L’obsession courante – Italy/Paris trip!

In many areas of life, une femme has a tendency to procrastinate.  But when it comes to obsessing about what to pack for an upcoming trip to Europe, there’s no time like the present!

In less than three months, le monsieur and I depart on a long-anticipated vacation in Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) and three days in Paris. It’s the first time in Italy for both of us, and we’re having so much fun researching and planning our itinerary!

The challenge this time is the length of the trip (two weeks! my longest vacation ever!) and weather conditions that are likely to range from very warm to cool and occasionally rainy. We’ll be utilizing trains and other public transportation to get around between destination cities, so keeping our bags light and maneuverable is essential.

The good news is that having done three Paris trips in the last five years, I’ve hashed out a great deal about what works and what doesn’t. (Thin soled ballet flats? A day spent walking on cobblestones and gravel will leave you whimpering and cursing those street style blogs.) I’ve learned how to pack more efficiently with each subsequent trip, and upon returning home mentally edit my choices, looking to cull those items next time that turned out to be extraneous. And many of the softer knit pieces I’ve been moving toward in my day-to-day wardrobe should also adapt well to travel: they’re light and compact, don’t wrinkle and often can be washed in the bathroom sink, hung to dry and ready to wear the next morning.

On past trips, I’ve struggled to parse the issue of packability/ease vs. personal style. The travel clothing continuum looks something like this in my head:

Travels Well <------------------------------> Stylish  
Everyone seems to have their own comfort zone somewhere along this line*. I generally don’t want to dress totally differently when traveling than I do at home, but yes, concessions have to be made. Jeans, for example are a wardrobe staple at home, but also heavy/bulky in luggage and slow to dry if washing is needed. I’ve always brought along dark wash and black jeans as my primary pants selections, but am considering leaving those at home this time and packing only knit pants and skirts instead.

Shallow perhaps, but une femme wants to be appropriately attired and avoid The Frump, especially when visiting cities known for being particularly stylish, and vraiment one often receives a warmer reception and better service when well dressed. (Not to mention being less of a target for pickpocketing and other crime when the outfit doesn’t scream “Tourist!!” from 50 meters away.) On the other hand, we will never look quite as sharp and tailored when dressing out of a suitcase, so fretting about it too much is pointless. Factor in the necessity of comfort for days spent almost entirely on foot, a variety of venues and temperatures, and the calculus becomes yet more complex.

I’m still mentally slide-ruling my possible choices, and will post a “first draft” packing list in a few weeks as I winnow down the options. And yes, look for a Polyvore on the Floor™ of the entire travel wardrobe probably around early May. (I highly recommend this process to see the travel wardrobe as a whole, and verify that selected pieces will coordinate well.) In the meantime, if you’re planning to travel to a warm destination soon, please do check out Tish’s picks over at A Femme, here, here, here and here.
When deciding what to pack for a trip, where do you fall in that territory between Travels Well and Personal Style? Do you have any tricks that help you reconcile the two? Do you have any wardrobe tips particular to Italy? (I’ve been warned about covered shoulders in churches, and am prepared.)
*If you ever read the Tripadvisor forums (which are incredibly helpful for all kinds of general and specific travel advice and recommendations) people tend to have strong views on this subject, usually skewed heavily toward the Travels Well side of the spectrum, e.g. pants that convert to shorts via zippers at the knee. “No one’s going to have you arrested by the Fashion Police!” is their battle cry.
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41 Comments

  1. Oh I’m just organising Venice and or Rome/Capri at the moment, I’ve never needed a holiday before but this has been a tough time for me recently, I can’t wait to get away

  2. I can’t wait to see them. Packing for any trip sends me over the edge seriously. Never the right things and when I get there, don’t like what I have brought.

    AM loving all your new posts. I will live vicariously through your trip since I don’t fly (yet )

  3. I always overpack! When I get to my (European/New York) destination I always feel like I brought the wrong clothes and want to immediately go out and shop. Living in a southwestern community (Tucson) there are few occasions to dress in anything resembling big city style.

    I’m looking forward to polyvore on the floor.

  4. We’re synchronized! I just posted yesterday about our upcoming trip. I’m hoping to pull off six weeks from a carry-on wardrobe somewhere in the middle of your spectrum, and will be posting about that over the next week or so. Train travel is so much easier with small cases!
    We’re also hoping to make it into Italy this trip ’round, but if we don’t get there, I’ll be able to live it vicariously through you AND have your notes to take advantage of for a future visit. Can’t wait to hear more and to see your predictably stylish and practical travel wardrobe. The anticipation is at least half the fun!

  5. I packed for an 8 day trip to Oxford recently in one small bag (domestic size carry on–but checked on an international flight.) I was so proud of myself. It was winter travel. I took my long Burberry trench coat with the zip out lining (over 20 years old). It was the only coat I needed.

    I found that the most useful thing in my suitcase was a pair of lined light wool brown slacks with matching turtleneck changed up with a jacket or sweater over it. In fact, it was my go to daytime attire. I took a sweater dress for evening dinners out and a very packable black jersey dress for any time at all. I wore my La Canadienne wedge heel boots every day. They were perfect for walking.

    I did pack a few items I never wore—can’t even remember what they were now.

  6. Oh, I also packed light weight lined dark green slacks with a matching sweater shell and matching long cardigan. I found that having layering pieces was perfect for cold weather when traveling as long as they all fit comfortable under my trench coat–which they did.

    At the end of the day, I could have packed the two dresses, the two slacks (brown and dark green) a jacket, and two long sweaters. That would have taken me through the whole trip.

    I did wear very comfortable black Chicos’s Travelers pants, turtleneck and matchinglong cardigan on the flight. I dressed it up with a long black and white challis scarf. I have friends who abhor Chico’s black knit traveler’s garb, but for a trans ocean flight, it is perfect for me.

  7. I hate those “style” posts that leave us looking like we’re hiking Europe, rather than seeing (and shopping) it. I pack one week’s worth of clothing no matter how long I’m traveling for, with an emphasis on non-wrinkling fabrics [try to find an iron in in Italian hotel, it’s not easy], mix-n-match separates that work well in various combinations, and a single set of travel jewelry that looks good but is replaceable if necessary. Scarves become the spice of life when I travel, so I haunt ebay for fun options that I can commit to my Travel Wardrobe without worrying about losing an Hermes during a gust of wind over the Arno.:-) Shoes are the only area where I will sacrifice style –only the Most Comfortable Walking Shoes go with me on these trips. If the feet ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Beyond that, a cross-body purse, Space Bags [the kind that don’t need a vacuum], and a single rollable but light carryon suitcase [I’m a big fan of the Rick Steves line of luggage] are musts.

  8. Knits are marvels on trips, and here’s another of my plugs for matte jersey, especially in clement weather. I’ve never packed denim, preferring wool crepe(like EF make) silk jersey or techno stretch.

    Two weeks is such a pleasure!

  9. I find shoes to be problematic when travelling. If one is walking all day, obviously the shoes need to be comfortable, but I (and probably all of your readers) refuse to wear the touristy big white sneakers; oh so comfy, but hideous. I’m trying to remember what I wore two years ago for a week in London (with one day in Paris, via the Eurostar.) I think I wore black suede Puma sneakers, and a pair of cushy black & white polka dot ballet flats for evenings when less walking was required. I’m sure there was a third pair, but can’t remember what.

    I thought I looked “not too bad”, but marveled at my husband’s business acquaintance in Paris, who arranged a tour guide for us but then accompanied us on the whole excursion, wearing a nice suit and leather dress shoes the entire day. Very chic but I wondered if his feet hurt! This is the same lovely man who sends Hermes scarves as corporate gifts, along with Neuhaus chocolates. Love that man.

  10. When I travel I Dress The Hell Up.

    I can spot a tourist at a million paces.

    When I was in Europa Europa and Honkers in November I stuck to black and got a lot of distance out of cashmere knits, Hermes scarves, accessories, blowdried hair and makeup.

    I went for comfort AND style- I would never be caught dead is something I’d wear to action household chores on the streets of London or Paris.

    I embraced Chloe, Sonia Rykiel, Malene Birger and everything had to look good without ironing-silk velvet and cashmere and wool and fur (faux) were key. Layering was essential.

    I stuck to camel, chocolate brown and black, with hints of pink (Hermes scarves, lippy, polish)

    I think underpacking beats overpacking- heavy luggage is awful xx

  11. I suspect that all of us have at least one item of clothing that functions as a fashion security blanket: somehow it makes you feel completely comfortable yet undeniably chic. Whatever that item or outfit may be for you (that interesting gray print crinkled jacket, maybe?) I’d take it, and build a small (I always travel VERY light and never regret it) wardrobe around it. Add a very lightweight and pretty raincoat, scarf, and a thin cashmere cardigan–over a long sleeved T, these will keep you warm in chilly damp weather. Knits are a great idea–knit pants are particularly comfy. As for shoes, I agree with those who stress comfort. I love Aerosoles for their soft leather and flexible, cushioning soles. (I have a pair of their leather wedges which “read” like ballet flats, but give better support and a bit of height.) For evening, I’d take at least one non-wrinkling dress with a lovely neckline, a lightweight shawl, and a pair of delicate–but not disabling–sandals. Good luck with your packing, and please keep us posted. I’m sure you’ll look fabulous abroad!

    C.

  12. I always wear jeans.. and boots ( cowboy or bilker) that way I can dress them up or down.. Boots are so comfortable to walk in all day and i take thin cashmere sweaters for layering and scarves etc to accessories..Oh and always a hat.. a nice hat though 🙂

  13. I’ll be checking TripAdvisor and your blog for help myself. I’m going to Rome in early October. The weather can range from warm to cold and rainy. I agree with Ruby Tuesday that layers would be the way to go. You must be really excited!

  14. I have been wondering why everyone is always talking only about Paris. I´m glad to read that this time, Italy too, has it´s turn! If I traveled, I´d wish to wear my good stuff. Taking it along, is a risk, leaving it alone at home is a risk too ; )!

  15. Packing for a vacation, especially when one is off to fashion metropolises like Paris and Rome can be a nightmare. Particularly if one is a bit of a fabric snob (I’m talking about myself). I would never bring my best to a vacation like this, especially since you will be using public transportation. Instead befriend techno fabric, microfiber drapes wonderfully, doesn’t crease and dries quickly. Also a polyester crepe chiffon is wonderful fabric for evening dresses or sweet dressy blouses and tunics.

  16. Ooh, what a great trip! Lucky you!

    And I bring along a lot of jeans and black t-shirts…and my trusty high-heeled clogs that I can walk for hours in….

  17. I don’t know if I can answer the question – too busy being freakishly jealous!!! OK, seriously, I try to go right up the middle of the comfort/style continuum.

  18. When my daughter was living in Paris last year, we took the night train to Rome. Excellent use of time. I was very glad that she warned me not to bring my jeans to Italy, even though that was all she wore. No one my age wore jeans, unless they were the most obvious of tourists. Not even in Pompeii. The early May weather was so unpredictable that I would bring a pair of silk long johns with me next time, along with dark unlined slacks.
    Cole Haan has some ballet flats with Nike technology inside. I can walk on cobblestones streets for a solid week in them. I have customized my shoes for all day walking by wearing them, checking my foot for any signs of friction. even the slightest spot of extra pink, and applying Dr School’s Rub Relief strips to the shoe. You might want to add an extra arch support if your feet feel fatigued at the end of the day. Have fun!

  19. Wear what is comfortable for day and wear what is fashionable for evening…and take less that you need because we always buy more than we plan when we are away…..Best investments ever…a trench coat and Converse trainers….so useful in all weather conditions….and looks good too….Have a wonderful time…..xv

  20. Spring is such a tricky time to travel in Europe — the weather is really unsettled! I got to Madrid in mid-May last year and froze for the first few days, only to boil later. It won’t be too different in Italy, and Paris will probably be cooler.

    I’m another fan of matte jersey and microfiber (not slinky knit, which is too shiny for my taste). jjill’s “Wearever” line has excellent options. (It’s all 15% off, you can get an additional $20 off an $80 purchase right now.) I’d suggest one pair of pants, one pencil skirt, plus a long-sleeved top and/or shell, or two. You can wash these things out by hand, roll them up in a towel, and have them dry by the next day.

    Then throw in a couple of lightweight cashmere cardigans – much more versatile than pullovers – and a silk pointelle tank, and that will take you pretty much everywhere you want to go.

    Even though jeans can be a pain, I’d take a very lightweight pair of jeans, too. (My new Levi’s would dry in a day or so, draped over a radiator.)

    By the way, I’d put a wool challis shawl on your shopping list for Florence – you should find some lovely ones!

    My two favorite pairs of feetswear for travel are a pair of patent leather Mephisto loafers (found on super-discount at Sierra Trading Post) and my beloved Chelsea boots with after-market arch-supporting insoles. With your great gams, you’ll be able to wear ankle-boots with a skirt as well as pants. Lucky girl!

    Can I also suggest a quick jaunt to Verona? It’s one of the most charming towns I’ve ever seen. A nice antidote to the Stendahl syndrome that Florence is bound to generate.

  21. Okay, now I’m REALLY envious, as I feel about Italy as I believe you do about France…it is my favouritemost place of all, and I feel like I lived there in a previous life. I really hope it is as wonderful for you as it has been for me… For this time of year, it’s bait chilly and sometimes even snows a bit, so absolutely bring layers….this is also a good time for sales so leave some room in your suitcase for new gloves, shoes, etc. Florence is wonderful! In Rome, see if you can get dinner at Ristorante Lagana, 44 Via Dell’Orso, and La Ninfa in the basement of the Hotel Majestic on the Via Veneto….I could go on and on….!

  22. Italians are very enthusiastic admirers of “la bellla figura” being well turned out –so dress well– they will apprectiate it. i have a cherished memory of a bandanna’d old woman in a doorway crying “ciao Bello!” hello handsome! to a young man walking by, to which he replied “Ti amo, Nonna!” — I love you, Gramma! Flirting is a kind of outdoor sport there, prepare to be Caro’d and Bella’d by everyone.

    Sigh…. I am so looking forward to your impressions of the country… And spring should be wonderful there!

  23. Tabitha – are you going soon? Hope you have a lovely time.

    Ruby Tuesday – I’m worried that boots might be too warm for the period when we’ll be visiting, but agree about their comfort.

    Splurgie – oh, that should be a lovely time to go! Still warm, but fewer tourists.

    Julianne – packing sends me over the edge too. I always take too many of some things and don’t take others that I wish I had once I arrive.

    metscan – I don’t believe in buying a lot of things just for travel. If I wouldn’t want to wear it at home, I don’t want to pack it.

    kathy – I’m better, but still usually overpack. With the dollar so weak against the Euro, I’m reluctant to depend on shopping to fill out my travel wardrobe.

    materfamilias – your trip sounds fabulous. Having a “base” from which to travel out would be an ideal scenario.

    Susan – my primary color will probably be black for pants/skirts, and I’ll take some grey and white tops. Your travel wardrobe sounds as though it worked quite well for you!

    coffeeaddict – most of the pieces I’m considering are either a lightweight wool crepe, a viscose (rayon) blend and silk jersey. They appease my inner Fabric Snob but still can be washed in the sink…

    ParisGrrl – you sound like a very seasoned traveler! I know I can limit myself to a carry on, but le monsieur is a chronic over-packer and will have to bring a larger, checked bag. Shoes will be my biggest challenge, will probably need 3 pair (walking shoe, walking sandal, dressy pair).

  24. I would put together a collection of knits in a minimalist vein with a non-iron blouse for layering and variety. We bought Eagle Creek packing envelopes at Container Store that were invaluable on a 10 day trip to England. A few accessories and a little bit of costume jewelry – nothing precious. Nothing specifically designed for travel – don’t care for the look of it. Flat ankle boots to walk in and a pair of loafers. All this in 1 carry on suitcase. A friend loaned me a microfiber swing coat in persimmon/grey that added a shot of color to my otherwise neutrals. So I vote for style + practicality and comfort. Can’t wait to see your selections.

  25. Duchesse – I’ve been on the lookout for matte jersey since you first recommended, but haven’t come across very many pieces of good quality. I have picked up some nice EF wool crepe jersey pieces over the last year that will probably be the backbone of the travel wardrobe.

    vicki archer – thanks! have the trench, are the Converse trainers you’re referring to leather or the canvas All-Stars? I do have some of the latter.

    Jill Ann – if they were high end leather dress shoes, I’ll bet they were more comfortable than most sneakers! Le monsieur inherited a pair of Bruno Magli’s from his father, and says they’re divinely comfortable. Shoes are a challenge for me too. They take up a lot of space in the luggage, but a variety can really give you a lot more looks from the same basic clothing pieces!

    Faux Fuchsia – you sure do! You are an inspiration. I’ll probably be sticking with black and grey for my basics and then add color with scarves.

    C – your tips are all good ones. I picked up a pair of knit wool crepe straight leg pants a few weeks ago that should dress up or down. Shoes are definitely the biggest challenge.

    The Style Crone – oh, I’ll bet you really travel in style! You have such fabulous accessories.

    Tiffany – I think that “easy care” fabrics (which tend to be the most travel-friendly) have in the past often tended to be a bit on the frumpier side. And more “fashionable” garments require more care. But then knit/soft fabrics and styles have really evolved beyond our grandmothers’ polyester stretch pants!

  26. Susan Tiner – I’m not familiar with “techno stretch” specifically, but agree that soft, packable pieces are much easier to find.

    WendyB – jeans and black tee shirts sound like a great wardrobe! I can’t wear those heels that you do, but have some lower heeled clog-esque shoes that are on the short list.

    K.line – I don’t know…you looked pretty darn far on the “stylish” end of the spectrum in your NY pics!

    Beryl – I’m curious. What did women our age wear if not jeans? You’re the second person who’s recommended long johns (someone on the Tripadvisor forum also recommended). Your ballet flats sound perfect!

    Rubiatonta – it’s true, the weather can be really changeable that time of year. I haven’t checked out the Jjill Wearever pieces, will definitely have a look. Which city is Verona near? We’re hoping to do some day trips out into the Tuscan countryside from Florence too…

    Katriona – we’re really looking forward to this visit too. We’re not going until mid-May though, so the weather should be a bit warmer than now. I always prefer to be well put-together, even on vacation, which does make packing more challenging, but darn it, I want to look presentable! I’m making a note of your restaurant recommendation; thank you!

    Leslie – I tend not to like clothing designed specifically for travel either. “Minimalist knits” is how I tend to dress these days anyway, so should translate well to travel. I’m a big fan of the Eagle Creek packing cubes; they make staying organized during the trip easier too!

  27. I am sure that you can find the sweet spot between ‘travels well’ and ‘stylish’. I’ve never understood why travelling has to mean The Frump (although I do admit that when I was volunteering in Peru a few years ago, there was nothing vaguely stylish about my clothing choices, but I think I had an excuse). It sounds like you’ve already got a good handle on what you’ll pack. When I went to NYC in November I only wore about half of what I packed and (inspired by you, I might add) made notes to myself so that next time will be more efficient!

    Oh, and Italy … you will LOVE it. Rome and Florence are two of my favourite cities ever. Venice is slightly (very?) creepy but absolutely incredible.

  28. It will be fun following your plans for your trip and your suitcase.

    Duchesse could have been describing my suitcase for our trip in December — lots of those fabrics in black. I like to pack very light and wash things as needed. In the past I’ve purchased quite a few things from TravelSmith but techno stretch seems to be available more generally now, not just in travel wear.

    For shoes I wear comfortable no-heel clogs or loafers.

    It’s interesting that Ruth says boots are comfortable. I haven’t worn boots in years. I would think they’d be to hot to wear in Italy in May.

  29. If you are doing day trips from Florence, check out these two places on Tripadvisor: San Gimignano, the walled city, absolutely beautiful, (check the pics) and Vignamaggio, outside of the town of Greve, a winery whose Villa was said to be the home of the Mona Lisa.It has a stunning garden, a great view of the Tuscan countryside, and gives wine tasting afternoons accompanied by local foods.It was also the location for Kenneth Branaugh’s film of Much Ado About Nothing, where it shows to great advantage.
    Both of these places are an easy drive from Florence (although if you do the wine tasting, you may want to book a room at Vignamaggio;and it is a very romantic spot) so I thought I’d pass the info on to you for what it’s worth.

  30. “and vraiment one often receives a warmer reception and better service when well dressed.”
    This is so true, especially in Europe.

    I too am planning a trip to Italy in late summer or early fall. At this point it will be Rome, Naples and Sicily.
    I can’t wait to see the outfits that you put together for your trip, because I have no idea what I’m going to take on mine.

  31. Katriona – I’m adding your suggestions to our list to check into. Thanks so much!!

    Belle – how fun! We’ll definitely have to compare notes.

  32. Most of the women we saw in Italy wore pants made from dark woven fabrics. I saw one European woman in knit pants that were so exquisite, I had to look very carefully to be sure they weren’t Tropical Wool. A little nicer than Misook, but the same styling.
    If you are a nonsmoker, you should know that the only places to spend the night in Italy that are really smoke free (and affordable) are the convents. After a week of second-hand smoke, my daughter and I were excited to figure this out. Although they had a curfew, it was usually later than we wanted to be out anyway.
    Also, one of the nice things about long johns is how light they are to pack and how easy it is to slip them into your purse when the weather warms up during the day.

  33. Beryl – well, we’ve booked non-smoking rooms, we’ll see. I think le monsieur might feel a bit funny staying in a convent! We bring along a small spray bottle of Febreeze to get the smoke smell out of clothes. On our first trip to Paris, they hadn’t started with the smoking bans yet, and we always found ourselves surrounded by smokers. By the time we visited last year, the restaurants and such were smoke-free, such an improvement!

  34. The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden (Italian: Cacciata dei progenitori dall’Eden) is a fresco by the Italian Early Renaissance artist Masaccio. The fresco is a single scene from the cycle painted around 1425 by Masaccio, Masolino and others on the walls of the Brancacci Chapel in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence.

    This is a must see in Florence.

  35. I was so amused to read your post. We’re going to Venice and Florence (plus Ravenna and Lucca) for 3 weeks at the end of April and I have been obsessing about what and how much to bring. I was going to try for 2 ebag carry-ons w/out wheels, but I just don’t think we can do 3 weeks, good packer though I am. I have noticed in our 3 trips to Venice and Florence, that my husband and I are always more formally dressed than the vast majority of tourists–and not just American or English. The Germans are as informal as anyone. I also notice that, especially in Venice, black is not used a great deal by the locals. The clothes also not terribly formal, though they always look better fitted than the everyday clothes one finds in the U.S. I second the person who emphasized comfortable shoes. By the end of our last trip, I foundmy soles way too thin and at that point I’d have given anything even for a pair of white running shoes (well, almost). I wish you were going sooner. I’d love to see what you bring to help me with my decisions. Enjoy your trip!

  36. Silk pants are great for those hot-and-cold times, and dry instantly. Cashmere cardigan. Black. Camel is in this year, and goes well with black in a Grace Kelly way. We can trust you on scarves :-).

  37. Anonymous – your trip sounds fabulous! Good luck with your packing. I think “comfortable shoes/sturdy soles” is the single most important piece of travel advise I could give, and you’ve figured that out already.

    metscan – actually, I was agreeing with you, just didn’t express it very well. 🙂

    Carmie of the Single Nester – provided we have internet connection, I do plan to post updates regularly during the trip. Tartufo sounds wonderful!

    Marie-Christine – thanks for the suggestion! I do have a pair of wide-leg silk georgette pants that may make the cut. I’ve just been reading that one really shouldn’t wear short skirts in Italy, so am now planning to leave my knit pencil skirts behind, or perhaps take just one for the Paris leg…