SerpApi.Org
My recs start at $15.
Editor-Approved Vacation Styles
- Wrinkle-Free Soft Shorts: Vintage Wash Tencel Utility Shorts, $30
- The Only Bag You Need to Bring: Italian Leather & Raffia Crossbody, $102
- Easy-Breezy Linen Dress: European Linen Popover Mini Dress, $64
- Instant Outfit Upgrade: Silk Printed Square Scarf, $50
- Billowy Fit: European Linen Short Sleeve Popover Top, $42
- Wear-Anywhere Anti-Jeans: Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Maxi Skirt, $60
- Natural Fibers Only: Organic Cotton Gauze Long Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress, $60
Every summer I try to visit at least one new place, but it’s nearly impossible to let much time pass before I return to Italy, the home of my family heritage and all my favorite things (pasta! shopping! beaches!). This year, I’m heading to Sicily for a week, so I’m learning from past experiences to curate my most efficient travel capsule wardrobe to date.
I’ve learned what’s a waste of space in my luggage and the pieces I actually repeat-wear on a trip—and this is coming from someone who used to be a horrendous overpacker (cobblestones and no-elevator hotels were my consequences). Since I love Quince’s luxurious fabrics, I’m curating my packing list ahead of schedule with elevated picks from $15.
Leave at Home: Denim Shorts
Add to Suitcase: Soft Shorts
Vintage Wash Tencel Utility Shorts
On week-long trips, I focus on keeping my options to a minimum to conserve suitcase space. While denim shorts can often feel constricting and cause chafing in the heat, they are typically a bulkier item to pack. These soft shorts make for a much better option, as they can easily roll up in my luggage and take up a fraction of the room. Plus, their Tencel fabric not only makes them completely wrinkle-resistant, but also super lightweight and soft to the touch, so they can be worn on the plane, at the beach, or even to bed.
Shop More Editor Picks
European Linen High Waisted Shorts | Micro Ripstop Mid-Rise Hike Shorts |
High-Rise Glide Running Shorts | Organic Cotton Gauze Shorts |
Leave at Home: Multiple Designer Bags
Add to Suitcase: One Versatile Style
Italian Leather & Raffia Crossbody
Believe me, I own dozens of bags (many of which are from Quince), so I understand the pain of leaving your luxe favorites behind. But there are sacrifices to be made when you’re lugging all your stuff through Europe, and I’ve learned to stick to one ultra-versatile handbag that can work with countless looks. This raffia crossbody is my top pick because, thanks to its leather details, it can work with both black- and brown-forward outfits, or ground bright colors with its earthy texture. It can be worn as a clutch for fancier dinner reservations, too.
Shop More Editor Picks
Elodie Handwoven Shoulder Bag | Italian Leather Mini Barrel Shoulder Bag |
Revive Nylon Crescent Shoulder Bag | Sloane Handwoven Shoulder Bag |
Leave at Home: Constricting Silhouettes
Add to Suitcase: Breezy Linen Dresses
European Linen Popover Mini Dress
On my last trip to Italy, I actually went shopping for breezy linen dresses, because the tighter silhouettes I packed were that unappealing. The beating sun, and therefore sweaty, sunburned skin, demands a looser fit that’s light-as-air, and this popover style is perfect to throw on and go. I’d wear it all in one day: to and from a snorkeling session, off to the local shops, and into antipasto.
Shop More Editor Picks
European Linen Popover Maxi Dress | European Linen Tiered Maxi Dress |
European Linen Shirt Dress | European Linen Tank Mini Dress |
Leave at Home: Wear-Once Pieces
Add to Suitcase: Multi-Use Silk Scarves
Silk Printed Square Scarf
I never travel without a silk scarf anymore because it can basically create an outfit out of thin air. It’s so smart compared to packing tops or accessories you’ll only wear once, and can play limitless roles in looks you’ll feel good about while taking up pretty much zero luggage space. I love wearing a cooling silk design like this one tied as a top or worn as a bandana, but it can also serve as an elegant belt, necktie, or bag charm.
Pro tip: If you’re planning on visiting cathedrals, opt for a longer, shawl-like design—here are some in linen and cashmere—that’ll cover your shoulders (otherwise you’ll be required to buy a cheap one for a pretty penny on-site).
Shop More Editor Picks
Lightweight Linen Silk Cashmere Scarf | Silk Printed Skinny Scarf |
European Linen Scarf | Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf |
Leave at Home: Tube Tops
Add to Suitcase: Breezy Blouses
European Linen Short Sleeve Popover Top
You may assume that the less fabric, the better. However, a billowy blouse is much more Italian-chic than any tube top or crop top at dinner. I’m buying this style in multiple colors, partly for its structured silhouette, but also for its relaxed fit that’ll forgive all the focaccia, pasta, and cannoli my heart desires. A leather sandal and virtually any pair of bottoms (including soft shorts and maxi skirts) will suit it well—shoppers say it’s “very easy to dress up” on vacation.
Shop More Editor Picks
Vintage Wash Tencel Dolman Long-Sleeve Shirt | Organic Cotton Voile Short-Sleeve Peasant Blouse |
European Linen Square Neck Swing Top | European Linen Pleated Tank |
Leave at Home: Rigid Jeans
Add to Suitcase: Just-as-Versatile Skirts
Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Maxi Skirt
Heavy, rigid jeans? Nope, they’re on vacation until further notice. Instead, I prefer to lean on maxi skirts that are just as versatile, especially in crisp white or neutral color options. This cotton gauze design ticks every box with an elastic waistband and side pockets, but the real win is that the fabric is crinkled and textured, which means any wrinkles from the suitcase are undetectable.
Shop More Editor Picks
Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt | Vintage Wash Tencel Tiered Maxi Skirt |
Organic Cotton Poplin Pintuck Maxi Skirt | Lightweight Crepe Slip Skirt |
Leave at Home: Heat-Trapping Fabrics
Add to Suitcase: 100 Percent Cotton
Organic Cotton Gauze Long-Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress
Above all, natural fibers are a non-negotiable. Polyester is cheap and traps heat, so if I’m not wearing linen, 100 percent cotton is my priority. Quince has a wide variety of top-quality styles to choose from, but this tiered dress caught my eye for its modest yet movable silhouette. It’ll be great for long days exploring in the sun or dressed-up nights in the piazza, and reviewers agree it’s “very airy, cool and comfortable.”
Shop More Editor Picks
Organic Cotton Poplin Embroidered Tiered Maxi Dress | Organic Cotton Micro-Rib Cropped Cutaway Tank |
Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Wide-Leg Jumpsuit | Organic Cotton Gauze Straight-Leg Pants |
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Read the original article on InStyle
