Reader Question – How to Add Flare to Basics and Still Pack Light

Reader Question:

My husband and I are going to Italy in October for a week (my 40th bday) and I’d like some thoughts on how to give my uniform/basics/classics a slightly more sophisticated flare (and still pack pretty lightly). Any ideas (um, I’m always open to making a few good purchases)?

– Jodi

Answer:

Oh Jodi.  I seriously envy you.  Italy is one of my very favorite places to visit.  And it seems like it will be an eternity indeed before I’ll visit again.  Especially on a romantic getaway with Hubs, sans kiddos.  Sigh.  Again.  Sighhhhhhhh. . .

OK.  On with it.  You’ve got shopping and packing to do.  October in Italy, like anywhere in the northern hemisphere, can be tricky.  One may start the month in shorts and end it in a turtleneck, depending on your luck and where in Italy you’re going.  Further north, in Venice, for example, average highs are in the mid 60’s (pretty chilly on the water) while averages are in the low 70’s in Rome (though both cities have enjoyed a few 80+ degree days of late according to Weather.com).  I went with a fall vibe, of course, but the true key to dressing in tricky weather is layering, and everything here can be layered in spades–with tanks, tees, long sleeves, leggings or tights, according to the weather, and since I’m an advocate of packing light too, nearly everything is interchangeable within each of the four sets I cooked up for you.

First up, my top picks to update and add flare to tried and true basics:

Sophisticated Flare
I am in. love. With the Fieldstone Satchel from Anthro.  Perfect as a hands-free carry on, for baby wear-ers and as a stylish diaper bag.  And with all those nice zippered closures and inside storage, sticky fingers, whether they’re your kids’ or pickpockets’, will have a tough time finding their way in un-noticed.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this showed up in my closet some time in the near future. . .  Push present, anyone?  Maybe to myself?  Early?  I am so jealous of non-preggos this season, what with all the fab colored cords and jeans floating around–such a great update to my Girbaud colored denim fixation in the early 90’s.  To my chagrin, I haven’t found a single maternity equivalent to these gorg Pilcro Superscript Cords, but I must say I am enjoying Zara’s Tricolor Snakeskin Ballerina flats.  The flats are comfy, packing and travel-friendly, soooo on-trend with the season’s snakeskin crush, and they’re more than $300 less than the $380 J.Crew authentic python version I almost bought (out of lust, not good common sense) a few weeks ago (I’d say they run a titch small, though it could be my preggo feet).  Anthro is my go-to for funky belts, and I always get them on sale.  The Elm Belt, Sycamore Earrings, Asos Tortoise Shell bangle set, and Almost Octagon shades add a really autumnal, warm vibe, without adding a lot of bulk to your suitcase or too much heat if the weather turns out to be on the warmer side for your trip.  I agonized over including this the hill-side Wool Scarf from Madewell.  I adore it and all the chic, vintage-inspired deliciousness it will add to any plain v-neck and jeans ensemble, but it is possible that it may be as warm as a Pendleton blanket, which is probably too warm for Italy in October (again, sigh. . . ), but it feels like a forever piece to me, so do consider if you’re traveling towards the middle or end of October.

Double Duty Day-To-Night
Again, on the theme of packing light, grab your fav jersey dress (I love that you can literally wad these up in your suitcase and they still look good on) for evenings out (or one of these three, all of which I’m drooling over), and dress it down for day with the same jewelry and accessories plus a drapey open cardigan (please, go check out the back of this Ted Baker cardi–it is fanciful and amazing) or voluminous scarf.  Add textured tights or contrasting leggings if it’s cool.  For night, go with just the brass/gold bangle, skip the chunkier ones and let your hot mama birthday self be the statement.

The Basic Basic Look
Rock those newly-hemmed Banana Republic flares you mentioned (or these drool-worthy Alexa Chung for Madewell ones) with a simple, neutral top, same accessories and another scarf option.  Whole different look.  Still packing light.

Not-So-Basic-Basics
These not-so-basic basics will add sophisticated flare as additions to any of the above sets.  Layer them over tanks and camis and under the scarves and please excuse the re-use of S.’s suggestion for the Calson V-Neck Poncho Sweater–but it’s a perfect travel piece and it’s now on sale for $40!

Jodi, I hope this helps you on your hunt for the perfect vacation ensemble.  Happy trails and happy 40th to you!

– M.