Northern Italy: The 5 Most Useful Pieces To Pack (2024)

I just got back from a trip to North Italy, my first real post-Covid vacation. It really and truly was everything I could have hoped for in a (much-needed) getaway. It felt like a literal dream — one that was hard to wake up from. After spending what seemed like an eternity in lockdown here in Michigan, with limited traveling options, everything about this trip to Northern Italy was a sight for sore eyes and a tonic for my weary soul.

I’ve only ever visited Italy once before — it was a pit stop in Rome on my way to Ethiopia with my dad when I was in high school. I fell in love with Italy way back then and had been determined to get back ever since. There is just so much beauty everywhere you look in Italy and on this vacation, I did my best to appreciate every. single. moment (once I got through the fog of jet lag, that is). We spent about two weeks hopping from place to place starting in Rome, then on to Florence, Lake Como, Bellagio, and ending in Milan.

After purchasing the tickets, I had to do was figure out what I was going to pack — a task that took me much longer than I expected. The predicted temps for our trip ranged from around 45F to 70F, which was a little cooler than I had imagined it would be, so I tried to pack accordingly.

Packing List: Northern Italy Travel Essentials

Honorable mention: my Nike Blazers! I wore them practically all day, every day, because we walked everrrrywhere.

My dad and I had been trying to plan a trip together for a while (our last father/daughter trip was to Paris) but we couldn’t decide on a place to go. Then, I watched season two of White Lotus, which takes place in Southern Italy. I was so blown away by the scenery. And although Southern Italy also looks like heaven, we decided on Northern Italy because it was cost-efficient and would allow us to cover more ground, enabling us to see more of this beautiful country. And it was absolutely one of the best trips of my life!

After packing and re-packing and spending waaaay too much time trying to plan out what I was going to wear on my dream trip, I have to say, I’m pretty darn happy with how my trip wardrobe turned out! Keep on scrolling to see what I wore on repeat during my vacation!

1. Trench Coat

Trench Coat (M, TTS) (similar) | Bodysuit/Swimsuit (M, D/DD Cup) | Wide-Leg Jeans (28, TTS) | Espadrilles (7.5, TTS)

I had been eyeing up this amazing Mango trench coat before I left but didn’t have time to buy it, so I bought this one from Zara while I was in Italy (here’s a similar trench from Banana Republic with more sizes in stock). As it turns out, adding a trench coat to my suitcase was exactly what I needed. It added a more classy, sophisticated vibe to my travel wardrobe that was just *chef’s kiss* perfect. The temperatures were a little cooler in Lake Como than in Florence, but I also had a beautiful view of the Lake from my room, and it gave me a reason to wear my trench coat over and over again.

More Trench Coats I’m Loving

2. Wide-Leg Trousers

I’ve been obsessing over wide-leg trousers for a good while now, so I knew while planning my Italian travel outifts that I was definitely packing a pair. These pants from one of my favorite Anthropologie brands, MAEVE, were absolutely perfect for my trip. I also really love my pair of Favorite Daughter wide-leg trousers that I found at Nordstrom, but the MAEVE option is more affordably-priced for my budget and they are so gosh-darn comfortable! So I kept those instead!

More Wide-Leg Trousers I’m Loving

3. Slip Dresses

Similar dress | Turtleneck (TTS, M) | Nike Blazers (7.5, TTS)

The outfit I wore by far the most during this trip was a midi slip dress over a black turtleneck, paired with my Nike Blazers. I recreated this look with three different styles of midi dresses — it was a foolproof look for me during this trip. I tried on a bunch of cute dresses before I left, including this stunning sleeveless floral dress from Reformation as well as a Mare Mare dress from Anthropologie. I kept both dresses but ultimately determined they weren’t exactly right for my Italy trip and turned to my trusty, most-worn wardrobe staple: a midi slip dress.

On our trip, I’d often start the day wearing my oversized denim jacket overtop, and as the day warmed up, I’d tie it around my waist!

More Sleeveless Midi Dresses I’m Loving

4. An Oversized Denim Jacket

So, I actually ended up packing not one, but TWO oversized denim jackets for this trip, which was a risky decision given I only took one suitcase and the packing room was very limited. Technically, one was an oversized denim chore jacket and the other was an oversized denim shirt. On cooler days, I wore my denim chore jacket because it’s a little thicker. But as it warmed up, I would switch to my oversized denim shirt. Looking back now, I probably only needed to pack one, but I did wear the HECK out of them both!

Denim Chore Jacket (M, TTS) | Similar Dress | Turtleneck (M, TTS) | Nike Blazers

More Oversized Denim Jackets I’m Loving

5.Black Jumpsuit

I wore this black Good American ‘Fit for Success’ jumpsuit so many times during our trip. It turned out to be perfect for travel days. I repeated this exact outfit three times: on our first day of sightseeing in Rome, on the day we took the train from Rome to Florence (while lugging AND lifting my 55lb suitcase around with me all day long), and then again when we traveled by train from Florence to Lake Como. This jumpsuit was a travel GAME CHANGER for me. Oh, and I’ve also had the same jumpsuit in regular denim too, and it’s been a staple in my wardrobe for over five years.

Jumpsuit (run small, size up) | Similar Jacket | Nike Blazers ( 7.5, TTS)

More Black Jumpsuits I’m Loving

If you have ever been to Northern Italy, you will know exactly what I mean when I say that being there feels like a dream. And if you’re planning a trip to Rome, Florence, Lake Como or Bellagio, I hope my packing list helps!

Until next time, Ciao! Mia bellissima amicas. (Hopefully, I didn’t butcher that Italian too terribly!)

Jess (Instagram | My Closet)

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