Dear B & L

Subject: Semester Abroad

Dear B & L,

I'll be leaving in a few weeks to study in Italy for three months. I've made my lists (and lists of lists!!!) and finally managed to cross off every - save one, rather important - detail: what to pack!

I've never been one for the "college sweats" look (more likely to be found in a pair of pink pumps than Reeboks!), so when looking into my closet, I'm slightly baffled as to what looks to leave behind!

I know there are some classics I can't leave home without (LBD and fav pair of pumps are a must!), but I was wondering if you had any advice to keep my suitcases from weighing in as a heavyweight champion at the bag check.

I've got to leave room to bring back shoes, right?? :)

Help!

Perplexed by Packing

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Dear Perplexed,

First off, congrats(!) on having an opportunity to study abroad!

And second, we definitely sympathize! It's so hard to "live out of a suitcase" for a weekend getaway, let alone for three months.

The weather in Italy is going to vary from September through November, with September being in the "dry" season, October the temperatures dropping, and November heavy with rain.

So, with that in mind, you're going to want to pack lots of items that enable you to mix-and-match. Think a cami that you can wear by itself with skinny jeans in early September, but then you can also pair that cami under a cardigan in October.

Have no fear! B & L have put together a quick checklist for you:

TOPS

4-5 camis

cardigans

light-weight long sleeved tshirts
short sleeved t-shirts

2-3 dressy tops for dinner and clubs

BOTTOMS

Jeans - You will want a couple pairs of dark jeans since they are versatile. You'll be able to wear them with your dressy tops for evenings or they are easily paired with short sleeved tshirts for class.
Dress Pants - for those upscale places that won't allow jeans.
1 or 2 pairs of shorts for the warmer months

DRESSES
You will want to bring a classic, simple black dress in case your school takes you to a play or you need to wear something fancier then dress pants and a dressy top.²

Also consider bringing 2 other dresses that can go from the end of the season into November. Think: Belt it!

OUTERWEAR

Fleece Jacket

Rain-appropriate Jacket

SHOES

Remember that the streets in Italy are going to be more rustic than here in the States. That in mind, think: flats and wedges. You're going to want to be able to walk, and enjoy the sites: not be hobbling down the unpaved road because you're insistent on wearing pumps. (Yea, yea "beauty is pain," don't be foolish though!) Find 3-4 pairs that will work with your wardrobe.

MISC

3-4 pieces of jewelry that you won't mind if something happens to

tote bag: use it to carry your books and then also while site-seeing

umbrella

camera with extra memory card

webcam (if you don't have an Apple laptop)

directions on how to skype your family members

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1. B has studied abroad and had some major difficulty with packing as well - and definitely packed way too much - you don't want to be in that position!

2. B brought a black dress when she went abroad and was so thankful when she realized she would have an opportunity to use it.

3. Plus, if you only take 3-4 pairs, you will give yourself room in your suitcase so that you may fill it up with goodies from your shopping trips - afterall you are in Italy! L's heart is racing at the thought of Milan...the Mecca of Fashion!