UMBRIA, ITALY: Whats in my suitcase

Ah, Umbria. That lush, green, mountainside gem of Italy, overshadowed by its more lauded regional sister, Tuscany. Due to it’s elevation, Umbria is significantly cooler than the surrounding territory - about a good 20 degrees cooler. As an American, the Umbrian terrain reminded me most of the Appalachia mountains of Virginia blended with a little of the rugged minimalism of the Rockies of Colorado. The air is cleaner, and the sounds of modernity melt away, inviting you to really breathe and exhale your troubles away.

Can you tell I loved it here?

Naturally, the people who live in the Umbrian region wear mostly neutral tones, durable fabrics, and historically practical clothing. By this I don’t mean jeans & tee shirts, but the practical styles going back centuries - the blazer, the button-up shirt, the chunky sweater, the leather boot, and the cap (because you walk everywhere, and you need to cover your head). In many ways, Umbria feels like stepping back in time, in the best way possible. The local fashions speak to a lifestyle that still lives at one with the land, a peaceful pace that moves gently with the seasons and the rhythms of nature. This also means that Umbria is a relatively poor region - the majority of the population makes a living in agriculture growing humble ingredients like beans & lentils - so no one dresses flashy, but always looks well dressed in an unpretentious way. In many ways, I was daily reminded of the concept that, when you don’t have much to spend on clothing, you buy a well as possible so that what you do buy, lasts. Quality isn’t a luxury here, its a necessity.

SO WHAT DID I PACK FOR UMBRIA?

• Light sweaters & pants (mostly neutral tones)

• My mac & a linen blazer

• My trusty Chelsea boots

• neutral belt

• minimal jewelry

NOTE: I traveled in early May, so the weather was still fairly cool & wet, but warming up around midday. Depending on what time of year, you will need to tweak this list to fit the climate.

THE KEY: MIX & MATCH

The key to packing is to pack pieces that can all play together depending on your mood or need. Having a theme like “neutrals & earth-tones” helps you to select items that will work together, and give you a fresh, new look every day.

BUT, WHAT TO WEAR TO DINNER?

The great thing about silk (besides being undeniably elegant) is that it doesn’t wrinkle, and it rolls up really small in your suitcase. So packing a little silk set takes up no space at all, and gives you that instantly elevated look for an evening out. I paired mine with my beige ballet flats (that also barely took up any space in my suitcase) for a chic, minimalist look.

A THOUGHT ON SAFETY

When it comes to safety while traveling abroad, the best guidance is this:

• don’t stick out as a tourist, you’ll make yourself a target. Do as the locals do, and you’ll blend right in. Think about how the locals dress, and copy local manners and customs.

• Just like anywhere, stay away from seedy areas that seem dangerous.

• Only carry what you need on you (your phone, some cash & maybe some ID). A modest crossbody bag will do the trick, and if you’re in a crowded area, keep a hand on it at all times.