My husband and I had already planned a tour of Ireland for our anniversary when we found out that our nephew was getting married in southern Italy 2 weeks after our scheduled return. Rather than wasting the airfare, I planned a trip to France in-between the two.

We will be leaving for Ireland on June 5, flying to Paris on June 15, and then driving to Aix-en-Provence on the June 23. We will be in Cannes for a few days after that, then drive to Nice and catch a flight to Naples, and thence to the Amalfi Coast (We will arrive in Praiano on July 2.)

Although I have packed well for Europe many times in the past, I am stumped this time. I have a bad back and neck, and like to pack as lightly as possible.

In Ireland in early June, it could be cool and rainy. In Paris, I like to try and tone down the American look (light trench coat, scarves, etc.) In the south of France, it could be very hot. And the dress code for the wedding events is listed as "Amalfi Chic."

How can I pack wisely for all of these varying climates and events?

The shoes are the worst part. (I also have foot issues.)

So far, I'm thinking of taking:

trusty trenchcoat, small umbrella
lightweight jean jacket
black cardigan sweater
black and jean leggings
regular bootcut jeans and black skinny jeans
short jean skirt (regular, or white?)
another summer skirt
2 packable cool dresses (WHERE TO FIND??)
knit tops, ranging from summer sleeveless to long-sleeved tunics
colorful scarves and a pashmina
bathing suit and coverup that could be used as a sundress
yoga pants, top, and jacket
shorts or no shorts for Italy? Hoping for a day-trip to Pompeii
hat or cap

Now for shoes:
trusted pair of old lightweight calf-high flat boots with Dr. Scholl's inserts (for Ireland and Paris)
Nikes? Mephistos? Skechers? (Some kind of comfortable walking shoe)
ballet flats w rubber soles
Tom's?
flipflops
tiny heel for wedding, or dressy Cole-Haan wedge?
gold gladiator sandal for "Amalfi Chic"

I would GREATLY appreciate some good advice from some fashionistas who like to travel light!
Please don't say "take layers." I would love some very specific advice. (Designers, websites, etc.) Maybe I'm forgetting something crucial. Maybe I'm taking something I would never use. The wedding and events are bothering me, because most of the other attendees will be coming just to the wedding, so will have a whole suitcase dedicated only to "Amalfi Chic!" Does anyone know what that even means?

I want to be comfortable and look decent at the same time.

HELP PLEASE!

http://www.eddiebauer.com/browse/wom...785?tab=travex

I like this line of clothing for travel. You can dress it up or down. I think I would wait and buy something for the wedding in Paris. You could also ship home the Ireland all weather gear.

If I am going to two different climates on a trip I put the later trip into a air tight vac bag and don't open till that part of the trip.
I would cut down on a lot of your clothing and find a way to do laundry. You will need a huge suitcase.

No shorts, go with sun dresses and a cover up sweater or light jacket.
http://withlovefromkat.com/what-to-w...ress-vacation/

Nothing super formal imo.

Amalfi chic to me means being way more dressed up than I would ever like to be.

It won't be "very hot"in the south of France in June.

I wouldn't even consider yoga pants anywhere in Europe anytime. Nor would I ever pack flip-flops unless I was worried about hotel bathroom floors, and even then....waste of suitcase space, IMO.

Do you really need a swimsuit and coverup for June? Where will you be swimming? In pools? The Med is freezing cold until late summer, IME.

No shorts. Uck, unless you're 16. No short jean skirt, either. Cotton, flowy skirt(s), fine.

When it's really hot, which it won't be anywhere you're going unless there is unusual weather, I wear linen sundresses. Easy to find all over the place. Add a cardigan and/or a light jacket and you're all set.

I personally wouldn't be bringing boots in June (though I've not been in Ireland that time of year). I have several pairs of ballet shoes with sturdy rubber heels that are attractive and great for walking, lots of walking.

I don't see the point of the jean jacket. Why not just a nice lightweight jacket with good exterior and interior pockets?

Last year I combined a Scandinavian trip including a cruise up the Norwegian coast to Kirkenes with a wedding in England and a trip south that finished in Barcelona. I mailed the warm clothes for Norway plus the wedding outfit and shoes to my sister, who was meeting me in Bergen, and she mailed them back to the US for me. It wasn't cheap, but it was a WHOLE lot better that taking more luggage than usual.

You are taking calf length boots? Even for Ireland that would be way overkill to me. I'd just take a pair of sturdy-soled flats. I'd reconsider all your shoe choices. You should be able to get by w/ one pair if walking shoes, one pair of flats (fine for day and dress-up-able for evening), a pair of comfortable sandals and/or one for whatever you decide "Amalfi Chic" means.

As for >>black and jean leggings
regular bootcut jeans and black skinny jeans
short jean skirt (regular, or white?)
another summer skirt
2 packable cool dresses << Plus Yoga pants.

That is a LOT IMO: Five jeans/jeggings/yoga pants, two skirts, and two dresses. I'd reduce that to one pair of jeans, one jeggings (if you must), one additional pair of lightweight slacks or maybe capris, one floaty skirt, and possibly one cotton or linen dress.

I'd definitely leave the white skirt, Tom's and knee-high boots at home. I can't imagine wearing those boots in Paris in June. And a white skirt will just get dirty. The Tom's soles are too thin for walking on uneven pavement.

I'd just pack things that can be layered, and easily washed.

We visited Ireland in June in 2013. Granted, we were only in the Dublin area, but boots would have most definitely been overkill for that time of year. It's possible to fine comfy but still cute walking shoes. And no Toms! As mentioned earlier, they don't offer enough support, especially since you mentioned having "foot issues." Whatever you decide, buy them soon and break them in before you go.

When I travel overseas, I take one rolling carry-on and a tote bag or small backpack. Everything must fit. When we went to our son's wedding in England in 2009, I made an exception and checked my suitcase so I could bring my mother-of-the-groom dress as one of my carry-on items. After the wedding, I sent my dress and shoes back to the states with a friend (which I know isn't an option for you, since the wedding is at the end of your trip).

You really only need one week's worth of clothes, knowing you can do laundry each week. Considering the similarities in weather, I'd plan similar clothing for France and Italy. Late June/early July will be warm, but not hot--unless you have a repeat of last year, when Europe had a dreadful heatwave. #askmehowiknow

Tips
- Don't take *anything* you will only wear one time.
- You should be able to mix and match all (or most) of your separates.
- Go for layers. I love cardigans and scarves for adding layers of warmth when the weather is chilly.
- If you need to, buy a piece or two to wear once you've arrived.
- Pack a lot of neutrals. Add pops of color with accessories like a statement necklace or a couple of bright scarves.
- BUT ... keep accessories to a minimum. It's OK if you re-wear stuff!

Do you use Pinterest? If so, try doing a search for "travel wardrobe" to find great suggestions such as this one:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/231865080789932904/

Have fun!

I would interpret Amalfi chic as easy going and cool, but stylish with accessories. You can often get a very good idea of the range of simple possibilities for dress and accessories by doing a google search for "Amalfi wedding" and then using the "Images" feature to see how the guests are dressed.

Yoga pants are fine in Italy. Seriously. However, it will be hot in July in the Amalfi and shorts are also popular (with Italians) and just fine if you look good in them. The sun is very hot in the south during the day. Denim clothes continue to be very stylish in Italy, including skirts, jackets, jeggings, etc.

Lots of people go swimming in the Amalfi in July, and you will need a coverup for walking through town or sitting at a cafe after leaving the beach.

Here some pictures of Amalfi weddings

http://www.weddingsitaly.com/htm/images/amalfi002.jpg

http://www.wagnertours.eu/civil_wedd...wn_hall_36.jpg

http://www.amalficoastwedding.photos...alfi_coast.jpg

http://www.my-amalfi-coast.com/wp-co...ing-Guests.jpg

http://www.wagnertours.eu/civil_wedd...-garden-28.jpg

also, shorts, jean jackets, etc in Italy:

http://shop.divisalavoro.com/b126

http://www.beautydea.it/motivi-abbig...ate-2015-foto/

Some excellent advice. I'd also advise against flip flops and the boots. Last year I took a pair of black glitter Tom's which I used as my dressy shoe. They are very light weight and so easy to pack and while I've never worn them for all day walking, I think I could even with my bad feet. Thin soles,yes, but exceedingly comfy. I'm not a fan of shorts either and IMO it really doesn't matter if others are wearing them or not. If you're over 21, pass regardless of whether or not you're a size 6.

Personally, I hate the idea of trying to buy something when I'm traveling. Takes too much time from doing the things you really want to do ( unless shopping is on your list ) and can be frustrating if you can't find what you want or something you like.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THESE WONDERFUL SUGGESTIONS! I especially appreciated the links showing specifics.

Traveling has definitely become less easy the older and more high-maintenance I've gotten. I fondly remember some trips in my twenties (one from Belgium to France to Monte Carlo to Italy to Greece) where all I took was a small duffle bag and a big purse. And the time we went on a three-week trip to Hong Kong, which included several formal occasions, with just carry-on!)

Those days have passed, as all things do, but, after some hard times and tragedies, we are determined to see as much of the world as we can in the time we have left on planet earth. (We are in our 60's.) Bucket list time.

Last year, I went to Paris and Normandy for a month, taking a medium-sized roll-a-board (which I checked), a tiny (fits under the seat) roll-a-board, and a large purse. That's about where we are now. I don't mind checking a bag, I just don't want it to be too heavy when I'm running to catch a train, etc.

The items I listed in my original post actually all fit into the bags described above. (Taking smaller purse in largest bag.) One responder worried that it would take a huge suitcase for all the items I mentioned, but I have a system of packing that makes it possible. I take very light-weight tops that roll into nothing and store in the zippered side, and layer all the bottoms in the base of the suitcase. Boots are worn on plane, walking shoes and wedges are in larger suitcase; flats are in smaller. Reef or Rainbow flip-flops, which I always take on a trip, are easily stored in a side pocket.

I've been to Europe when there's been a violent heat-wave, and when it's been unexpectedly freezing. Our last two trips there have been in October and April, so I guess that's why I'm fixated on my comfy old boots. They were perfect with leggings, tunic, trench, and scarf. What would be a good substitute for my lightweight boots?

Does anyone have any other ideas about low-maintence outfits to wear to wedding, rehearsal dinner, and welcome party on the Amalfi coast?

I appreciate your help so very much!

p.s.:

sandralist, some of those weddings you sent me look just as dressy as weddings elsewhere! Thank you for letting me know that super-casual-linen-everyday-dress-for-traveling will not suffice. I would have been woefully underdressed with this wealthy hedge-fund crowd from the Northeast.

And quite a few of the pictures showed the wedding guests plainly did not go out and buy a new wardrobe for the wedding but simply dressed nicely out of their existing closet.

Whatever your taste, anxieties or your competition (and what ever happened to "the focus is on the bride" -- ?) you need to dress lightweight and very cool for the Amalfi in July. If you get that an expected chilly evening, you'll already have enough to toss on leftover from Ireland.

Really don't know what your taste is, but maxi dresses, below the knee wispy skirts with featherweight blouses and those gold gladiator sandals are the way to go. Drapey palazzo pants never went out of style in Italy. When in doubt, take a look at what Zara is selling for this summer in dresses and skirts, resort wear, and see what you already have that comes close.

Here are pictures of welcome dinners and rehearsal dinners for wedding parties in the Amalfi:

http://www.wagnertours.it/ravello_re...alfi_coast.jpg

https://wwcdn.weddingwire.com/weddin...pizza__28_.jpg

http://www.weddinginravello.com/pizz...alfi_coast.jpg

http://www.weddinginravello.com/pizz...alfi_coast.jpg

https://wwcdn.weddingwire.com/weddin...pizza__16_.jpg

reception on Capri

http://www.weddingsontheamalficoast....en-1%20(1).jpg

Southern France may or may not be hot but the AC definitely will be.

As for packing, I think you will have to make up your ming to checking a bag but also assume you will do laundry along the way (we have out hotels do it for us)

A couple of notes;

*Can't understand boots at all that time of year
*Would never take a trench coat; use a tissue weight rain jacket with hood if necessary
*I wold have a couple of pairs of light pants instead of so much denim (Ireland at that time of year is really not cold, although it can be damp)
*I would have one outfit for the wedding and not bother with a couple of different shoes for the AC (I take 2 pairs of comfy walking shoes - cute skechers mary janes and one pair of dress shoes for dinners/events and a thin flip flop for beach or shower - wearing on on the plane - unless I have business as well as vacation)
*As for Amalfi chic this will be a lot of clothes unless you also wear in the south of France (why not?) - but if you don't do chic regularly forget that here and be comfortable
*I don't take shorts to europe - wear them only in the country/park or for actually biking etc - since I'm no longer 25

Look at Modcloth for easy skirts and dresses.

My husband only lets us each take only one carry on (and my big purse) which I protested at first and am very very grateful for now. For 3 weeks I take one extra bottom in addition to the one I wear. My favorite: a Chicos black long skirt! I wore it each and every day for 3 weeks, only spot cleaning it, and it dried in a half hour if I got caught in the rain on the way to a restaurant. You can dress it up completely with a fancy top, or dress it down with a stylish t.
Oh and I take a red lightweight jacket, dressy or casual use, and put red shoe laces in my pewter sneakers. Got compliments in every large city in Europe (OK, I got the idea from "Paris street fashion" or "Milan street fashion" etc, which are collections of ordinary stylish people in public, not the "going to a cocktail party at the embassy" photos in the magazines. (Oh and I did wear my black skirt (but that year took heels) to a reception at the American Embassy in Paris)

I really don't understand the 'no shorts' over a certain age comments. A fit older woman can look better in shorts than a not-so-fit young girl. I'm not young, all my friends wear shorts in summer, and look good in them.
Not talking about cut-off Daisy Dukes here. More like this sort of thing; http://www.vanessabruno.com/collecti...reco-ss16.html

I do think you have too much jeans on your list - black jeans is too wintry for the south of France in June. Jeans skirt is fine, very popular this summer (look at French favorite Isabel Marant).

For the wedding, and for evening in France and Italy I would go for a maxi skirt or dress. Skirt is easier as you can dress it down for other occasions. Tory Burch does nice ones, or Diane von Furstenberg jersey dresses which are smart, easy to pack and don't wrinkle.

Sounds like a fabulous trip, have fun!

Does one need waterproof shoes for Ireland trip? Will be touring for 8 days in early June including ferry trip to Aran Islands.