Ask the MB: Italy Trip

June 11, 2009

Q: Sorry for the short notice, but I need help. I'm traveling to Italy this Friday and my girlfriend, who has already been there for a few weeks, emailed me to warn that I should "bring your MB best." I prefer to travel very light, but am going to be there for two weeks. What are some bastardly standards I should consider when packing? Specifically, essentials I should have that will travel well, how many of what items, and what/how many shoes? Thanks, and keep up the exceptional work.
--Harith

A: Certainly the objective is to get everything to fit into a 21" roller and a shoulder bag, and if that means going commando for a while, it beats checking luggage. With that in mind, here are the ingredients you need:

3	Pair of shoes. 1 leather sandal or loafer, 1 Puma sport fashion, 1 pair of flip-flops (for the beach and pool).
3-4	Knit shirts and t-shirts. No logos, and for Pete's sake, no legibility.
3	Pair of jeans. 2 blue, one white.
2	Pair of shorts. But be sure not to wear these while strolling during passeggiata. That's a pants deal.
3-4	Long-sleeve or short-sleeve woven shirts. Keep it casual.
2	Pair of your most killer socks. (However, most of the time you can go sockless.)
1	Casual blazer.
1	Summer-weight, fine-gauge cashmere sweater.

For the flight
Wear your most comfortable pair of jeans and the blazer (and the sweater too if the bags are full).

Something else to remember
You are in the global center of fashion and apparel. Forget the recession for a couple of weeks and buy! Even the smallest towns have some of the best menswear on the planet.