbodys are great because you can keep it in front of you at all times. (Hi, pickpockets are very much a thing.) My friend Kate gave me this woven leather bag for Christmas last year and I’m obsessed with it. I use it almost every day.
I did pack a raincoat that (bless) I ended up not needing. But this thing is great. Full length, lots of pockets, flattering fit.
And here’s my suitcase. I love it. Away suitcases are popular, as we all know, so I definitely recommend applying some form of distinguishing touch like a brightly colored luggage tag. I also have a (short) neon ribbon knotted on the handle of mine for good measure.
Toiletries—
I do not travel light with my products, that’s for sure, but this all fit in my trusty travel tote. Goop Beauty is my go-to skincare these days: I love this serum and moisturizer so much, and use them day and night. For a Vitamin C hit, I use Maelove Glow Maker, which is a great $32 Skinceuticals dupe. For sunscreen (a must) I opted for lightweight Supergoop in a travel size.
For hair care, I’ve become a disciple of Oribe. This flyaways stick is great, and I packed travel versions of their shampoo and conditioner, and the anti-humidity spray. I also traveled with my favorite hairbrush. It’s worth it, I promise.
For washing in the sink. Sometimes bras need a little love after full days of wear, and I always tuck a few packets of Soak into my bag. You don’t even have to rinse, just soak in the hotel sink for 15 minutes, and ring dry.
I hope this is helpful in some way. If anything, it’ll be a record for my own next trip. We can do it!
Thank you for being here,
