Tales of Me and the Husband

Versatile clothes for a long trip.

With this upcoming trip we’re taking (leaving next week!), I’m being ever-so-vain and thinking really hard about… clothes.

It’s a legit concern but when I read it in writing like that, I’m like, “Bridget.  Pick up a newspaper and read about the world instead.”
Back to the clothes.
I’m very interested in packing my suitcase full of clothes that are really functional and that I can wear day after day, every which way without people knowing that I’m wearing them day after day, every which way.  Easier said than done.  
The outfits I imagine in my head are easy jeans with basic shirts–think greys, blacks.  Earth-shattering.  I’d add white here but I can’t stand getting a spot on white and having to wear that stain around for any length of time.  With little kids, the stains are ahhhh-plenty.  This doesn’t mean I’m bringing no white, but I’m definitely limiting it.  (And, whatever white comes along, must be easily laundered!  No silly hand wash or dry clean nonsense.  Sorry, linen.  Move aside.)  I’m also thinking dresses!  So many dresses.  Dresses are great because it’s one piece so you really don’t have to think hard.  The only things I want to think hard about while there are, “What’ll it be today?  One cappuccino or two?  Wine or limoncello?”
You hate me?  You should hate me.  (What is much more accurate is various Hunt family members  haggard and hungry missing train stops and getting lost.  Wailing and gnashing of teeth?  Maybe.  I promise to Instagram those plentiful moments too.)
Oh!  And when I think about these things I’m also taking nursing into account (I still have not done a bottle with Anders, but let’s be serious, I probably won’t at this point.).  Which isn’t ideal when it comes to most dresses.  So if you see me sitting on some little stoop in Rome with a dress hiked up to my chest smuggling a small child-attachment underneath, would you kindly just look the other way?  I never got the function over form thing down.
So, here’s a few things I’m bringing along, or a few things similar to things I’m bringing along.  Or, perhaps, a few things that I wish I was bringing along but am not spending the money on to do so.  Moving forward!
| 1 |
Treggings. Was something wrong with the word jeggings?  Better yet, is there something wrong with… jeans?  I had to google treggings before I pushed purchase on these babies because I had no idea what it meant.  But I think it was trouser leggings?  Which is different from jeggings how?  Anyway, these are so soft, like jean-sweats.  Jea-wets.  Can be dressed up or down and I really like the color too.  I’ll be wearing them a lot.
| 2 | 
Chambray romper.  I really, really wanted this because chambray, romper, and buttons (nursing) but twas not meant to be as it was sold out in my size.  It’s totally my fault because I neglected to check Old Navy for months (sometimes I’m meh about them, other times I’m YES! about them) and it was snatched up in the meantime.  Right now is a YES! time about them though so don’t make the same mistake that I did.  They’re looking pretty good these days.  Plus, check out the price!  It cannot be beat.  (Another Old Navy fave right now: this dress – a little Ace + Jig like but you get to keep the majority of your money!  I’m wearing it here.)
| 3 |
A black dress.  Plus, it’s jersey.  Plus, it can be pulled down for nursing.  Plus, it’s ruched.  Plus, it can be easily dressed up or down.  Plus, the price is (pretty) right.  
| 4 | 
Scarves.  Scarves!  Scrunch ’em up, throw ’em on.  Since I plan on bringing a lot of wear-several-times kind of pieces, a couple scarves will be making the trip so I can fool everyone into thinking my outfit is changing when, in fact, it’s staying the same.  Scarves double as a great nursing cover, spit up rag (oh yeah), or impromptu diaper changing station when you’ve forgotten yours.  You probably don’t want to borrow one of my scarves now, do you?

| 5 |
Maxi skirts.  So easy, breezy (cover girl!).  They’re also great (except perhaps this one?) for visiting some of Europe’s holy sites.  Who wants to be caught at the Vatican looking like they’re ready for clubbing?  I own this one and love it.  (Seen here!)  This is another good one (with a great price too).

| 6 |
Jean jacket.  Not just any jean jacket but this jean jacket.  I’ve blogged about it before because it’s that fabulous (and because I searched for the right jean jacket for longer than I care to admit.  So many are stiff or don’t fit right, but not this one, ladies.  NOT THIS ONE, NOT THIS TIME.).  Cool summer nights, or cooler fall days, it’s going with me to Europe for sure.

| 7 |
Leggings.  And not just any leggings but these leggings (!!).  Now, I promise I will not be like 99% of American girls right now and hang out in Lululemon-like clothing all the live-long day (there’s so much alliteration happening there!) but some situations call for leggings.  They practically demand it.  Now I don’t know what even one of those situations is, aside from an actual exercise class that I will most likely not be partaking in, but please don’t press me further.  Also, they’re on sale.  I own and love.

| 8 |
Sneakers.  I remember people being like, “Omg, French women like do not wear sneakers, so don’t be an asshat and wear sneakers over there or you’ll be like such an American.”  (Meant to be in a Valley-girl voice.)  And I want to slap those people because you try walking all over a hot cobblestoned city in heels all day?  But then I read somewhere else something like, “Wear sneakers, everyone does it, just not gross old ones.”  Bingo!  That I can do.  I own these and love ’em.  Just bought Steve a pair too because I’m nice (and because I don’t want my husband to look like a tool).

| 9 |
A hat.  For bad hair days!  Also on sale.  ($18!)

Alright, since there’s about a billion things I’ve probably overlooked, I’d happily take your versatile-clothes-for-a-long-trip advice!

P.S. Noticing that a lot of the things I linked to are now sold out (the trouble of putting together a collage a week before you actually post it!).  My apologies.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Im with you for leggings! They are the best! When travelling (which really doesnt happen very often now!) I like to pack leggings, long tunic tops, scarves, ballet pump type shoes and trainers (sneakers) all very versatile and very comfortable for walking around in. Have an amazing trip and I look forward to seeing all the pics on Insta!

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  2. Such cute pieces. I never usually look at old navy but will in the future. Where do you get your scarves/headbands from? And how do you keep them on your head, mine always fall off

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    • I'm with you. I go through phases with Old Navy, but lately they're really great!

      Scarves come from ALL over. Sometimes vintage/consignment, other times H&M or F21… I find that the silkier material ones slip while the more cotton like ones stay put (and I knot them almost in front of my head instead of on top. Does that make sense?). Maybe a tutorial is in order!

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  3. Next week, wow. It will be very unusual to have you in my timezone (that's me adding something of true value to the comment section huh) I can assure you though, we wear sneakers too, so you will be fine!
    I would just add a collared shirt or a blouse, which works perfectly fine with skirts, leggins, jeans and treggings.
    Have a pleasant and safe journey.

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  5. All hail zella leggings.
    I did once walked around Paris in high heels all day because we wanted to be all parisian and stuff. HAHAHAHAHA. After that, I embraced the metallic sandals.

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  6. Thanks for introducing me to Treggings. I think im going to have to take a trip to H&M. Based on our backpacking jaunt through Switzerland and Ireland last August, the few things I lived in were: a chambray shirt, a flannel, and a light (utlity-like) jacket with a hood! The weather can be unpredictable in the Alps and in various heights of elevation. So each of those items were light enough to toss in my purse, wrap around my hips, or wear with sleeves rolled up – yet keep me warm on the train, in the early mornings/late evenings and when the weather went wary. They are all basic enough to wear with the items you're packing and can add another layer to help mix up the "wearing every which way"! Cannot wait to follow this trip of yours! xo Jacket suggestion: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=534000002

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  7. Just got back from Italy so I feel like a have a little knowledge on this… Leggings and sneakers are totally fine. As someone else said, low tops like converse or superga are v common. Leggings with a tunic length top is a great comfy option for days with long train rides, schlepping luggage, and walking. DEFINITELY to the hat, one that can do sun as well as rain/mist/fog. I kind of forgot that duh, you are actually there in the Mediterranean and that sun can be inTENSE. As far as scarves, bring some that you HAVE to have but know that there are endless cheap wonderful scarves available for purchase everywhere and if you are anything like me you will return home with three times as many as you left with. Ahem.

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  8. Oh also, people make a big deal out of being conservative at the Vatican, and if you want to be for personal reasons you should, but honestly most people don't follow the dress code and it is not enforced at all. I wore a knee length dress with elbow length sleeves and felt comfortable and respectful and much more covered up than most. Just an fyi so you don't feel like you need to wear long sleeves or anything.

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  9. Hey Bridget! This has nothing to do with this post except that it's about Italy! I booked a room with Monica in Vernazza for our trip in September, and I'm going purely by your recommendation (well and I googled her and she did have good reviews on TripAdvisor also:)) but I'm a little nervous because she didn't accept a deposit or anything… we just pay in cash once we get there?! Just hoping we actually have a place to stay when we arrive! lol Is that how she worked when you stayed with her?!

    Reply

    • lynn! that makes me so happy! and yes, monica just trusts you'll show up and pay her then. and… chances are you'll eat at al castello (hers and her husbands restaurant) and she'll continue saying, "pay me later"). she is the BEST. please tell me how it goes when you return!!!

      Reply

    • Vernazza is one of my all time favorite places and September is a great time to go. Last time I went Monica was full, but we stayed down the street. One night and you'll feel like you could be a local 😉 Happy travels!

      p.s. bring a rain/wind jacket – it rained while we were there in September. It wasn't cold, just wet.

      Reply

  11. We just got back from Italy as well and I would recommend in addition to your great list a wrap sweater or cardigan and durable flat sandals. Some days your toes will want to be free 🙂 There are also H&M's and COS's in several Italian locations if you need to pick something up! Have a great trip!!

    Reply

  12. My best advice is to carry things that can mix-and-match well together. A top that can be worn with jeans, leggings, or a skirt. A scarf that goes with everything you've packed. Things like that. And then carry accessories, like necklaces and earrings, that can add a little pop to whatever you're wearing. But make sure you carry one piece that doesn't match any of this criteria but that you just really want to have with you. Because you'll miss it if you leave it behind.

    Reply

  14. Well I'm just so excited for you!! … And may live vicariously through you some… So keep blogging. Ps. Loved your post the other day. You inspire me to love my hubby and kids more. I've laughed and sniffed through many of your posts, it's so evident how much you adore all of them… And I personally felt that It came through that Anders made you love them all even more.

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  17. Bridget you're going to make me go broke! 🙂 I want everything on this list. And I actually did just purchase the jean jacket and it was on sale for $27 with an additional 25% off today and they had it in my size! That never happens! So thank you for sharing. 🙂

    PS – I know I don't comment often, but your blog remains one of my very favorite. Keep doing your thing girl!

    Reply

  18. The sneakers thing is totally true. I didn't bring a pair and then realized that 75% of the people in Italy were wearing them. And it's definitely not the American trainers and gym shoes, but we fit in quite nicely once my husband and I bought ourselves some Pumas (and oh, did our feet thank us!). But I was traipsing around with my head of red hair and very pale skin in Italy… so I was going to stick out no matter what. 🙂 Haha, it was great though. Loved every minute.

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  19. I am an American expat living in Europe and let me say you are very on point! A black maxi dress covers a multitude of sins. You could pretty much wear it for a year straight and be fine. Although, very comfy sundresses do the same thing for me too. (/ so do rompers/ maxi skirts/ you'll be fine!). Less is way more (seriously, aim to have a backpack worth of clothing for two weeks). Europeans wear way more black, and necklaces/ scarves/ accessories save the day. A word of warning about t-shirts and shorts: you will stick out, and not in a good way. Skirts and "as dressy as possible" are the way to go.

    Europeans wear (nice!) sneakers, but it's more common to see flats or sandals. If you can find very comfy version of either of those, you might want to bring them along.

    Jean jackets are my go-to everything of traveling because you can fit so much in the pockets (mine even has inside pockets so I really dont have to worry about pickpocketing). You will be crazily holding a million things as you cross boarders and pockets help so much.

    And yes scarves x5831509264. In a pinch can be a cover-up, shawl, blanket, dress, etc. A lot of churches require you to have covered shoulders too.

    I also LOVE leggings (long plane/ train. anything trips? big lunches? run to catch a bus? noooo problem).

    Hope this helps! & have a great trip!

    Reply

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