Last week I was extremely lucky to have been invited on a trip with Next to Italy. We got to check out their current new in Summer pieces which they kindly gifted to those on the trip and also gave us a chance to put the pieces to the test in the 28 degree heat and humidity of Northern Italy.
Cinque Terre is made up of five towns on the Riviera coastline. It’s centuries old meaning it’s heavily rich in Italian culture. Traditionally coastal Italian towns would have colourful buildings, beautifully untouched harbours, steep inclines and staircases to pockets of more beautiful scenery. Cinque Terre was exactly that meaning I had to bring a number of different clothing options. In May I had been in Positano for a few days so I felt a bit more prepared as to what I should pack for the Italian temperatures.
Lots of light dresses
Yellow linen sundress here sizes 6-26 & tall sizes 8-20 / Belt here / Bag here
sunglasses: here
this might seem like a no brainer but I brought all combinations, linens dresses to sleeveless, dresses with sleeves and LOTS of A-line cuts. I didn’t want anything that clinged to my body. On press trips you never know what the day might bring so loose floaty dresses were ideal and worked a treat on those extra humid days. On of the evenings I wore a full length sleeve dress – it was a stretch fabric and extremely breathable ( seen here) and was a welcomed find for evenings when it gets cooler.
Print dress sizes 6-26 here in regular length and tall in sizes 8-20 / block heel shoe £25 here ( available in wide fit) / bag: here ( white on the front, yellow on the back with bamboo handles)
Khaki Paisley dress: sizes 6-26 in regular length and sizes 8-20 in Tall from Next
A Wide leg Jumpsuit
Navy jumpsuit: sizes 6- 22 here / Block heel shoes £25 : here ( available in wide fit & other colours also) / Clutch bag Next online exclusive: here
Regardless of weather this style is so practical across lots of climates, the wide leg is so much more breathable than pencil leg styles in the heat. I actually ended up wearing two different ones! Both seen below; one is a strapless style in a scuba print fabric and the other has a satin finish but with tie detail around the waistline. Both are a culotte finish meaning its easy to wear with flat sandals or heels.
Jumpsuit sizes 6-22 in regular and sizes 8-20 in Tall from Next
The Circle Bag
Beach dress: sizes 6-22 in regular and Petite from Next
Bag: one size -€35 here / Hat: here
While basket bags and straw accessories are the “IT” bag of the moment. Next have a circle basket weave number which I used for most of the trip. It’s neat and light but holds a surprising about of stuff like two cameras! ( the life of a blogger!lol!)
The Linen Beach Shorts
/ Shorts sizes 6-22 here / White bag: here
Linen is a wonderful alternative to denim because of course its more breathable. While I do tend to play it safe in terms of colour when it comes to shorts ( usually whites, black or navy) I thought I’d embrace some colour. I opted for this cute coral pair which sat as a perfect length around the leg – the frill detail just gave it that added oomph should you wish to dress it up with a chic top for an evening out.
The Tummy Control Swimsuit
Next Swimsuit sizes 6-22 here
Tummy control swimsuits are plentiful this year in particular. They may not be everyones cup of tea but I am partial to them especially the overall support it gives even in the bust area. This particular one had light padded cups and would be perfect for DD+ cups too as the bandeau top had a highly secure trim and also offered halter neck support if needed.
A Summer Jacket
Denim Aztec jacket: sizes 4-26 here
Anywhere on the coast can get quite cool in the evenings. I’m definitely the type of person to feel the cold wherever I go so a summer weight jacket is ideal. Denim goes with lots of options but if you wanted something more formal look to a lightweight biker jacket or something in a light suedette to ensure it’s breathable and still easy to pack.
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