The first time I visited Lake Como some 15-years ago I was a bit underwhelmed; I never thought I’d feel the desire to visit again. Though not overly crowded at the time, even in peak season of July, the lake wasn’t delivering the magic I had expected.
The weather was also very temperamental and the hotel wasn’t exactly somewhere I would choose to stay now. So when Passalacqua Hotel opened its doors a few years back, I could hear it calling me to it, “Taaaaallllliaaa….Talllliiiiaaa”. (I swear). I decided to give the lake another chance because yes, I will often choose a destination based on a hotel, and for this trip…I was going for the hotel and the hotel alone.
This is not a Passalacqua love letter per say, we will get deep into dressing for Lake Como, but also, it heavily influences what I packed and what I would recommend to pack because staying at Passalacqua is every bit of the romance novel I dreamt about in my mind. The grounds are vast despite appearances, every slope holding its own itinerary for how you want to spend your time: An orchard, free roaming impeccably quaffed chickens, one of the most beautiful poolsides, centuries old trees, lounge areas, entrances to secret passageways, a private dock where a skipper in a quintessential striped T reading the Italian newspaper awaits in the shade ready to whisk you onto the lake, and of course, views of the most quiet, mystical part of the lake— the mountains on the other shore create a wall of greenery that almost appear fictional it’s so breathtaking.
Passalacqua exists perfectly, its creation nodding to the old world classical charm of intricate glass blown Murano chandeliers, oversized porcelain, silks, marbles, and velvets. In the 1830s, the composer Vincenzo Bellini, along with other artistic elite mostly in the music world, visited Villa Passalacqua to stay in and to attend extravagant parties hosted by Count Alessandro Lucini-Passalacqua. Though we cannot travel back in time for such parties, being at Passalacqua evokes a feeling of another time; when you are in a place like this, you want to dress for it— the hotel and the destination, a concept which began this whole Substack in the first place! It’s also how I style myself when I travel, and let’s just say other guests or travelers see and appreciate it, often wanting this for their next trip.**
Because what you wear to Passalacqua may not be identical to what you wear across the lake at Il Sereno for example. Still, Lake Como has a vibe to it, that of old-world grandness, defined by the 18th and 19th century neoclassical villas. It is Italian opulence at its finest because of the history, the textures, the artists, the colors. By dressing for the destination, and the hotel of your choosing, you give a nod to all of that through how you style yourself.
Below are several looks which will take you from boat to pool to dinner.
Let’s start with poolside dressing. I began with the La Veste terrycloth coverup because it fits perfectly into the La Double J designed poolside at Passalacqua (I’m not sure I will ever shut up about this hotel but not to stress— this will work at Sereno, MO, Este, and if you so choose to subject yourself to the absolute disaster that is Grand Hotel Tremezzo, there too, though I do not recommend it…that hotel, not the coverup.)
The paisley one-piece gives nod to the patterns and prints seen on the tapestry and walls in so many of the old villas and hotels and you can never go wrong with a simple bikini. I love the woven pareo by Zimmerman. A beaded bag works for both looks and for Como overall. I am a devoted Christopher Esber jellies girl but these Ancient Greek sandals are ideal coloring for either look, while the raffia sandals are more for the paisley. Don’t forget jewels and of course sunnies and a hat. Lastly, the cutie travel binoculars will help you take in the views, especially if you go on any hikes.
I want to wear the look on the right immediately. The detail of the Etro skirt called to me, especially with that gorgeous fringe and in such sophisticated colors. I instantly knew which clutch I wanted to pair with it, a nod to the pink wallpaper that draped my room at Passalacqua…but actually. (see below)
The earrings play back into the blues in the skirt print, and the shape and texture of the bodysuit calls for a clean decollate. No necklace. The Khaite kitten heels match back perfectly to the deep hues too.
And of course I had to bring in paisley again with this strapless midi dress, another nod to villa interiors. In the words of every influencer, I am (but actually) “obsessed”with all Marlies Grace clutches, and this one with the mustard tassel is a versatile option for many outfits. Lastly, shoes (white sandals) and citrine necklace.
Next up: daytime sightseeing. The weather in Lake Como can be funny. Last I was there it was actually perfect every single day—no rain, no overcast. Towards the last two days it became unbearably hot. Definitely be aware of that while packing especially if it’s a day you choose to visit larger towns or old villas (which are NOT air conditioned).
Paisley, especially in silk or other texture, is it for me this year for Lake Como. Some of these looks could translate to Venice as well, which makes sense given the trading that began by the 15th and 16th centuries between both places; Como became famous for its growing silk industry and the merchant classes of Venice and the wealthy aristocrats of the Lombardy lakes engaged in regional trade, sharing architecture and art styles. So it all just works.
Left look: Dress, necklace, bag, shoes
Right look: Top, skirt, necklace, bag, shoes, sunnies
If you’re being whisked away in an iconic Lake Como mahogany boat for sightseeing, hotel spying, and off property lunch, you’ll want to dress with ease. Of course, even when sunny and hot, there is a chill on a boat, so I opt for longer yet very light outfits. I included these cloud-like Posse bubble pants (I own them and you will need a nude no show thong or boy short with them FYI).
Sandals require a solid strap all around like these stone or white ones. We cannot have your shoe dropping into the lake as you exit such an iconic mode of transportation.
I love the idea of these beaded bags, both the floral and the tote, because they soften the look and
give it that classy feel without trying so hard. Raffia bags would be fine too, just a different vibe. You’re arriving to lunch on floating shiny mahogany after all.
Sunnies, tank, necklace, belt, white dress (looks better on).
For the entire board of all items listed above, click here.