WHAT I PACKED, WHAT I WORE

When I was planning for Italy, I put a little more thought into what I'd pack. It had been years since I'd taken a trip centered almost entirely around the beach and the coast, and I knew it called for a different wardrobe. I pictured where we'd be staying, how we'd spend our days, what the weather might be like, and the pieces I'd want to have with me so I'd feel comfortable and like myself. I also had memories from a trip to Capri and Sardinia more than thirty years ago. The distinctly Italian style I saw there left a lasting impression that undoubtedly influenced what made it into my suitcase this time.

Now that I’m home, what stands out most isn’t what I packed. It’s what I actually wore. Certain pieces became the foundation of my wardrobe while others barely left the hanger. Looking back, it’s clear what worked and what didn’t, and I learned far more from living in those clothes for three weeks than I did from all the planning beforehand.

Wherever I travel, I arrive with an idea of how I’ll dress, then the destination takes over. The pace of life, the morning to evening light, how a day unfolds, and the overall atmosphere begin to influence what feels right to wear. In Italy, I found myself embracing color, print, and shorts, a departure from how I normally dress at home. It felt more like me than I expected.

A pair of yellow pants (similar) quickly became a favorite, not because they were particularly unusual, but because they felt so right there. At Mezzatorre, with the warm terracotta buildings, the glow of candlelit paths, and the deep blue sky, they felt like an extension of the surroundings rather than a statement piece. Every evening we'd settle in for aperitivo on the terrace, surrounded by all that beauty, and somehow every color I wore looked as though it belonged there.

The same was true of a printed sarong skirt I bought while I was there. I spotted it in the Issimo shop at the hotel on the first day of the trip and couldn’t get it out of my mind. Once I tried it on, I knew it was coming home with me. I loved the style so much I bought two different prints. They both capture the spirit of an Italian summer and will always remind me of this trip.

I packed a pink cashmere sweater as an afterthought in case it was cool and it got more wear than I would have imagined. It was draped over my shoulders or tied around my waist more times than I could count. I wish I'd packed a couple more in different colors. A yellow or green knit would have been nice to have.

My bright red bag somehow made every outfit feel more intentional. Even when I was wearing nothing more than a striped shirt and white shorts, that little pop of color changed the whole look. It made me realize one colorful bag wasn't enough.

I extended the same approach to color with jewelry, reaching for malachite or green enamel necklaces and strands of red jasper beads almost every day. A bold green Irene Neuwirth ring (similar) stacked with gold bands never looked better.

I never imagined I’d get so much mileage from a handful of colorful pieces. I stopped overthinking combinations and simply wore what I was drawn to. That method of dressing will stay with me when packing for future trips. Instead of more clothes, I’d like more colorful finishing pieces. A few sweaters or scarves to tie around my shoulders or waist, another bag or two in unexpected colors, and jewelry that brings a little life to the simplest outfit. Those were the pieces that transformed everything else I packed.

At home, black is second nature for me. It's a huge part of my wardrobe and the foundation of many of my everyday uniforms. I reach for it without thinking.

I packed black linen tops, shorts, and pants because I assumed I'd wear them just as often in Italy. I didn't. In other parts of Italy, particularly the cities, they would have felt completely appropriate. Along the coast, though, they never seemed quite right. Against the vivid blue sea, colorful umbrellas, lush landscape, and warm evening light, I found myself naturally reaching for color.

The exception was a pair of lightweight drawstring poplin pants. They became my travel-day uniform for ferry rides, longer drives between hotels, or anytime I wanted to be a little more covered while still staying cool. They were polished enough to wear almost anywhere but comfortable enough to spend an entire day in.

I packed another pair in navy and wore them with the matching shirt for an easy head-to-toe look. Even though I wouldn’t consider navy a bold color, it doesn’t carry the visual weight of black. In lightweight cotton poplin, navy felt relaxed and somehow better suited to the atmosphere of the coast.

One thing I hadn't thought about was how differently I'd dress depending on where we were staying. Each destination had its own uniform, shaped by how we'd spend the day.

At Mezzatorre and Il Pellicano, life revolved around the pool and beach. I'd throw on a swimsuit, slip into a cover-up, and head down to the water. Cover-ups were exactly what I needed there, and they got far more wear than I expected.

Forte dei Marmi was different. Biking became our primary mode of transportation, and that changed everything about what felt practical to wear. We'd ride into town, wander through the Wednesday market, browse the shops, and eventually make our way to the beach. Shorts and oversized shirts became my daily uniform, while cover-ups were reserved almost exclusively for afternoons at the hotel pool.

We rode our bikes to dinner most nights as well, which meant I had to think differently about what made sense to wear. Straight-leg pants were the easiest option, and I could get away with a skirt if I knotted the hem. My wide-leg palazzo pants, though, stayed in the closet. I wore them once, the evening the hotel shuttled us to Pietrasanta for dinner.

One thing I noticed all along the coast was matching sets. They were impossible to miss. Every shop seemed to have its own version, and they were all good. The market echoed the trend with printed silk, lace-trimmed linen, and colorful embroidered sets hanging from the stalls. They were everywhere, worn by women of all ages.

I only had a few with me, but I wore them often. Next time, I’ll bring several more. They take the guesswork out of getting dressed and become surprisingly versatile because each piece works just as well on its own. One set quickly becomes several different outfits, which is exactly what I look for when I’m traveling.

Looking back, they almost became my unofficial uniform for the Italian coast. Whether polished or casual, they captured the effortless feeling I admired everywhere we went.

I wore this set several times. I’m considering adding another in this bandana print silk.

I was happy with the shoes I packed. One pair of athletic sneakers handled workouts and travel days. The rest of the time was a rotation of flip-flops and simple leather T-strap sandals that worked just as well for dinner as they did during the day.

I bought a pair of Jamie Haller python thongs before the trip, and they quickly became a favorite. I loved how the snake print added interest to everything I wore without feeling too bold. Best of all, they were incredibly comfortable. I'll probably buy another color.

I also like having at least one pair of closed-toe shoes with me when I travel. On this trip, I packed a Mary Jane and a loafer, and both proved useful in different situations, from dusty roads to uneven cobblestone streets.

The category I wish I’d packed more of was hats. I wore one almost every day, from breakfast until sunset. I'm fairly adamant about protecting my face, and hats solve that problem beautifully. Over the years, they've also become one of my favorite accessories. To me, they're the final punctuation mark to an outfit. They finish a look while also being the best defense against the sun and uncooperative hair.

My ivory Eric Javits fedora was probably the hardest-working piece I brought. I also own it in navy and black, and I kept wishing I’d thrown those into my suitcase for a little more variety. It's polished enough to wear beyond the beach.

When I wanted a little more coverage, I switched to an old Janessa Leone hat with a wider brim that’s been through years of travel, sunscreen, pool water, and being flattened inside suitcases. After I got home, I soaked it in the sink, reshaped it, and it still looks great. A little weathered, full of character, and exactly how I like it.

By the end of the trip, a clear summer wardrobe for the Italian coast had emerged. I'll remember the pieces that got the most wear, the ones I reached for almost every day, and the ones that will be at the top of my packing list next time. They carried my wardrobe comfortably through several weeks in Italy.

At home, I have a small collection of pieces I set aside for resort travel. They tend to live toward the back of my closet because they're only worn occasionally. After this trip, they'll be updated. A fresh perspective from what I enjoyed wearing will shape my future packing strategy. Some of the themes will be carried into this summer’s wardrobe too. Travel has sharpened my perspective in what to wear while I’m away, but also how I view the clothes hanging in my closet.

LINKS TO ITALY LOOKS

Travel

THE PRE-PACKING EDIT

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May 22

I usually keep travel and packing posts for paid subscribers, but this one felt useful to share more broadly ahead of summer travel season. And thank you, as always, to the paid subscribers who support A NOTE ON STYLE.

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