What Really Worked in My Suitcase: 10 Days in Italy in a Carry-On
In my last newsletter, I shared what guided me while I was packing for a trip. I spent ten days in the Amalfi Coast in late September - and yes, everything fitted in a carry-on!
Here’s what really worked (and a few lessons I brought home):
Flat shoes: nobody needs heels in Italy, especially on the Amalfi Coast! Comfort is key when you’re walking on cobblestones or climbing endless steps.
Linen shirts: they served as tops, cover-ups, and even as a third piece for layering.
One versatile dress: perfect for sightseeing, dinners, and everything in between. Actually, I took two dresses, but one would’ve been enough since I also packed a maxi skirt that worked beautifully in different ways, from a pizza night to a more elegant dinner.
What I Learned After the Trip
It’s always important to evaluate your packing when you return. I wore almost everything I took with me, the only thing I didn’t use was one T-shirt.
The linen pieces worked so well for both sightseeing and beach days. If you’re worried about linen getting wrinkled, don’t be! I have photos from the last day wearing my linen shirt-and-pants set, and they still looked great.
The temperatures were just as expected, warm during the day but not too hot, and the evenings were pleasant or even a bit chilly. I strongly recommend packing a cashmere pashmina: it’s lightweight and incredibly versatile. I used mine as a blanket on the plane and for a fancy dinner.
My favorite travel pants ([link]) were perfect: comfortable, easy to spot-clean, and made of a technical nylon fabric that dries faster than a swimsuit.
For bags, I brought two in neutral colors. One can be worn crossbody or as a clutch, which helps create different looks.
When it comes to shoes, I usually carry more than needed, but my feet thank me for it! Wearing different pairs on rotation makes a big difference.
And here’s one last tip for packing light: consider the weight of every item. I love jewelry, but I skipped heavy bracelets and packed only a few lightweight pieces that went with everything.
How I Plan (and How You Can Too)
I have my entire closet uploaded to the same platform I use with my clients. When I travel, I can easily visualize all my outfits in advance, and my clients do the same when I help them plan their trips, whether for business or vacation.
Travel style doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right pieces, you can enjoy the trip, look good, and feel like yourself every day.
Would you pack the same way?
Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.
Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.