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I spent over ten days in Portugal, mostly in Lisbon for a private styling project, so most days were some version of commute, client work, cabs, walking, dinner, repeat.
It was still 25 to 30°C (upper 70s to mid 80s), which meant I needed clothes that were low-maintenance, comfortable, and could handle a long day without feeling too practical.
Pants, light layers, and shoes I could actually spend the day in. Lisbon makes heels a bit of a commitment, between the hills and the cobblestones. And one concho belt that ended up going with half the suitcase. It changed the mood of enough outfits that I kept reaching for it, although by the end I was slightly sick of seeing it.
Most of what I packed was not new. I leaned on combinations I already knew, which made getting dressed in someone else’s city a lot easier.
This is what made the cut.
The Light Pant
These were an obvious pair to pack. Lightweight and very wide, but still with enough shape to feel dressed.
I kept changing the top depending on the day, but the formula stayed simple. They can go quite polished, but I liked them best when something around them made them a little less so.
They were especially good for Lisbon, where it could feel hot in one part of the day and much cooler once the wind picked up or you got closer to the ocean. Plenty of coverage, without anything feeling heavy.
The Balloon Pants
I showed these a lot in the Fall Stylebook, and Lisbon confirmed why I keep reaching for them.
They’re loose, cotton, and very casual. I wore them mostly with flats, and they take almost any top without making the outfit feel complicated.
Graphic tee, button-down, something fitted, something oversized. The shape already gives enough, so the top can stay simple.
The Classic Jean
When I felt like jeans, these were the pair. Mid-rise, ankle length, a little room through the leg, but no big silhouette happening. Classic, comfortable, and especially good with a flat.
The Wide Jean
These are much wider, almost barrel-shaped, and I only really like them with flats.
I packed them around one formula: wide jean + T-shirt or short-sleeve button-down + flat shoe. A few tops, repeated across different pants, without having to think too much about it.
The formula stayed the same. The belts only came in when I wanted a little more structure or personality.
The Summer Black Pant
These are the black pants I want when it’s still warm. Lightweight linen blend, relaxed, but polished enough for work.
I wore them with the concho belt more than once because black can take a stronger accessory without getting busy.
The Travel Look
By travel day, I wanted the least amount of decision-making possible.
After a week of belts, bags, and changing things around, this was the reset. Comfortable, familiar, and still enough of an outfit that I didn’t feel like I had switched into “airport clothes.”
Lisbon was a good reminder that travel dressing gets easier when you stop trying to invent a new wardrobe for the trip.
This was a working week, not a vacation wardrobe. I needed clothes I could move in, work in, wear through the heat, and repeat without getting bored.
Enough variation to keep things interesting, not enough to make getting dressed another job.
What made your cut this week?
Talk soon,
