Italy’s Amalfi Coast has been the stuff of romantic novels. The dramatic sea cliffs, dotted pastel villas and bright blooms along the coast are far more than postcard-worthy. Pause for swooning purposes. So how did I prepare and pack (and include a few looks) for this life-changing trip? Easier than you’d think.

I knew I would be in one of the most captivating cities in the world and I admit, I felt a bit of pressure to capture beautiful content while juggling the fact that it was also my boyfriend (now fiance – more on this soon!) and I’s vacation. But like I said in my previous blog post, we made an agreement. No location scouting. I would shoot in the morning and afternoon, if we get the shot, we get it…if not, we move on. I challenged myself to disconnect. Being present is something I want to work on more…especially starting in the Amalfi Coast. The rest of the time was spent soaking up the coastal charm and enjoying a real vacation. And because of the destination, I knew exactly what I was bringing: florals, pastels, prints and silhouettes – perfect for an Italian summer.

Swim.

When I shop for swim, I always aim for something that makes me feel comfortable, confident and beautiful no matter where I am under the sun. So for the Amalfi Coast I brought a mix of old and new favorites. You can see below for all my handpicked styles this season!

Dresses.

I find that dresses (short, midi or maxi) are some of my favorite items to travel with and will always have a place in my suitcase. For me, it is effortlessly elegant, comfortable and stylish and can be dressed down or up for any occasion (and with the right accessories!). I loved wearing my Agua Bendita, Rhode (in pink) and Banjanan (last evening).

Skirts.

Skirts are a fun piece to style and great for transitioning from day to night when needed. I loved wearing my Mara Hoffman skirt with a summery, statement blouse and I actually wore it from daylight to sundown as you may have seen (engagement day!).

Linens/Light Fabric.

Of course casual, comfy and chic are also important things I consider when on vacation – linens are definitely my go-to’s for that lighter material feel, active days (thousands of steps later) and travel heavy ones this summer (layovers and gate changes!).

Summer Bags.

You probably already know how much I love my basket bags, totes and clutches (yes, I admit, there’s a collection)! Especially when traveling to a place like the Amalfi Coast, I want to make sure I bring the right sizes for the different activities we have planned: dinner, outdoor markets, boating, beach day, etc. It’s always best to be prepared and in style – scroll through to see my picks!

Stay tuned for more on the Amalfi Coast next…along with the most wonderful moment of my life: my engagement.

Xo, Stephanie