I travel a lot, but it’s been so long since I’ve taken a trip that’s more than 5-7 days. I always seem to take extended weekend trips (usually right around 4 days) because it feels so hard to get away for any longer, even when I’m my own boss. And back when I was at previous jobs and only had a set amount of vacation days to spread over the whole year, forget about it! A day here and a day there was all I was comfortable taking, heaven forbid something happened where I would have to leave for longer.
I’m heading to Italy next Monday for two weeks and I couldn’t be more excited! While I’ve had the trip booked for quite a few months now, I’ve been deep in the planning process for the last week or two… Researching recommendations, making reservations, planning my itinerary, making maps, etc. And now that I’ve got more of an idea of what I’ll be doing in each city, I’ve been shopping up a storm!
If there’s been one dominant color I’m drawn to for the trip, it’s white. You can’t go wrong with white when you’re spending the summer in Europe! So far, almost everything I’ve bought or pulled aside to pack is white. (Or striped with white.) The main challenge will be not spilling red wine, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or gelato on my summer whites. 🙂 Making a mental note to pack a few Tide To Go sticks!
No matter if you’re traveling to Europe, to the Caribbean, or within the US, a lightweight white dress (or two… or three) is essential for summer travel because it’s so easy to dress up for dinner at night or wear for sightseeing during the day. I picked up this dress at Old Navy when I was shopping for Italy and it’s going to be perfect for both day and night. I plan on wearing it with a pair of espadrille wedges and a printed clutch for dinner. But it will also be perfect for our tours and exploring during the day with flat sandals and a crossbody bag!
I do plan on bringing a light jacket (like this army green one!), as I always tend to get chilly once the sun goes down. I know it’s incredibly hot in Italy right now, but I’ll be on the coast for half of my trip where it’s bound to get a little bit cooler at night by the water. Even when I’m going out for dinner in Chicago, I always like to bring a denim jacket with me, just in case.
I would typically never buy a white maxi dress, as you’re just asking for the hemline to get dirty. But I was so pleasantly surprised when I tried this one on! The hemline hits right at the ankle, which is a) perfect for not getting it dirty, b) perfect for not tripping on it (who else seems to always trip over their maxi dresses?!), and c) perfect for showing off your shoes!
A few more little white dresses I’m loving for summer staycations and vacations…. All of which are currently on sale at Old Navy!
Get the Look…
Old Navy White Maxi Dress (on sale for $30!)
Old Navy Army Green Jacket
Old Navy Espadrille Wedges
Gucci Crossbody Bag (similar here for less! // also crushing on this one & this one!)
Clare V Leopard Clutch
Flat Leather Sandals (old; similar at Old Navy!)
Celine Sunglasses (similar here & here for less!)
Katie Dean Ring
Lele Sadoughi Pearl Bracelet
Michael Kors Watch
And yes, I fully intend on riding a Vespa when I’m in Italy! Hopefully with a cute Italian boy. 😉 If you follow me on Snapchat, you saw the dilemma wondering if it would be appropriate to sit on a parked scooter. I refrained after Hallie reminded me that I would probably freak out if I saw a stranger sitting on my car. Touching the handlebars was as far as I got!
Be sure to check back tomorrow for my full Italy itinerary and packing guide!
Created in partnership with Old Navy
Lovely white dress!
emmastyleguide.blogspot.com
Love those shoes and dress! So cute!!
Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com
Have the best time in Italy!! How exciting!!
Have the best time on your trip, lady! So exciting!
Those shoes are amazing. I remember your snap story about sitting on the Vespa; believe the handlebars were a better solution!
Have an amazing trip! Can’t wait to read about it when you are back!
Simple, comfy and stylish summertime outfit! 🙂
http://www.lartoffashion.com/2016/07/11/cluse-watches/
Love your shoes! Great outfit!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
your maxi dress is so cute perfect for summer
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Such pretty surroundings for this dress!
Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com
Love the white dress! LWDs are my favorite, especially for summer! And I am so jealous about your Italy trip! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
XO Helen @ http://www.KaleidoscopeSpinning.com
All white is so chic! I’m looking forward to your Italy photos!
XO, Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella
Such a cute look, will look amazing with an Italian backdrop!
xx Hannah
http://thenaturalizednewyorker.com
I just got back from two weeks in Italy! I was there in June and even then it was HOT! Light weight dresses all day everyday. And lots of sunscreen. I intended to wear flats / sandals everyday, then bought some emergency sneakers in Milan due to our 8-10 hours / day roaming around cities ;P
What size are you wearing?
What a beautiful dress, you look lovely.
Blonde in Cashmere
Love the white dress!
xo,
Vicky
http://www.aspiringsocialite.com/
Would you mind sharing a bit of your Italy itinerary? I am heading there on Wednesday!
Love the combination of the dress with the jacket
-kate
-Katekoutures.blogspot.com
this dress is awesome, and these shoes are perfection! xo
http://www.dearserendipity.com/