It’s no secret that summer is my favorite month, and what better place to spend it than Europe? Last week I covered where to stay, what to eat, and what to do. Per request, I have dedicated an entire post on what to wear.
As many of you know, I’ve completely given up fast fashion this year. Instead, I shop at boutiques, vintage shops and use Rent the Runway. Due to the fact that I rarely shop online, some of the exact outfits I wore are unavailable. Don’t worry though, I’ve found very close replicas! I’ve even included *a few* fast fashion options for those of you who are really tight on cash. I hope you enjoy the post, and as always, if you like something on here enough to buy– please do by clicking the direct link. I will receive a *tiny* commission.
packing tips:
- Take mirror photos of your completed outfits ahead of time. When you’re living out of a suitcase, this will be your lifeline to remember the outfits you created! I don’t usually bother accessorizing for this, but if you want to go all-out, its a good strategy
- Always leave room in your suitcase. You WILL want to buy something!
- Pack as many things that go with everything as possible. A black cropped top is a must. I usually pack 2 and a black tank, because you never know if there is going to be an opportunity to wash your clothes– and you’ll likely want to wear your favorite thing multiple times.
Packing Necessity #1: A Denim skirt
You may have just read that and thought “damn, I shouldn’t have thrown away that mini from 8th grade”, but fear not– you did the right thing. All low-rise clothing deserves to be burned. A classic denim mini is an essential wardrobe piece that works *amazing* on vacation. I paired mine with rotating cropped tops from Reformation, and a Madewell belt (runs large, i’m wearing a medium and could have worn the small.) I felt so cute, and not at all like I just stepped out of 2008. Below I linked my exact top (size L), skirt and belt– as well as similar sunglasses/shoes and extended size options for my curvy girls and another cute denim option.
Packing Necessity #2: A gingham moment
There are a select number of timeless patterns. Polka dots, stripes, leopard and gingham. Few things are cuter than a basket bag with a gingham dress. I bought this set from Sabo Skirt for my Miami trip in March. It’s definitely really cute, but I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it since the shipping (from Australia) was crazy expensive, and it runs pretty small. I’m wearing a large here, and def couldn’t wear the medium (i’m about an 8.) Since my outfit wasn’t linkable via shopstyle, I’ve rounded up some other gingham faves for you guys (including a F21 options, because it’s really good, even if I *personally* wouldn’t buy it.)
Packing Necessity #3: A little red dress
The only thing more essential than a LRD (little red dress, duh) is an LBD– and i’m confident you already own that. I wore my red dress from Lockwood boutique in Astoria to strut around Tuscany. It was perfect for a poppy-field photo shoot, and to match the wine I was drinking. Since my exact dress isn’t linked online, I found several red dress favorites– including quite a few that are sold in size 14+ (AND TALL!) All are under $150, so enjoy 🙂
Packing Necessity #4: A black jumpsuit (&/or romp)
Remember the LBD? The one we discussed 30 seconds ago? Well, as important as it is– there is nothing more crucial and timely than a black jumpsuit. I rented this amazing Bec & Bridge jumpsuit from Rent the Runway. It was sooo comfortable + made for the perfect outfit to walk around in. I was only able to find it on RTR, so I’ve found lots of other options (in all size ranges) for you to choose from! My personal favorites are linen and cotton, so I tried to link as many as possible.
Packing Necessity #5: A matching set
Matching sets are by far my favorite trend of 2018. There are tons of cute ones, and you can get them pretty much everywhere. I spent literally 2 hours searching for my set online for you guys– so here it is. I’m wearing a L. I tracked this sh*t down, so please tag me in a photo of you wearing it :)! It’s also 40% off today so run. But seriously, LMK if you buy– because I won’t make commission, but I randomly care a lot. Additionally, some of my favorite sets are linked below.
Packing Necessity #6: A midi skirt
Anyone that follows me knows how much I love a good pleated midi skirt. They are perfect for hot summer days, and even better for windy moments that would be a mini skirt nightmare. I own 5 or 6 midi skirts and I wear them on rotation. They are perfect for work or play! Since red and pink is my current favorite color combination #valentinesdayeveryday– I stuck to my outfit + found replicas. My exact top is the same Reformation top from the top post (but in black, obvi.) My skirt is from a store in Florence that doesn’t ship to the US. Lastly, my shoes are from an Aquazurra sample sale, which is why you’ll see some Aqua options below, despite normally being out of my price range.
PACKING NECESSITY #7: white linen
It wouldn’t be a summer vacation without a white linen outfit. Or, at least that’s what Ben and I believe. My exact set is from a boutique called Mixology, and is only available in a size L. I’m wearing an L, but could have easily worn the M– so if you’re my size or a little bigger, it’ll work. I linked my favorite white linen pants– all under $100… because white clothing should never be expensive.
PACKING NECESSITY #8: a little black bikini
I am obsessed with one-piece bathing suits. This is a well documented fact. But for this trip, knowing I was going to wear a lot of cropped shirts, I knew I needed a bikini. The concept was daunting. I haven’t worn a standard (not high-rise) bikini in three years. Fortunately I found this PERFECT one from La Blanca on sale at Bloomingdales (linked below.) My bestie Jordan told me that I looked like a goddess, so I had to take her word for it and buy it. Though I still think I look better in a one-piece– I’m glad I did. My stomach is tan for the first time in a loooong time! If you are thinking to yourself “I don’t have a bikini body”, just remember that you have a body, and all you gotta do is put a bikini on it to make it a bikini body. I’m not going to lie, I worked out for months in pursuit of a flat stomach for my trip– but that went out the window the second I realized the “beach half” of my vaca was after a week of spaghetti. Yolo!
Curvy Girls– J.CREW goes to size XXL in swim– all the bikinis on here listed after the J.CREW suit are plus-sized 🙂 The La Blanca goes up to a 14– i’m wearing a 10 (34 DD)
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of my favorite outfits! Don’t forget to pack a wicker bag and some killer (but cheap) sunglasses. xoxo
