I Traveled to Italy With Only a Carry-On—21 Fashion Pieces That Made the Cut (2024)

I normally alwaystravel with a carry-on, but with all the recent reports of checked bags being lost and the chaos of summer travel hitting every airport, I've doubled down on my position. I'm not taking any chances! Or at least I told myself that until I tried to pack for an eight-dayvacation to Italy. Let me tell you: It was a process of editing everything down to make sure everything fit in my Away carry-on. You might bethinkingthere's no way I was able to pack 21 pieces,but I assure you it's the truth. Everything was lightweight and thin for the high temperatures, so it all rolled up without taking up much room at all. And I was able to bring five pairs of shoes because most of the sandals were packed flat. No vacuum-seal bags needed here!

Since getting back (sadlyall vacations must come to an end), I think I pretty much nailed the packing situation because only one item went unworn. Not to brag, but that might be a record for me. The schedule was Rome for four days (I definitely recommend staying at theW Hotelwhile you're there!), Naples for one, and Sorrento for three. If you're thinking of traveling toItaly or packing for a country with similar weather this time of year, here's everything that made the cut in my small but mighty suitcase.

Maxi Dress +Sneakers

This is one of my mostcherishedDôen dresses as it works for dressy and casual occasions—and has generous stretch for when you eat way too much pasta. I happened to wear this to the first dinner reservation in Rome at Trattoria al Moro by the Trevi Fountain but paired it with Converse so I wouldn't trip up on thevery uneven cobblestone streets.

Linen Shorts + White Tank + Flip-Flops

It was definitely hot outside, so a pair of lightweight linen shorts, a muscle tank, and flip-flops were great items to wear in one outfit and versatile enough to wear with other pieces I brought.

I stayed at the W Rome, which is locatedin theVia Veneto area andjust a short walk away from the shops by the Spanish Steps. It was really the perfect location—especially because I knew I would be hitting upsome designer stores. After stopping at Prada, I ended up splurging on someMiu Miu ballet flats to bring back with me.

Boxer Shorts + Short-Sleeve Button-Down

The next day I trekked from the hotel to the cute neighborhood of Trastevere in some striped boxer shorts from Entireworld (R.I.P.), a striped short-sleeve tee, and one of the two bags I brought for the whole trip. This one is from IMAGO-A.

Again, since many of the clothes I brought were super thin to prepare for temperatures in the high 80s and 90s, they took up minimal space in mycarry-on. (Traveling in the winter would be a totally different story...)

Tailored Shorts + Printed Tee + Loafers

The most comfortable loafers I've ever worn are these ones from M. Gemi—I'm not even exaggerating. I walked the whole day around the Forum, the Colosseum, the neighborhood of Monti, and all the way back uptown in them with zero blisters.

I brought this terrycloth shirt from Solid + Striped and these Everlane shorts to keep things casual for an entire day of getting my steps in.

Breezy Long-Sleeve + Wide-Leg Jeans

On to Naples! This billowy top was worn on more than one occasion since you can wear it open or button it all the way up.I also rewore my favorite pair ofÉticajeans since the wide-leg silhouette ensured the denim wasn't sticking to my skin in the heat, but I could also wear them in the evening when it cooled down. (I almost didn't bring any jeans at all, which would've been a massive mistake.)

Also, this pizza at Antica Pizzeria Da Michele high-key changed my life.

Swimsuit + Gold Jewelry

For the Sorrento and Amalfi Coast portion of the trip, I knew I would just be wearing swimsuits and bring some dresses that would double as a cover-up. This Onia bikini came with me, and I knew my go-to gold jewelry could be worn in the ocean without having to worry about anything coming off.

Cover-Up + Black Sandals

I got thisoversize Ralph Lauren shirt from the men's section so I could wear it as a dress and throw it on over any swimsuit. It's honestly the best purchase I made for this trip.

Bold Midi Dress + Net Bag

Once I saw thisDôen dress online, I knew I needed it. I threw it on over a swimsuit and brought my J. Crew net bag to fit some beach essentials for a day trip to Positano. Of course, what's a stop at Positano without checking out Le Sirenuse Hotel? I made a lunch reservation at its restaurant La Sponda to see the best hillside views of the town and get inspired by the interior design.

Lacy Tank + BuckledSandals

Another Dôen purchase for yet another vacation outfit. This white tank from the label was so pretty and worked for both casual and dressy restaurants. I rewore my jeans with it and grabbed my favoritetan Hereu sandals to walk around Sorrento for the last night.

Matching Set

This set from the brand Terry is one of my favorite summer purchases, so I had tofit it in my carry-on. I headed back to Rome since I had to fly out first thing in the morning, but not before grabbing one last drink in a piazza around Bar San Calisto and having the best tiramisu (possibly ever?) at Roscioli Rimessa.

Next:London Girls Know How to Dress—My Recent Trip There Inspired These 6 Purchases

This post was previously published and has since been updated.