What I'm Packing for Italy + How to Fit It All In a Carry On
As you all know by now, Pete and I are headed to Italy at the end of the week and will be staying for two weeks followed by 3 nights in Munich for Oktoberfest. We fell in love with Germany when we attended the Christmas Markets in Cologne back in December and decided since Oktoberfest was wrapping up, we would extend our stay a few extra days and just fly home to Houston from Munich. We are so looking forward to this trip as we celebrate an empty nest (yes, we are celebrating it not mourning it), Pete’s birthday and our anniversary.
First, let me say I will be/have packed for this trip in a carry on similar to this one. Pete travels to his various offices around the world at least two weeks out of every month (as he has for 30 years) and detests checked bags. It’s just not allowed…period…the end. Once you get used to it, it’s actually quite liberating and now I wouldn’t have it any other way. I found so much inspiration for my packing from this article. Of course mine is far more basic but it was inspiring just as well. I don’t have room for my Cult Gaia’s so I must make due without! Such is life. This one and this one are my personal favorites and you can find the perfect dupe of each here and here. I always try to deliver various price points as we all have different budgets!
Before we get started, here are a few tips for fitting everything in a carry on.
However long you are staying, pack for half as many days. There is always laundry service at the hotel (unless you are on safari in Africa I would assume).
Look for items with dual purpose; a dress that can double as a swimsuit cover up; a dress to be worn with slides by day and heels and clutch by night for dinner, etc. And perhaps a pair of trousers to be paired with various tops.
Choose a color theme…think mix and match. This is where a closet full of neutrals comes in handy.
Limit yourself to one bag, one clutch and 2 pairs of shoes.
Pack scarves instead of bulky earrings and bracelets.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jewelry on the plane.
Spend some time TRULY thinking about your toiletries and what you TRULY NEED. While I usually shy away from Sephora, they do offer a wonderful selection of travel sized items. If you are loyal to a brand, your salesperson will usually load you up too. I always stop by my counters at Saks before a trip!
If you are on the fence about an item…omit it. You will most likely be fine without it and as my husband says “everywhere we go has stores and takes American Express, it will be fine”. I mean, you’re not moving for goodness sake…it’s just a trip. Half of my white shirts were purchased while traveling as there aren’t many outfit dilemmas a white shirt can’t solve! I even purchased this blazer at the airport in Amsterdam because I forgot a sweater once!!! It’s all good…I promise!
Last, place 1-2 outfits in a XL ziploc bag (I use these) and expel all the air. It has the same affect as the travel bags but far less cumbersome. I will post more of this on stories later in the week. It’s especially useful if making multiple stops as we are. For instance, Venice is our last stop before Munich. Therefore, I won’t even take those bags out of the suitcase in Rome, Capri or Positano. Once I’m done with an outfit, it goes into a bag and does not have to touch my clean clothes. Do things get wrinkled? Sometimes, but not as bad as you would think! Also, I have never stayed in a hotel without an iron and ironing board and that’s how you solve that! K!!! The bags are not really necessary if you are only going to a single destination but with multiple stops I find them helpful. *SQUIRREL* For all you mamas with little ones…the ziploc method is priceless when traveling with them. I did it the first time we took our children to Disney eons ago. While they were not big enough to select their outfits, they could dress themselves and all they had to do was grab a bag from their little suitcases! Saves so much time when you are trying to get out of the door! The gallon bags work fine for their little clothes too!
Now, on to the packing! Believe it or not, the only thing I had to purchase were these espadrilles because I decided these were just to tall for cobbled streets. I’m sure Pete is thrilled as he thinks I wobble too much in the Valentino’s! I thought a pair of espadrilles and a slight lift would be nice for dinner! Other than that, I just pulled items from my closet and was packed in under an hour. It’s just that easy when you buy quality wardrobe essentials. By the way, I’m packing these slides as well as these sandals. I know it’s more that two but they don’t really take up any space!
So, what am I wearing? I packed a pair of off white trousers that are a bit flowy and plan to wear them multiple times with this sweater, this blouse and also this sweater. I can add color and interest with a various scarves I packed. I’ve also packed a chambray jumpsuit very similar to this one, a blue & white striped skirt to pair with a tank or this button down, a blue and white shirt dress, and charcoal and white sundress, this dress, this dress and this dress. I find dresses are just so easy and so forgiving when we overindulge or are a bit bloated from travel. I am also packing this dress which will double as a cover up to this suit. I am taking these cute little earrings which go with nearly everything as well as my Garden Party tote. I have also thrown in this fun little clutch!
For the plane I will wear cozy pants that do not wrinkle similar to these and a simple top. Comfort is key and keeping it all black chics it up a bit. I will rewear the same black trousers home with either the same black top, white button down or blue and white button down! And that’s it. We will be purchasing our outfits for Oktoberfest in Munich as it’s important (according to our friends) to wear something authentic and not like a costume. We have a list of wonderful shops so that should be fun!
xo, Melanie
PACKING LIST + INSPIRATION
