It's back! My most worn pieces of the month email 📸 (I'll bring it back for the rest of 2026)

Milan has been spoiling us with the weather. It's been unseasonably warm, and as someone with an irrational fear of being cold, I am NOT complaining 😅

But it's also a good reminder: this is happening more often nowadays, and that's why it's SO important to double check the weather for every city in your itinerary 2 to 3 days before your trip. Sometimes you'll have to make last minute adjustments to your packing list. That's completely normal and better to take care of BEFORE the trip.

This past week we continued to discover super cool Milan neighborhoods and had dinner with friends who just happened to be in Milan for a day, which was so fun!

I'd say we took things somewhat slow because we've been very busy with work, and we've also been trying to find a balance between enjoying Italy and getting things done. It's not easy to work from here 😅

Anyway... back to today's email.

After living out of the 17 pieces from Italy packing list #1 since we landed, a few clear favorites showed up.

You know the kind. The ones you grab without thinking, while other pieces sit in the suitcase waiting for their moment.

These are the 3 I've been wanting to wear again and AGAIN! (and yes, one of them is going to sound VERY familiar 🤣)

[Sizing reference: I'm 5'4" (163 cm) and around 130 lbs (59 kg). I only share this to help you pick your size]

🏆 #1 - Black cropped ponte pants (size 2, 26" inseam)

Surprise, surprise... here she goes again with those ponte pants 🤣

But it's true. I want to wear them every day!

Here's why they work so well for travel (and life):

First, ponte is wrinkle resistant. They come out of the carry-on ready to wear. No steamer, no hotel iron.

Second, they stretch. Long walking days, train rides, a big pasta dinner 🍝 They're comfortable through all of it. At the same time, they don't lose their shape. I don't have a baggy butt at the end of the day!

Third, they go with every single top on my list. And that's the big one.

Remember my packing math? 4 bottoms x 7 tops = 28 outfits.

That only works if every bottom goes with every top. These pants are why the math works.

🎯 The formula: Black shrunken cashmere sweater + white merino base layer + black cropped ponte pants + studded belt + sock booties + dusty pink crossbody​

🎯 The formula: Short trench + striped cashmere crewneck + black cropped ponte pants + Vessi sneakers + dusty pink crossbody​

Same pants, two different moods. A belt and booties dress them up. A trench and sneakers keep them casual.

How to pick your inseam: mine are the 26" (66 cm), and on me at 5'4" they land above the ankle, like in the photos. If you're shorter, the 24" (61 cm) short version gives you that same cropped look.

And Quince just added 2 new colors, so if black isn't your thing, check those out.

Taller, or want a longer version? Try the Ultra Stretch Ponte Wide Leg Pants. They come in a regular 30" (76 cm) and a long 32" (81 cm) inseam.

They also have no front pockets, which makes them a way better option for my apple shapes out there. Front pockets add extra fabric right at the tummy. No pockets means a smoother line, and that's more flattering.

Need extended sizes? The plus size version was sold out last time I checked, but check anyway, just in case.

Quince is doing a MUCH better job of bringing in more sizes (YES to inclusivity!), so here are all their extended size options.

🏆 #2 - Short trench (size XS)

This one has been on repeat almost every day, and not just because it's practical.

Fall days here start cold and warm up by the afternoon. When I don't need it, it folds into my day backpack. No carrying a coat over my arm all afternoon.

It's also super stylish, and it helps me "blend in" a little bit. Trench coats are everywhere here!

🎯 The formula: Short trench + cream cashmere sweater + black cropped ponte pants + Vessi sneakers + dusty pink crossbody​

Short or long? A lot of women here in Milan are wearing the longer version. It's beautiful, but it's bulkier, so it takes more room in your suitcase.

Since I'm short, the short version already fits me a little longer. So here's how I'd choose: if you're petite, go short. If you're taller or want more coverage, go long and wear it on your travel day.

Quince just added new colors too. I've seen mostly beige ones (like mine) but black and navy are also popular.

⭐️ More options: All Quince trench coats​

🏆 #3 - Black sock booties​

I truly tested them "for fun" on a day trip to a hilltop town last week. Cobblestones. 12 hours straight.

Are they more comfortable than sneakers? Obviously not 😅 But I'd wear them for a full day again.

Now I wear them almost daily. They're a great going out shoe, and they work with tights, skirts and my cropped pants.

Good thing I love them, because they're the only boots I'll have for the next 2 months.

🎯 The formula: Black shrunken cashmere sweater + polka dot silk midi dress + black tights + sock booties + burgundy cashmere wrap + dusty pink crossbody​

Little trick: that "skirt" is my polka dot silk dress with my shrunken cashmere sweater on top. One piece, two looks, zero extra space in the carry-on. Mine is the strappy version, but if you want more coverage on the shoulders, the sleeveless version does the same job.

🎯 The formula: Burgundy silk skirt + light pink cashmere tee + sock booties + burgundy cashmere wrap + dusty pink crossbody​

This is what I mean when I say pick 4 or 5 colors and stick to them. Burgundy, blush pink and black. Nothing in this outfit is outside those colors, so everything matches without trying.

Why one pair of shoes like this matters: on a fall European trip, you usually need a walking shoe AND a nicer shoe for dinner. A boot you can walk in all day covers both. That's how I'm doing 3 months with only 2 pairs. (the third pair is just for the gym, that's why I never mention it)

⭐ The two extras I wear almost every day:

• ​Burgundy cashmere wrap: I use it day and night, as an extra layer AND as a scarf on colder days. Look at the two booties photos: same wrap, as a scarf in one and over my shoulders in the other.
• ​Dusty pink leather crossbody: it's the one soft pop of color on all my black outfits. It matches everything, works for day and night, and it's the only bag I'm traveling with.

Also, accessories like jewelry and belts weigh nothing, and they're what make the same outfit look different. (I will cover how to use accessories to change your travel outfits in a future email)

​🧳 The full packing list is linked here.​

Here's what I want you to walk away with...

Pay attention to what you actually wear.

I didn't guess these 3 winners. I noticed them, because I kept reaching for them.

The pieces you wear the most on a trip tell you exactly what to pack next time.

💡 What does this mean for you?

On your next trip, keep track of what you wear each day. A quick note on your phone is enough.

At the end of the trip, look at your list. The pieces you wore 3, 4, 5 times? Those earn a spot again. The ones you never touched? Those stay home next time. (you can do this with past trips by looking at your photos)

Your winners will probably look different from mine, and that's ok! I'm not here to hand you my list. I'm here to help you find yours 🩷

Next Sunday, I'm sharing one of your most requested packing lists: what to pack for the Christmas markets and for a winter river cruise. So many of you have asked for these, and I wanted to send them in time for you to pack light for those trips!

And don't worry, the full Italy report is coming the week after: my mistakes, ALL 22 outfits, and how many times I wore each piece. I won't leave anything out!

Ciao for now 🇮🇹

XO,

Aimara

>> PS: I teach my packing system for fall and spring trips inside the shoulder season carry-on style guide. It's in video format, has all the visuals to really bring the point home and it has ALL the tools to help you customize EVERYTHING to your own trip. Check out what's included here!​