What To Pack This Summer For Capri

Capri has to be one of the most glamorous places on earth.

Perched prettily in the Gulf of Naples with a view along the Amalfi Coast, (from Villa Jovis) Capri is all spectacular views, sapphire blue ocean and glamour for days.

From the top of the world at Villa Jovis, looking down at the water surrounding Capri

I always think about Jackie O in her heyday walking around Capri town buying sandals. In fact every time I go to Capri I buy sandals from the same store Jackie O did! (read about it here)

When you are packing for your trip to Capri there are some key elements to keep in mind.

Capri is luxe casual. It is the epitome of chic, but effortless chic. 
Cottons and linens wear beautifully on this sunny island, lightweight fabrics that move with you when you walk. 

Here is my list of what you should be packing to take to Capri this summer.

Ideal staple items to base your wardrobe on are a great pair of wide legged, flowy white linen pants like my favorite Cool Breeze Wide Leg Linen Pant  from Nic and Zoe. Pair them with a sapphire loose fitting tank.

A maxi sundress is a must on Capri. I love this Quintana maxi from Sky, available at Revolve.com

Abandon your black and your beige - they look out of place and dull on Capri. Channel some 60's glam with some Pucci instead.

Leave your heels at home, trading them in for a chic flat sandal. I like to buy world famous Capri sandals at Shettino on via Roma just beyond the piazzetta in Capri town.

Dolce and Gbbana retro style bikini

Malibu Barbie swimwear looks crass in a place as fabulous as Capri. Opt instead for a vintage/retro style bikini or maillot. 

Dolce and Gabbana vintage style maillot

Protect your face with a wide brimmed hat like this one from Revolve Clothing. (I found Revolve via the fabulous @rachelzelic on Instagram)

Sunglasses are a must on an island, and glamorous, chic sunglasses are essential on Capri.
 Leave your traditional aviator styles at home, instead wear an oversized pair like the Dior Twisting 58mm glasses

or something uber-chic and new like Dior So Real sunglasses.

Makeup needs to be so minimal it borders on non-existent. A full face of makeup looks redundant on a sun drenched island, so stick to the basics. A gold tinted dry oil, like Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or 

keeps your skin hydrated and gives you a fabulous glow. Use a waterproof brow product so that you can swim and still have brows, and a blockbuster lash building waterproof mascara is a must. My favorite for years and years has been DiorShow Blackout Waterproof. 

If you want some extra bronzing use a gel bronzer so that your skin looks fresh.

Top off your Capri summer makeup with a bold pop of lip color like Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lip in Venezia

Don't forget your hair. You can't be blown out perfection on an island, even a super glam island - it just looks like you're trying too hard. Instead embrace your curls or waves with Ouidad. Before you dive into that beautiful sapphire blue Mediterranean sea coat your hair with Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner. 

It will protect your color and keep your hair super soft. When you get out of the water, towel dry then spritz it with Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing and Refreshing Spray. 

If you are a curly girl it will help give you bouncy, shiny curls instead of post-ocean frizz. if you are a naturally smooth haired girl or a Brazilian Blow Out smooth haired girl your hair will be soft and glossy and shiny. I just got both of these in travel size, ready for summer in Capri.

What To Wear On Capri

The island of Capri has been long known as the playground of the rich and famous. 
Actors, musicians, the internationally well heeled and even Roman Emperors all have been availing themselves of its beauty, since before Tiberius built his magnificent Villa Jovis and began ruling Rome from there in A.D 27.

The climate, the azure ocean views, the heady scent of honeysuckle, jasmine and lemons, and the fun and extravagant lifestyle make it endlessly alluring.


So whats a girl to wear on a vacation to Capri? 
I decided to go window shopping for you so that you can see for yourselves.


At the top end there has to be a stylish hat and some very big glasses. The bigger, the better.

At the bottom end of course, the world famous Capri Sandal, in bright vivacious color, boldly jeweled and beautiful. Pretty sandals and wedged espadrilles are also fabulous, but bare in mind the roads and paths can be steep.

And then there's the middle.


For day-wear think of loose fitting yet super chic linens and cottons in whites and neutrals. 
These fabrics breathe in the heat, and look both effortless and expensive (even when they're not).
Opt for styles with a little movement in them. Skin tight looks, well, skin tight. And the opposite of cool.

Getting aquatic on Capri is all about the bikini. 
Leave your one piece behind, instead flaunt it in bold fresh colored bikinis. Corals, whites and turquoises easily trump your darker shades in the intensely blue Tyrrhenian Sea.

Unlike California and Florida, the bodies on the beaches here (and all along the Italian coasts)  look neither emaciated nor like the end product of psychotic daily 3am spin classes coupled with a fortune in artful liposuction. 

They look like women's bodies. In every shape and size.

The thin ones are there, but so is everyone else. There's a certain lusty curviness along the waterfront and it is as sexy as can be. And they're all in bikinis.
Whatever your body type, you're going to look luscious on the beach on Capri in a bikini.

Nights on Capri are about color and fun.
Either burn the L.B.D, or leave it at home.

My favorite are Pucci-esque dresses with a little movement in them and great sandal. You can easily glide around the room with a glass of wine in your hand and look fresh and lovely and effortless in Pucci. And they just look so alive and fun. 

Evenings in Capri are warm and long and whether you are on  a yacht, a restaurant terrace or a private balcony, the festivities are endless and ongoing, so you need a night time wardrobe than can transition from one to the next, seamlessly.

 There's the long and the short,

 the coral and the turquoise,

just make it gorgeous, bright and chic.


And at any and all times of the day accessorize in bold sweeping style and color.