“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
I think Robert Louis Stevenson had a point.
There is something about the anticipation of travel, wherever the destination, that excites. Travelling opens the minds and expands the horizons; even armchair travelling makes me feel exhilarated and enthused.
The second summer essential I pack when travelling is the dress.
Not just any old dress and maybe I might take more than one but there is one style I always have in the suitcase.
The dress I choose every time is a simple black one.
A dress that folds and stays looking good regardless of the hours in transit. A dress that can be worn with anything and take me everywhere. It might not be my best or most extravagant dress but it is the dress that looks simple and elegant. It is the dress that can take rows and rows of beads or drop earrings; it is the dress that can be worn with all the lace-ups.
I pack black because it is practical and I always feel good in it.
I love colour in many situations but when I am thinking essentials, the black dress is the one I include. Packing is happier when it is streamlined. I don’t want to be overloaded because experience tells me I won’t wear the excess and will be just as happy in the essentials.
Whether travelling in Provence, in Paris or anywhere in Europe this simple style of dress is ideal. I am sure we all have a particular favourite but mine is a slightly longer length, either with a small sleeve or not, depending on the climate.
Sleeveless means I can wear the jacket over the top or cover up in a fine silk printed scarf; both useful and adds interest.
When I am on the move I don’t try outfits I am unfamiliar with or that require a whole lot of thinking.
It is not the moment to work on re-invention; that happens before we leave home. The accessories pull the outfit together and determine how I’ll look; or what look I’ll wear.
I don’t believe this is a boring way to dress but a stylish and practical one. I would rather wear a piece I feel confident in, over and over, than have a multitude of fussy frocks that I try on and off simply to reject in favour of the classic, well loved dress.
It is not necessary to spend a fortune on this particular essential; the triumph of this dress is the simplicity. I prefer to save my powder for the fabulous shoes, can’t-live-without handbag or an exotic (in particular Gucci) scarf.
*these scarves are so beautiful and ideal for summer evenings; i want to resist, i really do
The black dress, little or otherwise, is my summer essential number 2. xv
Summer Wardrobe Essentials: The Dress
shorter
eileen fisher midi // punto milano sheath // gwen knit midi // diane von furtsenberg
longer
theory prosecco dress // loveappella v neck // tadashi shoji lace // dkny high neck
images, louis vuitton l’ invitation au voyage campaign
