The ultimate summer wardrobe packing list
On Saturday we go. Finally. My image of myself on a terrace in Southern Italy with a Bellini on the way is quite far removed from my current situation. For a long, long time I have managed to block the phenomenon Monkey Town from my children's minds, but now there is, for heaven's sake, one around the corner so here I am. An hour, ahead. In the meantime, I am already fantasizing about the summer wardrobe, because if there is one thing I can do reasonably well by now, it is putting together a good wardrobe. A matter of practice and copying. I share my most important lessons.
1. Choose your color
Determine a base color. Is it white or brown, with golden accents or silver? This way you can get by with a bag, a coat, and a pair of shoes. Build on this.
2. Invest in scarves
Multifunctional. It's definitely important to wrap your head in case you, for heaven's sake II, are sleeping with your mouth open on the plane. No one sees it that way. Furthermore, a scarf is ideal for when it gets a bit cooler in the evening on the terrace and when you want to enter a church and need to cover your bare arms. But my most important discovery is that you can tie your scarf into a top. Tie two points together at your neck and two at your waist and voilà, a top is born. Admittedly: this does require some hours in the gym, because rolls, we don't want those. Or at least we don't want to see them. Not completely satisfied with your back? Tie your scarf into a triangle and bind it so that the triangle falls in front and the knot is at the back. And then just sit with your back against the wall all evening and walk backwards to the bathroom.
Shawl ‘Fleming’, p.o.a. Dries van Noten via PAUW Amsterdam
3. Leave your designer bag at home
They are usually heavy and quickly become too much in the heat. Moreover, they scream ‘steal me, steal me’ and that is not at the top of your wish list either. And well, apart from the Louis Vuitton Neverfull and the Saumur, I find it a bit too contrived for vacation. Buy a straw bag at the market: just as cool and so much easier.
4. Forget the heels
You're not going to wear those on those wobbly cobblestones in Southern France, Italy, or Greece. Invest in a super duper sandal, and if you really want some height, throw a wedge in your suitcase. The rest you won't wear anyway, really.
Balenciaga leather sandals, €425 MyTheresa
5. A smashing dress
It must at least be in your suitcase because you have to be prepared for a good party. Moreover, it takes up little space. And with a simple (but super duper) sandal underneath, you can downgrade it so that it can also go to the beach or on that boat.
6. The hat
Because the sun is the biggest cause of wrinkles. The hat protects you, saves you from half an hour of blow-drying in the sweltering heat, and gives you instant chic. So. How do you pack it? Fill the crown of the hat with paper, place it at the bottom of your suitcase, and fold the rest of your luggage around it.
Talk to the Sand sun hat, €385.22 Eugenia Kim
7. Multiple bikinis
Yeah right, you're not going to wear the same thing every day? That's not very hygienic either. So indulge yourself and treat yourself, because on the beach it's the only thing you have on, so let that bikini do something for you.
8. Check the surroundings
Just like when you go to a party, it's wise to check the location when it comes to vacation as well. Is it five-star everything, is it barefoot luxury as they call it nowadays, is it understated French or a bit more frivolous Italian? Put yourself in where you're going, let yourself be inspired, and you'll feel good about your look on the spot.
9. And of course
Buy something on site. Even if it's just for the memory.
Have a nice holiday!
