Most cities have an unspoken dress code which is the same whether you’re visiting New York, Paris or London. A mixture of modern and classic, city chic is not the relaxed look you’ll find on summer holiday, but rather more structured in a modern casual way.
Having spent time in various cities during hot weather trying to get it right; after all, if you don’t you just feel plain wrong, I’ve narrowed the essentials down to 12 simple neutral pieces, a great jacket, slim pants, jeans, a perfect black dress.
When it’s hot in the city things can be even more difficult as you want to be comfortable and chic at the same time. This calls for some pared down packing with items that all work together. Slim jeans rather than leggings that work for day or night depending on your footwear. Woven tops rather than t-shirts which you can wear with or without a jacket. One jacket with stretch. A knit that doubles as a jacket. A dress that will work for day or evening.
Where footwear is concerned hot weather can take its toll, so you need something you can walk for miles in, a flat pair of sandals that are decorative enough for evening as well, and a pair of heels for when you’re not going to have to walk too far.
It’s well worth making your investment pieces your little black dress and a pure cashmere cardigan, both of which work everywhere.
All of this doesn’t of course mean that I only pack 12 things….perish the thought, I love to have choice when I’m away. But if I was limited to 12 these are what I would take, with highlights of jewellery and scarves.
One cashmere wrap (these cashmere stoles are just beautiful, at Perilla, and I usually take the fuchsia and a black), and two colourful scarves and you’re done. All of which will fit into a carry-on bag, you hope……..
p.s. The East tie back linen cardigan above is very generously sized. M will fit a size 14.
