There are some places in the world that live in your imagination long before you ever step foot there. The Amalfi Coast is one of those places. A stretch of winding cliffs, pastel villas tucked into the hillsides, bougainvillea spilling down terraces, and that endless horizon of shimmering blue sea—it’s the kind of destination that feels like a dream when you arrive and becomes even more magical once you’ve left.
So how do you even begin to prepare for such a trip? What do you pack when you know every corner looks like a postcard, but you also want to stay present and savor the moments? Surprisingly, my approach was simpler than you might think.
A Balance Between Style and Presence
This wasn’t just a work trip for me—it was also a long-awaited vacation with my boyfriend (now fiancé—yes, there’s a story coming soon!). Before we left, we made a pact: no endless location scouting, no spending hours chasing the “perfect” shot. Instead, I’d shoot during the mornings or afternoons, and if we captured what we wanted, great. If not, we’d move on.
That little agreement gave me permission to loosen my grip on perfection and be more present. And honestly, it made the trip feel so much richer. I challenged myself to step away from my phone, to linger at long Italian lunches, to watch the sunlight change over the coast without rushing to document it. It was a reminder that sometimes the best content isn’t perfectly curated—it’s simply lived.
What Made It Into My Suitcase
When it came to packing, I leaned into the romance of the Amalfi Coast itself. Think breezy fabrics, soft colors, and pieces that felt both chic and effortless. My guiding words were florals, pastels, prints, and airy silhouettes—the essence of an Italian summer in clothing form.
Swimwear That Works Double Duty
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from beach destinations, it’s that swimwear needs to feel like a second skin—comfortable enough to lounge in all day, but polished enough that you won’t think twice about slipping on a skirt or sarong and heading straight to lunch.
I brought along a mix of tried-and-true favorites and new pieces I was excited about. Some were feminine with ruffles and soft detailing, others sleek and minimal. All of them had one thing in common: they made me feel confident. That, more than anything, is the key to great swimwear.
Dresses, Dresses, and More Dresses
I will forever be a dress person when it comes to travel. They’re simple to pack, easy to style, and always feel pulled together. On this trip, I alternated between short, breezy minis for day, elegant midis for exploring the towns, and floor-grazing maxis for evenings out.
Some of my favorite moments were tied to the dresses I wore—like a floral Agua Bendita number that felt perfect against the backdrop of lemon groves, a pink Rhode dress that made dinners under string lights feel even more romantic, and a Banjanan dress I saved for our last evening, which ended up being the perfect farewell outfit.
The beauty of dresses on the Amalfi Coast is that they work with the atmosphere. Whether you’re climbing endless steps in Positano, sitting seaside in Ravello, or sipping spritzes in Capri, they move with you—effortlessly stylish, never overdone.
The Philosophy Behind It All
What struck me most while packing—and then living in these pieces—was how little I actually needed. When the scenery is this breathtaking, your clothing becomes more about complementing the setting than competing with it. A linen dress, a straw hat, sandals that can handle cobblestones—that’s really all you need.
More importantly, I realized that the true beauty of this trip wasn’t in what I wore, but in the way I felt wearing it. Relaxed. Joyful. Present. Style can be a wonderful part of travel, but it should never overshadow the reason you’re there: to soak in the culture, the food, the people, and those once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Final Thoughts
The Amalfi Coast reminded me of something I often forget: style is at its best when it feels effortless. The pieces I packed weren’t extravagant or overly planned—they were just right for the setting and for me.
So if you ever find yourself preparing for a trip to Italy—or anywhere, really—remember this: pack items that make you feel comfortable and beautiful, but leave space for spontaneity. Because the most unforgettable part of any journey won’t be the outfits you wore, but the moments you lived in them.