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Travel wardrobe help!

Momoftwo

Member

I’m 60ish and traveling for the first time with a friend to Italy (cinque Terre region) and France (Provence) end of August- first week September. We will be touring (on our own) and wandering mostly. I have no idea what to pack. Weather will likely be quite warm and possibly rainy. Plus I’m hoping to fit everything into a carryon and use a backpack as a handbag while flying.

I want to be comfortable. I prefer natural fibers. I’m 5’4 and about 135. Pear shape. And I have comfort-shoe- dépendent feet.

I bought floaty wide lightweight pants — 1 in black and 1 in navy — and a bunch of boho-esque sleeveless rayon print tops to wear with them. But I’m not sure if they’re appropriate or will be casual enough to tour in. And I definitely can’t ride a bike in them if we decide to do that.

Also don’t know what I’d wear over these if it’s cool or rainy.

I’m happy to start in a different direction and just take these pants for slightly dressier needs if that’s appropriate. Would be SO appreciative of suggestions!

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

DonnaF

Veteran

Start with your shoes and work upwards from there. (Writes one who has not been able to travel much but avidly reads about travel capsules here.)

Will you do laundry at all on your trip?

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I agree with Donna. I always decide what shoes I’m taking (especially when I travel lightly) and then I pick my clothes so that I have outfits that look nice with the shoes. And I would pack a lightweight water resistant jacket/parka/trench coat that is roomy enough to layer under and which you can wear either in the city or out and about. And pack something for warmer weather too! I think it still could be quite warm.

ETA:
Here’s a travel capsule of mine where I packed for seven days in Rome a few years ago. That was in February/March though, so there’s a lot of wool and sweaters there. But I think you can see a bit how I usually approach packing. I try not to take anything that works only in one combination, but take care to pick stuff that I can mix and match. That way it’s also easier to adjust for temperature, travel itinerary and so on.
https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....n-pictures

Molly Mac

Veteran

I was in Provence a few years ago in late July and we will be in Rome/Umbria next week. Both trips were/are two weeks and I am using the same strategy for Italy packing as Provence. I bring three pair of shoes, two comfortable pair of sandals that I can walk in all day. One tan, one black. I fly wearing my sneakers. I bring 5 dresses that can go easily from all day touring to dinner out. All are sleeveless and linen/cotton or blend. No polyester as it is too hot. The only pants I bring are the Athleta black pants that I wear on the plane. They are extremely light and can be hand washed, don't wrinkle, and look like cigarette pants so can be dressed up or down. Two short sleeved t shirts-one white/one black that can be dressed up or down. I can layer them with dresses as needed or wear with pants. I also use them as bathing suit cover ups if needed. Other items are bathing suit and PJs. I wear a blazer on the plane that is sweatshirt material so super comfy. It can be used as an extra layer if necessary but didn't use at all in Provence. All this fits in a carry on back pack as unlike Angie, I loathe checking bags. I will also bring a large cotton/linen light pink scarf for the plane. I will use it to cover my shoulders in churches, etc...I always make sure we have laundry access at some point during the trip as all items will be worn more than once. The average days without rain in July/August in Italy is 25 so I am not bringing any rain gear.

Momoftwo

Member

Thanks Molly! This is very helpful! Unfortunately there isn’t a pair of sandals on the planet that I can walk in all day. I’m waiting for orthotic inserts to be made; then I can figure out the shoe thing. I’m thinking sneakers of some kind — and/or a walking shoe - for the flight and for serious walking. Also a pair of sandals that’s comfortable enough for moderate walking and for evening. Not sure whether to bring black or nude color.
I’m so on the fence about dresses vs loose pants right now. I guess Pants, to some extent, minimize the shoe aesthetic issue. Love the idea of the athleta pants. Are they an athleta perennial?

Momoftwo

Member

Thanks Donna. I don’t know if we will do laundry. Probably only hand wash. Staying at an air b&b in Italy and an inn in Lorgues.

Momoftwo

Member

Thanks, Astrid. I’m new here, so I guess I can’t see photos for a few days — or until a few posts? Looking forward to seeing your capsule.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Are your wide-legged pants crops? It sounds totally possible to ride a bike in them. Dresses are easy too. If the skirt is full, you can tie a knot in it near the hem for when you’re on the bike, or use a clip.

Sandals that look “orthotic” and “dad sneakers” seem to be all the rage, so your shoes will be fine. Once you get them figured out, you can start trying them on with various pieces. Some people like to choose a “uniform” for travel; I prefer to take pieces that I can combine various ways to get different looks.

If your brain is like mine, it might be calming to make a chart/spreadsheet with columns for bottoms, tops, toppers, shoes & accessories. Rows are for basic outfits & then the fun comes. Look at what you can swap out/recombine to make different looks. I trace all these out too with a different colors for lines connecting all the pieces in each new outfit. Totally nerdy, but it really helps me see what items will be useful and what needs to relinquish its place for something else.

I totally think you can do this with just a carryon and a largish personal item.

Keep us posted, and please do a WIW after.

Sal

Veteran

Welcome to the forum!

I think you have made a good start. Get the footwear sorted. Wide leg pants will be great for city walking and nights out. And touring. For longer walks or biking I would have either shorts or cropped pants or leggings or a skirt. Long wide pants get in the way a bit. For two weeks I would want four pants or skirts and probably five tops plus a jacket. Dresses can be good too.

I would carry less and do laundry but people vary in their approach here. The Air BNB had washing facilities - we did laundry at two places we stayed plus I did socks and knickers one more time. There are laundrettes around too.

To a degree anything goes fashion wise now- in some churches you need covered shoulders - most of my tops were sleeved but I did carry a large soft scarf on days I wore sleeveless,

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Oh, are the wide pants long? Then the only way to bike in them would be with a clamp. You can get metal ones, like this https://images.app.goo.gl/9vmitH8Pxm3PWreX7 Or fabric ones, that probably have reflective material on the outside and Velcro fasteners. Either way, fold the extra fabric over neatly so you don’t put wrinkles in the pants legs, put the thing on, and you’re good to go. They are widely available—pick some up where you get your bikes.

DonnaF

Veteran

It is also a good idea to make a dry run of the combos you plan to wear. Sometimes what works in theory laid out on the bed does not work in real life due to the proportions being off or whatever.

Momoftwo

Member

Strange. I actually replied to these last three posts, but for some reason, it never showed up.
Great suggestions! You folks are the BEST!! Fashintern, i Love how facile you are with spread sheet idea! I wish I were on such good terms with XL!
Sal, thanks for the reassurance
about the wide pants. Yes they are longish - they cover the ankles. Helpful to know maybe I CAN make them work though. I’m debating what to bring for those long walks. Wondering if capri leggings will be too hot. Maybe I should just do a Bermuda/walking short. Not sure. Leggings are tempting because of versatility and minimal space in suitcase. Need to think on it more.
And I never would have thought of clips for wide pants for biking!
DonnaF, dry run is brilliant idea!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I broke up with XL long ago, when I started having to pay more attention to the app than to what I was trying to do, lol.
This is a chart from the Text app on my phone. I took a screenshot and edited it in photos. Thing of beauty, isn’t it?

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Molly Mac

Veteran

I checked the Athleta web site and these two pants are the closest to what I own. I didn't see the actual pants I own. I bought them about 4 years ago. They wear like iron.

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Melaine

(website)

What a great thread. I'm like DonnaF....I love reading about travel capsules and traveling even though I never go anywhere. My husband and I have been married for 16 years and just went for our first weekend away in the fall since we had kids 12 years ago....our FIRST weekend away from the kids! I have actually never been on a plane.

Do you have a travel purse? I have to recommend the Sash Bag so highly! It is a super organized crossbody. I've gotten rid of all my other purses.

Sal

Veteran

We visited Cinque Terre in late April. It is lovely indeed. Some tracks are closed but there is lots of good walking still available.

My best travelling tips are
- take 3 pairs of shoes and rotate them. One might be only for the night and not for lengthy walks but it does help.
- a few layers that work together.
- one dressy outfit that works with your shoes. Not super dressy but a nicer top and earrings for example.
- I like a day backpack and a small cross body. The backpack works for long days out and the small cross body for nights or quick days. Both are kind to your back.
- simple skincare and makeup. I took mascara, tinted sunscreen, one lipstick and brow and smudgy eye pencils. I felt put together but it was minimal.

Have fun!!

Joy

Veteran

You have gotten great advice. I travel luggage-wise pretty much as you plan to. As Donna said, three pairs of good comfortable walking shoe because you will be doing lots of walking. I would also say to try to make them light weight. It saves your energy and makes the luggage lighter. I would take Soft sneakers, Aquatillia (waterproof)flats or low wedge in black and perforated loafers or real hiking boots.
For a coat, I use an REI rainproof coat in pale grey but for years depended on an Eddie Bauer black utility coat. You want a breathable fabric,a hood and enough length to keep your clothes dry. Pockets are important. I like them to zip including an interior zip pocket.
I used to take three bottoms, but was always coming home after 2-3 weeks with one unworn. Now I take 2 pairs of pants, dark and washable, quick dry. One more dressy or that can be dressed up. I take silk tops from sleeveless to long sleeves to layer. Even in summer I often take a neutral cashmere pullover and end up wearing it for warmth. It does not sound like you will need warmth, but silk underwear may be a good idea. I sleep in it and use the trench as a robe if needed. Any other pieces are scarves but you can buy some on the trip. Pack body glide and some moleskin for your feet. Pack a small handbag in your backpack. When you are in Italy, stay in Venazza in Cinque a Terra and sample the local morning pastries and have a meal of local seafood and local wine on the beach. Heaven. Walk up to the cemetery. Gorgeous views and a bit of local feel. If it is still there, above the town is an open air restaurant with cats freely roaming around. The food is just ok but the experience is priceless. Walk to other towns, including though the vineyards up to the town with no roads. Be sure to check out the church and ships in bottles.
You will have a wonderful time.