While we tend to think of the beach for summer vacations, there are times when we prefer city break over beach break. Last year, I and my husband spent a week exploring the city of Paris and some historical places in France. This year´s summer, we´re going to spend three weeks in Thailand and although we´ll be enjoying the bliss of the beaches in Phuket for a week, we´re looking forward to spending the remaining of our vacay in Bangkok.
“A chic city break is perfect for soaking up arts and culture and this requires an equally chic capsule wardrobe.” I love wearing classic outfits with a twist. And because I´m a light packer, I prefer pieces that are versatile. I make sure that each item that I pack can be worn several ways from day to night.
Printed Shorts Suit
Print Jacket, Print Shorts
Because city break outfits are all about channelling feminine glamour, a printed shorts suit would be a great outfit to pack. The print and style are flattering. You can wear it to formal dinners in exclusive restaurants, it looks formal without being business-like. For day outfits, you can wear the jacket and the shorts separately.
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Printed Cardigan
Catalina Printed Cardigan
A cute printed cardigan can quickly update a simple outfit. It can also turn a casual tank top into elegance. In Thailand, there are temples and places where you´re not allowed to enter if you´re wearing casual outfits such as shorts or tank tops. But if you´ve been strolling around the city in a humid temperature, sleeved tops can be too hot to wear. If you have a cardigan in your bag, you can quickly put it on and your casual top immediately looks formal.
I love the edge to edge print of this cardigan. This is a truly classy item. It would look great with jeans, black trousers, or dressy shorts.
Botanical Print Jacket
Botanical Jacket
If printed shorts suit isn´t your thing, you can instead go for a printed jacket only. A botanical print jacket speaks of summer attitude while keeping things polished. Wear it with a simple tank top, and complete the look with anything you feel like – denim shorts, black trousers, cap prints, or mini skirts.
Print Prom Dress
Temple Print Prom Dress
Of course a dress should always be there. Choose a cotton-feel dress with cute dress. Add a pair of wedge sandals for a classic, season suited look. Fit and flare remains the most figure-flattering dress for this season.
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Ivory Pleat Blouse
Pippa Pleat Blouse
I find this ivory white top a versatile piece for summer city break because if you wear it with short shorts, flat thong sandals, black sunglasses and wide brim hat, you have a functional yet stylish day look. For an evening look, try it with skinnes and accessorized with the perfect necklace and you have a presentable outfit for dinner dates.
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Lightweight Print Top
Poplar Print Top
A lightweight print top is a summer essential especially for vacations. It´s comfortable, easy to wear, and can be teamed with anything. Wear it tucked in with a skater skirt or loose with denim shorts or jeans, add a jacket, and so on. You have an array of different ways to wear it.
Do you prefer city break over beach vacay? What classic items do you pack to make your city exploration fabulously satisfying?