This trend report was inspired by one of my nearest and dearest friends, Jenna. In addition to surviving college together we also traveled to Italy together one summer. I learned some very valuable lessons on that trip from my very stylish friend whom always seemed to be the life of the party. She taught me how to travel light, but chic. Here is what she would pack if we did it all over again!

Before we traveled to Italy together I called my high maintenance friend and warned her to pack lightly. (This is the girl that always takes an hour to get ready to go anywhere!) I was ready to do some serious sight seeing. I packed just like any other tourist. I had sneakers, shorts, khakis, and tops. My friend however showed up wearing wedge sandals, a tube top, long slinky floral skirt, oversized glasses and a floppy hat. I almost fainted when she pulled out her straight iron! The funny thing was though; everywhere we went she was the one who seemed more appropriately dressed. And by the end of the trip I was borrowing things out of her suitcase! Only with Jenna would we meet a waiter at the Boboli Gardens who took us to a night club in an abandoned prison where they played old American black and white films on the courtyard walls! No way was I packed for that!

So in honor of my friend and her infinite wisdom I am passing down to you the essentials for traveling light & chic:

1.  Tank tops and/or tees in a variety of colors
2. Printed skirts to go with those tanks
3. 1 or 2 dresses nice enough to go out in but cool enough for day
4. Your favorite pair of jeans
5. Light weight long scarf to cover your shoulders if it gets breezy
6. Flats for day. Wedges and/ or strappy sandals to go out in
7. Clutch or wristlet just big enough to hold your passport, money, and lipstick
8. Cool shades
9. Make-up and hair products (don’t forget the European adaptor!)
10. Bangle bracelets to be worn day or night

Now that you are ready for anything don’t forget to write!