An Editor’s Italy Packing List for Wedding Guests

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m excited to announce that I’m participating in Euro summer this year. You know, the phenomenon where every hard-working, city-bustling, money-hustling woman decides to run away to Europe for a softer, gentler take on life. As a proud owner of a European passport, I have to say I’m no stranger to this lifestyle. But while last year I decided to skip going home to Vienna in the summer to enjoy the blistering humidity of New York City (big mistake), this year, I was wise to hop on the bandwagon (read: plane) and escape to dreamy Italy with a perfect excuse: a friend’s wedding!

My partner and I landed in Italy early on a Thursday morning ready to enjoy an extra long weekend of Aperol Spritz, gelatos, and wedding magic. I had one more agenda, though: to make sure each item on my packing list matched the scenic backdrop and dress code of the celebratory festivities — all while being able to fit in one suitcase. For the four-day weekend, I decided to embrace more colorful and lighthearted pieces while still ensuring that they were comfy, versatile, and travel-friendly. 

I had so much fun sightseeing in a fiery red skirt, cheers-ing to the newlyweds in a floral blue wedding guest dress, and slurping spaghetti with my hair tied back in a vintage, Italian-inspired silk scarf — so much so that I thought I’d share each of my travel outfits and where to get them so you can have a fashionably forward Euro summer as well (even if you don’t have a trip booked). I also linked a few additional stylish options that’ll have the Italians screaming, “Bella!”

Outfit 1: Rehearsal Dinner

On our first day, I wore this dark rouge floral maxi skirt, appropriately named Valencia Villa, matched with a white button-down tank from the same brand. A simple top with a statement-making skirt is a foolproof way to look dazzling, no matter where you are. Although I ultimately opted for some white sneakers, I regret not going with a kitten heel to add a touch of elegance to the look. Below are some more skirt and tank travel outfit combos that would work wonders in Europe.

Shop Sleeveless Button-down Shirts:

Kmbangi Ribbed Summer Tank Top

Nalanisa Sleeveless Striped Top

Abercrombie Rib Crew Button-up Top

Shop Summery Skirts: 

Zeagoo Casual Silk Midi Skirt

Verdusa Mesh Fishtail Bodycon Skirt

J.Crew Chiffon Ruffle Skirt in Dot

Shop Slingback Kitten Heels:

Coutgo Bowtie Slingback Pumps

Cornmood Buckle Strap Kitten Heels

Sam Edelman Toni Slingback Kitten Heels

Outfit 2: Wedding Day

Day two was the big day, and wow, did the bride/friend/fellow-fashion-writing-colleague look breathtaking. The number one rule to wedding guest dressing is to not overpower the bride —which in this case, was easy to do since said bride looked like a literal movie star. I opted for a blue paisley dress with a wide A-line skirt — nothing too sexy or too striking but still embracing the Italian villa vibes. As a tall girlie, I opted for some short heels and kept the overall look rather simple, which helped make packing the destination wedding and our Italian jaunt a breeze. 

Shop Wedding Guest Dresses

Brosloth Sweetheart Cocktail Dress

Btfbm Cowl Neck Floral Cocktail Dress

Reformation Monette Floral Linen Maxi Dress

Shop Comfy Heels:

Genshuo Slingback Kitten Heels

PiePieBuy Open-toe Summer Sandals 

Frank Mully Slingback Pointed-toe Heels

Outfit 3: First Sightseeing Day

The festivities may have been over by day three of the trip, but that didn’t stop the effortless looks from coming. It is Italy, after all, and even the nonnas look like they’ve been dressed by Salvatore Ferragamo himself. Because I’ve been so into polka dots lately, I slipped into my new spotted midi skirt and paired it with a form-fitting white tee. For footwear, comfy white sneakers helped me get my steps in blister-free, and some chic sunnies shaded me from the hot Italian sun. 

Shop Polka Dot Travel Skirts:

Naggo High-waist Polka Dot Midi Skirt

Anthropologie The Mel Ruched Side Slit Midi Skirt

Reformation Libby Skirt

Shop Tailored Tees:

Tecrew Summer Crewneck T-shirt

Zesica Short-sleeved Crewneck Contrast T-shirt

Madewell Scoopneck Cap-sleeve Tee

Shop Comfy Travel Shoes:

Keds Champion Sneakers

Madewell Sidewalk Low-top Sneakers

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

Outfit 4: Second Sightseeing Day

A trend that’s been sitting heavy on my mind is the silk scarf trend. Although I brought a scarf I had thrifted in Brooklyn to my trip, I ended up stumbling upon an Italian label called Ballantyne, instantly falling in love with its vintage-styled green silk scarf (which is sadly no longer available). On the final day of the trip, I tied my hair in it, and on another, I wrapped it on the top handle of my purse. To let the pop of green have its moment, I kept the rest of my look simple with an all-white ensemble. Packing white pieces is essential in creating a travel capsule wardrobe, allowing you to wear them repeatedly and styling them in different ways. 

Shop Essential White Tanks:

Artfish Sleeveless Tank Top

Eachyes Boat Neck Seamless Tank Top

Aerie Offline Real Me Sports Bra Tank

Shop A-line Midi Skirts:

Obbue Pleated Floral Skirt

Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Pleated Mini Skirt

Banana Republic Factory Poplin Pleated Midi Skirt

Shop Silky Scarves:

Feiboon Mulberry Silk Scarf

Andantino Mulberry Silk Scarf

Kurt Geiger London Basket Weave Large Silk Scarf

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