Everything One Fashion Writer Wore for a Week in Lake Como

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There is no one way to vacation in Italy in the summer and so, of course, there is no one way to pack for it. Each dreamy locale calls for its own condensed wardrobe—both stylistically and from a utilitarian perspective. Lake Como is often referred to in relation to a certain American actor who has fallen in love with it. He did not create this special lakeside town one-to-two hours from Milan by car, but he did help put it on the map. There’s so much to explore in this vast area—it’s actually many towns, Como, Bellagio, Nesso, each with their own unique DNA. People often think of it as a weekend stop-off, but you could explore it for days and days on end and never feel like you’ve seen it all. The vibe is absolutely all about the lake. Clouds descend without notice, rain comes in a flash and is gone just as soon, the sun suddenly glistening on the vast serene water like it had never left. 

I took my packing inspiration from the sleek design of Il Sereno, the 30-room modernist boutique hotel in Torno built upon an existing Darsena (or dock) eight years ago, fully imagined by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, from the facade to the interiors. Its warm woods, interesting marble, sleek leather furniture by Italiano brands like B&B Italia, Cassina, and Molteni differ dramatically from the ornate Italian palazzos the region is known for. I’d never go so far as to claim my style is inspired by Rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni like the hotel, but I will say I was drawn to simple, cool designs with impact, nothing fussy, but nothing boring either. And nothing too colorful. As always with summer packing, I lean into easy dresses. I made sure to bring some with long sleeves as the evenings on the water can get a bit chilly. Not pictured but never far from my grasp was a Soft Goat cashmere sweater that came with me to dinner almost every night. Like so much of Italy, the roads are often cobblestones, so I packed sandals that are easy to walk in like flatforms, and comfortable but chic flats. For the separates I did bring, I kept the color palette mostly black, white, and tan for ease in mixing and matching as I went. I’m never afraid to rewear outfits, even on vacation, and the best way to be able to do that is to skip statement pieces in favor of beautifully made, but more simple designs. With that in mind, onto my Como looks! 

Look 1

I fell in love with this long shirt dress by new minimalist label TWP. It’s actually made up of viscose linen so I gave it a bit more shape with a Bottega Veneta belt that I bought seasons ago when it was having a moment, but it’s since become a wardrobe MVP that really lends so much interest to whatever I pair with it. When you buy things you really, really love, the investment is worth it. I kept my other accessories simple with white wedges by Bottega Veneta as well and a little woven bag by Dandy del Mar. 

Look 2

I wore this corset skirt by Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamo for a dinner at Il Sereno. It’s the perfect example of the simple yet special design I was going for overall for this trip. I love how the corset snatches your waist in the best way, and that it ties into today’s drop waist silhouette trend. I paired it with a simple black tank so the skirt could really shine, Miu Miu platforms that I can walk miles in, and the same Dandy del Mar bag that works just as well for evening as it does to shop around during the day.

Look 3

A morning on a Jetto boat calls for something a little extra but still easy. This St. Agni dress is exactly right. It’s made of a lightweight viscose but is layered so it’s not sheer at all, which is always a risk with white dresses. The pièce de résistance is the belt back detail, which makes this otherwise streamlined dress super simple. I wore it with Jamie Haller loafers which are my version of boat shoes and my go-to Loewe woven bag.

Look 4

To take a boat to shop around Bellagio for a few hours, I wore this light poplin dress by Rue Sophie — a trending brand that feels like it came out of nowhere and is suddenly everywhere because it makes such great pieces at an approachable price point. I mentioned I’m into drop-waist silhouettes and this dress is it. Its bluish gray color may just match the lake at the right time of day, making it just perfetto. I paired it with very walkable Neil J. Rodgers flatforms that have a cool Japanese inspired wrap shape. 

Look 5

For dinner at the wildly charming Ali de Alice, which is higher up in the hills and features a full farm on a vast estate, I wore a dress by Ciao Lucia. There’s that drop waist again! When I fall for a look I tend to go all in. It’s made from a slinky jersey material that feels so nice on the body. I know I’m at a lake but I needed some mermaid vibes for a week in Italy in June, and this shell necklace by Bri Wok brings all of them. My cream leather flats are so elegant and I can walk the full, beautiful property the restaurant sits on in them.

Look 6

My beachiest look of them all still has that inherent ease. This caftan is by one of my favorite new labels Marlies Grace. It was launched by Verena Martin in 2022 and offers such standout yet simple designs, I want to buy everything she makes. I wore it with my same Loewe bag I’ve had for years, another great example of making an investment that really pans out in cost-per-wear. 

Meet the Author

Kerry Pieri is a multi-hyphenate creative: fashion editor, brand consultant, author, and more. Pieri served as the digital fashion and features director at Harper’s BAZAAR for 10 years, and she continues to write for publications including Eyeswoon, L’Officiel, and Porter Magazine. Pieri has worked within the fashion and editorial industries for 15 years.