Row 1: Striped Swimsuit // Chambray Top // Printed Dress // Striped Pants

Row 2: Lace Espadrille // Leather Espadrille // Felt Hat // Crossbody Bag// Cateye Sunglasses // Linen Scarf

Row 3: Striped Tank Dress // White Lace Dress // Red Romper // Chambray Skirt

** Hover over any image above to see a direct link too!

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw that I recently came home from Italy. I’m pretty proud of myself for fitting everything for a 10 day trip in one small suitcase (at the request of my boyfriend, who literally fit his wardrobe selection in a carryon bag!) I admire all the travelers who do two week Europe trips off of a backpack, but sadly that will never be me (just being real). So, I focused on lightweight, matchable dresses and tops, and lots of navy, white and tan tones (also appropriate for the Fourth of July) and wore just about everything in my suitcase. In the end I was glad I traveled light. It’s one thing if you’re checking suitcases and plan to stay put in the same location, but lugging around your stuff to a new city every couple days isn’t fun – and doesn’t leave room to shop.

Downside: I also realized the few key pieces I forgot. First up, a neutral, walkable and breathable flat shoe. Somehow in my “I’m going to look like a Net-a-Porter ad in the Italian Riviera in my all-white outfit” delusion, I though I could get away with a two inch sandal, or maybe low booties.. but the truth is, if you’re going on any trip, you need a flat shoe. Period. On our last day in Santa Margherita Ligure, we planned to take a train to Cinque Terre (the one place I really, really wanted to see and was so stoked on!) Well, the day comes and all the Italian trains decide to go on strike. Apparently this is a very normal thing, and it was funny how unfazed the concierge were (they were also unfazed whenever the wifi stopped working – America needs some of this attitude at home). Anyway, our only option was to hike from town to town in Cinque Terre, so I had to buy a pair of good old New Balance sneakers, which ended up being completely worth it. We hiked in the rain into Vernazza, had a wonderful day, and laughed about how awry our plans had become. Long story short, lace up gladiator boots do not cut it for all-day exploring on cobblestone roads. Pack appropriately.

Next: the importance of fabrics. Europe is hot in the summer, and we hadn’t even hit high temperature season yet. Think linen and cotton, like this lightweight navy scarf. If we’re being honest, most days I gravitated toward backless cotton tops and dresses because I was so over wearing a bra and sleeves.

Lastly: invest in travel essentials. No matter what city you see or time of year you go, a good pair of flattering sunglasses, a felt hat and a leather cross body bag are quick ways to add style to the most basic outfit. A cross body bag is key so you can use your hands (for shopping and eating gelato, obviously!)

I’d love to hear what your travel essentials are and the places you’re dying to go next – let me know!