Summer is in full swing here in Boston. That means that many of us will be packing up for a weekend away. Whether you are headed to Nantucket to hit the beach or to Newport for some rest and relaxation, or even to just a day trip to get out of the city, packing the right things can make or break your trip. We spoke with Diego Abba, the CEO of italist, which is a luxury fashion website where shoppers can pick up designer goods at prices much closer to their European sticker, and he gave us the top items everyone from Boston should have in their suitcase this summer.
In Boston, lots of people head to Cape Cod and Nantucket for long weekend in the Summer. What are a few items that are perfect to pack in a weekend bag?
Dresses are summer’s best friend, and Zimmermann’s bright, colorful dresses are definitely the ones to have this summertime. They’re ultra-feminine, flowy, and perfect for any festival, party, or vacation getaway.
Metallic sandals from Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin are the hottest footwear right now. Add a little sparkle and shine to your trip to the Cape in the best Italian-made strappy sandals. Headed to the farmer’s market? Reach for Marni’s raffia and leather Tropicalia bucket bag, $385 off retail at italist right now. It holds all the essentials in perfect summer style.
Sometimes in New England we can have chilly nights in the summer, any sweaters you would recommend?
For sure, Brunello Cucinelli’s exquisite sweaters are perfect for chilly summer evenings. A master of lightweight knitwear, picks like this waffle loose-fit crewneck sweater, this hooded crochet-knit cotton cardigan, and this linen and silk sweater-vest are great for transitioning from day to night or to throw on over a t-shirt or tank top anytime you feel a chill on Nantucket or anywhere else.
Any tips on weekender bags?
For a weekend away, an oversized tote, often referred to as a “shopping,” will suffice—we love the elegant and festive versions from Palm Angels in canvas, Valentino Garavani’s toile iconographe tote, and this black mesh shopper from Tom Ford. Should you desire something quiet and stealthy, The Row’s Margaux 17 duffle is sure to fly under the radar in “IYKYK” style.
Any other tips on summer fashion right now for summer in Boston?
It’s going to be a summer of flat footwear—from true flats in luxe finishes to Birkenstock-like clogs…we’ll continue to see stylish comfort as part of the fashion vernacular this year. Chalk it up to the influence of ugly, functional fashion, the “dad” effect.
And though it will be warmer soon, it’s all about leather, leather, leather lately. In New York and Milan Spring ‘23 fashion weeks, leather garments (not just accessories) were a clear trend at Gabriela Hearst and Gucci among others, and we foresee lots of leather button-down shirts, skirts, and other separates.
Valentino Garavani’s Loco shoulder bag is super hot too—it made an appearance in The White Lotus Season 2 on Jennifer Coolidge’s character—and we have it in all the best colors, including green and red jacquard.