For a spontaneous getaway to Italy with my fiancé, I wanted to treat myself as I would a client, pre-styled and intentionally packed. With planes, trains, and cobblestones ahead, I knew I wanted to bring as much ease to the trip as possible.
My solution: I packed one carry-on for two destinations, Milan and Lake Garda. Styling every piece to earn its place, my tight edit could slip from a Milanese aperitivo to a lakeside lunch.
Editing down to a carry-on made everything simpler, but also more fun. I noticed how the same pieces felt different in each place, just as I did. A scarf, a pair of trousers, a pouch: each imbued with the essence of the trip and intrinsic to the places I wore them. They inspired the way I want to continue traveling: light, versatile, and in the moment. Ahead, see how I mixed, layered, and wore my favorite travel pieces on repeat.
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My Carry-On MVPs
Each of these pieces pulled double or triple duty, proving that a well-edited carry-on can feel expansive when every piece earns its place.
Cartier
90 Scarf, Woman With a Panther
G.H.BASS
Weejuns Penny Loafer
Leset
Arielle Pocket Pant
Now, on to my travel diary.
For a Day at Villa Necchi
After checking into the hotel and a quick shower, I combatted my jet lag with a Coke Zero and made my way to Villa Necchi, a place I return to each trip.
My look: 6397 The News trench, linen shorts, Kye intimates Tank, Hunting Season necklace, vintage sunglasses, Vintage Manolo mules, Porto pouch.
(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)
The trench was the quiet hero: lightweight, with a mid-calf hemline that echoed the 1930s silhouettes of the home itself. It made me feel, fleetingly, like the lady of the house.
Faithfull
Lila Linen Shorts
Hunting Season
The Pendant Necklace
Tom Ford Eyewear
Bronson Sunglasses
For Visiting Milan Local Favorites
The next day, lunch with my friend Silvia led to an afternoon of exploring local shops and ended at dinner with my fiancé.
My looks: Issey Miyake Pleats Please shawl, black Leset trousers, Porto pouch, Black Bass loafers, Le Sundial necklace, and vintage bangles from the Milan flea market.
(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)
For the warm evening, I swapped the shawl for a tonal tank, added a lip, and doubled the necklace. It’s proof that accessories can completely shift a look without changing the base pieces.
Kye Intimates
Recline Shell
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
Madame-T June Pleated Cape Jacket
Le Sundial S.r.l
Tina Onyx Necklace
CHANEL
Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue
For a Lake Garda Lunch
After a short journey, we arrived at the lake for our first scenic afternoon.
My look: long TWP skirt, Róhe silk tank, Cartier scarf in my hair, Panthère C de Cartier bag, and Manolo mules.
(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)
The look struck the right balance: elegant yet easy for a long lunch at a lakeside restaurant, followed by wandering through the town.
Róhe
Scoop-Neck Silk Top
TWP
My Endless Love Skirt
Cartier
Mini Model Chain Bag, Panthère C De Cartier
Manolo Blahnik
Black Moiramu Heeled Sandals
For a Trip to Isola di Garda
A silk scarf is my ultimate travel multi-tasker. As we walked along Isola di Garda, it served as a hair accessory, skirt, and shawl when the wind picked up.
My look: a Saint Art skirt layered over The Park mini dress, Cartier scarf, and Black Bass loafers.
(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)
The Park
Chiara Strapless Stretch-Tencel Lyocell Jersey Mini Dress
Saint Art
Ellie Ruched Skirt
For a Farewell to Milan
On our last day, the train brought us back to Milan for a few final stops before departing.
My look: Vintage Gucci silk top, black trousers, Porto pouch, flea market bangle, locally-found hair barrette, and Black Bass loafers.
(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)
Polished yet practical, this look carried me straight from the train to a museum visit and final errands on our last day. A mix of vintage silk, market finds, and easy tailoring, it was a fitting send-off to a city I never quite tire of.
Hermès
Silk Printed Blouse
WardaniFranceClips
French Tortoiseshell Barrette
Vintage
Silver & Emerald Red Bead Cuff Bracelet
