LAKE COMO's unwritten dress code

Travelling is a recipe with (at least) an unknown ingredient.

And for those who want to feel comfortable, but still stylish, and in perfect match with their holiday destination, every place has a local unwritten “dress code” - not with a compulsory meaning, but with an aesthetic, relaxing, simplifying role.

And Lake Como has, of course, one of its own.

Its fabulous landscapes inspire a romantic influence, that discretely attaches to any other style we adopt in our day to day life - it's less about trends and more about an evergreen, holiday-on-the-lake, sometimes vintage, appereance.

As I am an image consultant that has been living here for seventeen years now, I am often asked about the must-haves of a stylish lugagge for a Lake Como holiday.

I would resume it in five must-have items:

1. THE FLAT SHOE: you might consider this advice superfluous: we always (?) have a pair of flat shoes in our holiday luggage; yet, here I am, insisting and reminding you that beautiful Italy and its historical places welcome you with cobblestoned streets. Attention though: there is an enormous difference between the elegance of Audrey Hepburn’s ballerinas and the “grace” of a strong Birkenstock …

…or just THE MODERN SNEAKER : this is quicksand in terms of style. It’s true that fashion has decided to give the sneaker an upgraded, more evolved role and therefore it can be worn in more than just sporty occasions, but "do not try this at home" if you’re not sure about how to do it, it might end in a gross and obvious style mistake.

2. THE MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCARF - if you are planning to ride an open car, you already have it … and you can use it also for the boat ride (that, by the way, is a must if you want a full lake experience). Against the wind or the sun. And sexy. And if you don’t have it already, that is better: you can buy one as a souvenir, Lake Como has a long tradition in silk production.

…or THE PASHMINA - summer nights on the lake are fabulous; there are some special places where you will feel that you can stay forever sipping a cocktail while looking at the stars over the lake. So don’t ruin the magic by not having your favorite pashmina, sometimes the air can be chilly. Lake Como is no Sicily, like Italy is no South-Africa. Better safe than sorry.

3. THE TOTAL NAUTICAL LOOK - the lake, like the sea, is an immediate inspiration for the “sailor” outfits. And, good news, that matches with any style: from the simple stripes t-shirt with white sneakers and bluejeans, to the elegant “captain” jacket that allows also high heels. Your choice.

…or just THE WHITE AND BLUE STRIPES ITEM  - if you consider the captain role too strong for you.

4. THE FLORAL DRESS - Lake Como is famous for its gardens - all colors and types of flowers, in gorgeous gardens overlooking the lake - dip your skirt’s hem in this perfumed multicolored carpet and wear your "most flowered" dress - you’ll feel like you own the garden, and in that exact moment you’ll really do.

…or just THE FLOATY DRESS - and if the breeze of the lake will reach and grab you in a romantic dance, which is the best way of “collaborating” if not a silky long dress blowing in the wind ?

5. THE EVENING GOWN - ok, ok ! yes, add to the bellerinas worn during the day a high heel pump and coordinated evening dress... there are so many italian historical villas here, that offer you the opportunity to dress and feel like a princess, that you don't want to miss!

   ... or just a more simple COCKTAIL DRESS, depending on the location that you (I know, already!) have in mind.

There is so much more to it... but let's say that's the basic for you short style relationship with the romantic, seducing Lake Como.

Enjoy !