#goodbye winter pounds...hello spring rolls!

[all-might-can-smash-me]

Hello, hope you are having a fantastic day! I'd like to request a oneshot where Toshinori and his s/o share a kiss before he pulls back just to tell them how beautiful they are, thus causing them to melt and kiss him back passionately.

Speechless

Toshinori Yagi x Reader

Summary: a walk under the silvery moon leaves a certain someone speechless with the beauty that walks besides him. You? You can’t help but melt over the man that walks beside you as well.

Finally going to try to pull myself out of the hole of exhaustion and despair from school and use my weekend for the greater good rather than rewatch JoJo or MHA for the millionth time AND my blog is about to reach it’s one year anniversary, so I can’t think of a better way to celebrate other than write a cute little oneshot of our beloved Yagi. It’s a short and sweet celebration 🎉

Masterlist and request information

It was the days that winter had said their goodbyes to the cold earth that sighed relief in relief along with the trees that finally allowed themselves to sway into in the cold, chilly breeze. The clutches of that icy wind still continued to blow through those branches though as spring rolled in quietly, the little snow that decided to kiss the earth now slowly melting as the temperature slowly had begun to rise with the new found season. But spring came along more hero work studies, so you could only imagine how chilly they were in this deathly spring wind jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Chapped lips? Wind burned faces? You sure hoped that they took their precautions, or maybe you should prepare yourself from hearing their complaints from their lack of unpreparedness.

You couldn’t but let a soft giggle as you threw your head back gently to look up to the naked branches that crawled over head, almost lacing around the moon that seemed to follow you and your partner’s every move down the stone path. Though that giggle roused suspicion from your partner as his gloved hand moved to gently be placed over yours that hooked onto his arm that was at your side.

“What’s funny? I didn’t say anything.” He spoke out into that icy wind, breathe visible with that telltale fog. You only waved your freehand lazily to him, a smile upon your lips as you gave out a sigh as well.

“I was just thinking about the students, how I hope they prepare themselves for this cold weather while on their hero work studies. Though I can already imagine their whines and cries of their chapped lips or wind burned faces.” You finally relieved his curiously, a small smile lifting Toshinori’s gaunt face as the images popped within his own imagination. The look of exhausted, wind burned, young hero students was kind of heart warming in the sense that they were growing so much stronger within the hero force AND that he could very possibly dote on them along side you. What can he say, the retired made hero teacher plus the new school nurse made quite the duo when it came upon loving up on clad 1-A.

“Oh come now, we know Iida will have everyone prepared for everything!” He said, putting a little emphasis on the word ‘everything’, “I hope” he finally let himself chuckle out, his arm now wrapping around your shoulders as he gave you a loving though he couldn’t help buy slow his steps and finally halt to a stop, hands holding onto yours lovingly as looked down to you.

“Yeah you are right…” you finally spoke, soft smile now crawling upon your lips as you let your smaller, gloved hands be engulfed by his own gloved hands. It was nice, you could feel the warm already began to build up around your fingers at the new found insulation.

Though Toshinori was kind of lost, speechless even as he looked down at you. It was a strange occurrence, but not totally abnormal. The way that moonlight hit you upon his and yours little nightly walk in the cool spring air kind of just had him at a loss for words as his heart seemed to pound within the confines of his chest. You always seemed to make this happen to him, but he did me quite hate it either

“What? Is something on my face?” You spoke out as a hand had left the warm confines of his own as you were soon now reaching it up to let your finger tips reach up to your face, pushing back a few pesky hairs that flew up with the bitter wind, daring to get trapped between your parted lips as you pushed it back down, taking the rogue hair. Though your lips were silence by a chaste kiss placed upon yours, Toshinori now pulling back to look down at your once more, a soft blush upon your cheeks as you let a little giggle out, such a soft one that seemed to lilt gently with the wind, like a bell does.

“Sorry, I just had the sudden urge you know? You looked so beautiful, you almost seemed to stop my heart too along with it.” He said as he seemed to shyly laugh, empty hand now pressing against his chest as he looked down to you, space between you seeming to thin down as you your own breath seemed to now be trapped within you lungs.

No matter how many times he would seem to compliment you and be so charming, you would never grow use to it. Each time he would speak those sugared and seemingly dripping with an innocent and genuine charm compliments it would always send you in a frenzy, no getting use to or accustomed to it. You���d guess your emotions would never seemed to handle them because they were so genuine. They weren’t flirtatious, even though he could be very flirtatious along with you, but it was something about a whispered compliment that was just so innocent and true brought a different kind of warmth surging through your body as you now rested your hands upon his chest, those arms now pulling close to the warmth of your body as your lips soon connected with his, the two of your passionate kisses under the sill very, cold moon.

The pressure of his arms holding you tightly against him brought comfort and warmth to you as your lips still shared those passionate kisses, though nothing gold can stay as you pulled away, a soft smile upon your lips as you shyly rested your head against his chest, his hand now moving upward to gently run down the length of your hair as you felt a gentle laugh vibrate from his chest.

“Come on…let head back before we catch our death out hear.” He seemed to whisper out now, seemingly now scared to break the silence around the two of you on that very beautiful spring night.

“Yes agreed…”

[inkandpen22]

Time is Irrelevant (5/?):

Pairing: Eleventh Doctor x reader 

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3.8k

Part Summary: Y/N and The Doctor arrive in their new destination, Philadelphia, 1778

Masterlist

When I open my eyes, my head is pounding, the feeling is all too familiar. My body rolls over and I feel the plush grass beneath me. A warm gust of airbrushes over me like a silky blanket. It’s warm on my face, the season must be summer or late spring. I hear someone moving about around me over old leaves and sticks. My eyes fly open and I swing legs to rock over whomever is walking around. I watch as The Doctor falls onto the grass with me. 

“Ouch!” He hisses, “what was that for?”

He rubs his tailbone like a pansy. I hardly knocked him down that hard, he’s being melodramatic.

“You couldn’t give me a warning before we poofed?!” I bark at him, rising to my feet, a tad wobbly. My head is still rattled.

“We couldn’t be seen!” He argues.“Besides, what difference would it make? You’d end up here anyway!” 

He stands and brushes off the leaves and dirt from his outfit. “Put these on,” he tosses a pile of clothes at me. 

I peer down and it appears to be corset and colonial dress, yet again. “Well don’t I get some privacy?” 

“Oh! Yes! Right!” The Doctor nervously turns his back to me. 

I huff, building up the energy to get ready. “I must say, I much prefer this attire over the French. At least I don’t have to wear a pannier skirt. That thing was dreadful! I can tolerate these heels for a decent color.”

Doctor finds humor in my bitter complaints. “My apologizes, they don’t have your usual sneakers in the 18th century.” 

“Where are we anyway?” I ask him as I spin in a circle to scan our surroundings. There’s simply woods for as far as the eye can see. A woods is just a woods to me, no matter the year.

“Just outside Philadelphia, June 5th, 1778.”

“Yes, thank God,” I release a sigh of relief. “Finally on American soil again! Well, soon to be America.”

Pondering over the information, location, and date, I narrow down the possible reasons we would need to land in Philadelphia during the American Revolution.

Especially, so early in the war. Then, it hits me. The lightbulb above my head switches on. It’s clear as the day. I squeal once I realize the answer. and Doctor is at a loss.

“Philadelphia! In June!” I jump up and down.

The Doctor nods his head slowly, still facing the opposite direction. “Yes… we are… why? What’s so significant about Philadelphia?”

I continue my celebration as I bop about like Tigger. “It’s Valley Forge! Hello!”

I finish getting ready and making sure everything is in its place. “Okay, all set!” 

The Doctor spins on his heels to face me and clasps his hands together. “Yes! Excellent!” He gestures toward a direction, I assume toward town. “This way to the road,” he explains.

We begin our hike. I first kick off my heels, can’t walk through mud in heels. The doctor does the same, one flaw of the colonial era, constant heels. There are many more but that one is the current dilemma. We come to a path after what seems like forever and Doctor appears to know exactly where we’re headed.

“Washington’s Army is at Washington’s home until the end of the month. They stayed there for the winter as headquarters. However, the conditions were terrible! About 2,000 men died this past winter.” I break the silence.

There’s a comfortable pause that falls between us. I can tell without having to look that the wheels in his head are turning.

His brows scrunch, together. “We’re in 1778 colonial America to visit a sad military campsite? Why would we need to come here?” 

I stifle my laughter. “No, no, it’s more than that! The Continental Army has just formed an alliance with France in May. This is a huge win for them! Marquis de Lafayette, a French officer, is a huge asset to Washington. If it weren’t the Franco-American alliance, the colonies would’ve lost the war. It’s a pivotal few months for the revolution,” I enthusiastically describe. “They just had major victories and this past winter has thus far been their greatest defeat. Of course, from the ashes rises a greater and stronger army. The suffering motivates the men more to fight for their independence.”

I glance over at Doctor and he expresses an admiring gaze with a grin. I cower out of shyness, warmth coats my cheeks.

“What?” I inquire, “what is it?”

He shakes his head, grinning wider “nothing, just looking.”

I direct my attention ahead but I can feel his stare blasting into my side. My cheeks only redden more under his stare. I’m not into him or anything, I just despise being the center of attention. Promise.

We continue down the path toward the city, the sun is beginning to set the breeze is becoming a bit nippy. The Doctor shakes to remove his coat and places it over my shoulders. He rubs his palms up and down my arms to warm me up.

“Thank you,” I say, wrapping the coat around me.

“No problem,” he assures me as he keeps an arm around me to radiate some warmth. I lean into his side, embracing the natural heat he gives off.

“I… I… I’m sorry about what happened in France,” he manages to get out. “I’m not entirely sure what occurred between you and the King but I’m sorry that you two didn’t have any time to say goodbye.”

I remain quiet, listening to he speak and feeling his chest vibrate as he does.

“I did read the book on the French Revolution, by the way. I read about what happens to King Louis and all of them. I understand why it was so hard for you to let go considering the circumstances. The most important thing to remember while we travel Y/N is we can’t fix history. Things happen for a reason and we can’t change that… will you be okay?”

Bringing in the crisp winter air, I hum. “I understand the importance of maintaining the timeline. I feel sorry for Louis but as you said, things happen for a reason and we can’t change that. What happened between Louis and I was merely an understanding for one another. If my time was 1778, he and I would’ve had a great friendship but the universe doesn’t work in our favor. We can’t manipulate time so there’s no point discussing the topic any further.” I declare, finding it too hard to speak of it.

I could have saved a life and walk away. I could save all of them and I did nothing. The doctor can tell me repeatedly that none of what will or has happened will be my fault but the guilt will never disappear. I rest my head on his shoulder and he rests his over mine. I glance up at the sky, the sun is fully set and the stars make their first appearance. When I look up at the stars, I see and think of only him.

“When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars. And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun,” I whisper Shakespeare into the air.

The doctor rubs his hand up and down my back “what was that?”

“Nothing,” I reply simply and admire the stars for their beauty.

We went further back in time but there isn’t a doubt in my mind that Louis looked at the stars. He may not know it yet but someday looking up at the stars will have a meaning.

An hour later and we’re sat in a tavern that smells of stale beer, burning wood in the fireplace, tobacco, and unshowered men. The owner's wife slams the mugs of beer on our table and some spills over-explain the stickiness. I must seem uncomfortable because The Doctor laughs at me.

“You stand out when you do that,” he waves his finger at me.

“What do you mean?” I question defensively. 

“You're as stiff as a board! Relax a little,” he rolls his shoulders to demonstrate. 

I huff, finding the task impossible. “How do you like it here? It’s unsanitary and has a hundred different smells!”

He chugs half of his beer to finish it.  “I’ve been in worse holes in the wall. Be thankful that the floor is actually a floor and not dirt. Also that the beer is semi-decent and not sour wine.”

Taking in my surroundings, I notice the owner going through a back door leading out to an alleyway. He rolls in a new barrel of this liquid bread. In the distance, church bells signal the clock striking the hour. I steal a sip from my mug and it makes Natural Light taste high-end.

“I need to go.” The Doctor tosses back the remainder of his drink and pushes back his chair.

“Wait, what? You’re leaving?! To go where?!” I hate it when he does this! It’s like leaving me in a foreign country and I can’t speak the language. 

He waves the owner’s wife to our table. “Yes, I need to gather a few things. Stay here!” He orders, strangely searching the tavern frantically.

“So basically you’re going to steal again? Is that what all our so-called “trips” are about, you stealing historical artifacts? If so, I’ll have nothing to do with it! You’re always preaching about not altering history yet here you are doing just that!”

He rolls his eyes as the owner’s wife comes up to our table with some pitchers of ale.

“What can I getcha?” Her thick Scottish accent catches my attention more than her question. The doctor ignores her and addresses me again.

“Stay here, don’t go anywhere and do anything reckless like last time,” he demands, referring to my close encounter with Louis. He heads to the door of the dim-lit tavern, ready to leave me alone with a swarm of men. He stops to look over his shoulder before departing.

“And no,” he says with a melancholy expression, “that’s not what this is all about.”

In a blink of an eye, he disappears into the night to who knows where. Disapproving of his behavior but unable to do much about it, I simply chug the rest of my nasty beer. Slamming it down onto the table, I order another from the woman.

“Coming right up Miss.” She goes back to the bar to fill her pitchers.

The time alone is rare. I suppose I should be thankful. I’ve been gone for nearly a week now. I wonder how my family and friends must be feeling. I fell off the face of the earth practically. Granted, I could simply go back to when I was with Doctor at dinner and all would be as though nothing happened. What if I’m gone for a year? What if I went for longer, so long that’ll look older? How would I explain that? Then there’s the idea of altering history. What if my very presence in this tavern is changing something? For all I know, the smallest actions I make could change the course of time.

“Here ya are,” the woman slides me my new drink.

I thank her, expressing a faint smile. As she walks off, my attention is stolen by two men seated at a small table in the corner. One, the older, is an average man based on his appearance. The other, however, is a colonial officer. They’re huddled over the table, whispering to each other rather harshly. I lean forward slowly, attempting to eavesdrop on what’s so crucial for them to be so serious.

“You need to be more careful!” The older man warns. “These are dark times and you’re playing with fire!”

“It’s all under control!” The officer argues, “Washington has it under control. You’d be fine! So will I! We all will be! You need to trust-”

The older man slams his hand on the table. His face becomes red with rage.

“Ben, listen to me! Half the men have already been arrested from that idiotic riot last week! It was a mere two years ago the poor Hale lad got himself hanged! We must remain in the shadows!”

The two men are interrupted by the owner’s wife filling their mugs. Suddenly, the door to the tavern swings open and slams to the wall with a bang. The people in the room went dead quiet, watching as the men march in. Five redcoats total emerge with their heads held high. ‘Egotistical and empathetic lobsterbacks’ as some American history texts describes them.

The circus leader announces to the colonists in the tavern. “We’re looking for a man who goes by the name John Bolton!”

Who? I peer around the room. Waiting for one of these guys to drunkenly raise their hand and turn themselves over. The moment never comes. Instead, I notice the two men exchange hushed words. The officer appears frazzled but not obviously. He has this anxious look about it but then again I would too if I was an officer of the Continental Army and a bunch of red coats just strolled in. Yet, something is telling me that something is going on here. If I can prevent a fight, arrest, or anything relating to the officer I’ll do it, why? Because for all I know that officer could be someone worth protecting.

“He isn’t here!”  

Before I have the chance to process what I blurted out, I already have the entire tavern staring me down. At some point I must’ve blacked out because I’m standing up, when did that happen? My first thought is Doctor is going to kill me for getting involved.

“He left about an hour ago,” I add to sound more convincing though my voice is a tad shaky. “He likes spending time by the docks, perhaps you could find him there.”

The leader of the pack closes in on me as I maintain the fakest smile. He examines my face, deciphering my authenticity. I swallow hard, the last thing I want is to see the inside of an 18th-century prison cell.

“Describe the man, so that we can identify him,” he requests. 

The man hardly any space between us. It’s now that I regret my irrational action of intervening. I only hope that officer is worth covering for. I glance behind the red coat toward the duo in the corner. The officer has his focus locked on me. His eyes are narrow, studying me intensely. That’s when it hits me. John Bolton, that’s the alias Ben Tallmadge used during the war. The officer is Major Ben Tallmadge, at least I hope it is and I didn’t just imprison myself. If it is, he’s without a doubt worth saving.

“Light, seashell, gold hair,” I lie to the Englishman before me. “He’s thin, a stick really, and has very little muscle. I would go as far as to call him scrawny. As for height, he’s rather short. I would say around 5’4”.”

Every piece of description I give is the opposite of the real Ben. I guess I pass the soldier’s test of trust because he doesn’t question me further.

“Let’s go gentlemen!” He commands, stepping toward the door with his men following on his coat tail.

I can finally breathe again, falling into my chair with a sigh of relief. My lying to the soldier could’ve ended in the worst possible outcome. I definitely dodged a bullet. Strong fingers wrap around my forearm and I’m dragged over to a dark corner in the back of the tavern. I’m forced against the wall and am tossed about like a rag doll. I’m about to be interrogated, yet again. Twice in one night, that’s a lot for someone who’s never been interrogated before. I brush down my skirt and my eyes are met with Ben Tallmadge himself.

“Who are you?!” He barks.

Similar to the red coat, he invades my space to intimidate me. I suppose if I was a woman of this era it would but being from the 21st century it’ll take a lot more than a few growls. Usually, these men’s barks are worse than their bites. Nevertheless, I raise my eyebrows, I send him a look of warning. If we’re going to communicate he needs to calm down.

“I’m the friend,” I reply bitterly calmly. “I take it a simple ‘thank you’ is too much to ask?”

My sass takes him by surprise. I’m not shaken by his macho-man persona, shocker. He visibly settles and takes a step back. Whether he believes me or not, I’m not entirely sure. Either way, perhaps now we can have a civil conversation that doesn’t involve so much grabbing, dragging, and growling.

“Thank you,” he stammers, “uh Miss…”

A name, I need a last name. Quick Y/N, think of a name!

“Reynolds,” I rush out.

Seriously! I come up with Reynolds. Oh well, it’ll have to do. Hamilton doesn’t meet Maria Reynolds for another four years so there shouldn’t be any coincidences but I’m still hitting too close to home.

“Miss Reynolds…” Ben repeats slyly. “Is that your real name or are you a spy for good ole Georgie across the pond?”

The hint of space that he once granted me slips from me again. He presses me harder into the wall, not taking any chances for me to escape. I huff, offended by his accusation and for his lack of courtesy.

“I am no such thing, Sir!” I hiss at him. “When I say I’m a friend, I’m a friend!”

I hear the door to the tavern hit the wall again as it’s swung open. Once the red coats don’t find a little blonde man by the docks they’ll likely come back. I have to get Ben out of here before then.

“We’ve wasted enough time as it is, you need to get out of here!” I warn him, urging him to go as I press my palm to his chest. “Otherwise, the soldiers will come back looking for you!”

Ben grabs my wrist and removes my hand from him but keeps hold of it. I struggle to yank it free but it’s no use, he’s too strong.

“Why are you helping me?” He questions, furrowing his brows.

This man is impossible. Though, I can’t blame him for being paranoid. Trust runs thin these days.

“Let’s just say we believe in the same cause,” I reply swiftly, growing aggravated by his lack of ability to see my honesty as truth.

He’s a wanted man and he’s drinking out in a tavern filled with people, not quite a genius. Why isn’t he at Valley Forge with the others? He should be with Washington, not here. My answer doesn’t seem to satisfy his curiosity.

“Who do you work for?”

“No one!” I shoot down the idea, practically pushing him toward the door with my free hand.

He then takes my free hand as well, restricting me completely.

“Then how do you know so much? Why are you risking your freedom by giving me aid? What do you gain?”

His tone is less fierce, more worrisome. He’s stuck between a rock and a hard place naturally. Should he trust me? Should he take the word of a stranger when it feels as though the world is against him? His grip on my wrists softens slightly and I take the opportunity to free myself.

“You sure ask a lot of questions,” I tease, snickering lightly.

Abruptly, the door to the tavern is kicked in causing gasps to fall across the building. The same five soldiers enter with more men, fuming more than fifteen minutes ago. Ben whips around to see what all the commotion is about. I could run now. I don’t know why I’m not exactly. I suppose it’s because I won’t leave with him. I have to make sure Ben gets out alive.

The leader yells at the top of his lungs, “where are Bolton and that woman?!”

In a swift motion, I grab Ben’s hand. He peers down at me but I keep a close eye on the soldiers behind him.

“There’s a door over there,” I inform him. It’s the same door Doctor left from. “If we step back slowly without much noise, they won’t notice us.”

He nods, joining me in walking back to the exit. I’ll have to part from him soon. Once we’re out of the tavern we must go our separate ways because the red coats know my face. For all, they know John Bolton could be anyone. My presence puts Ben in more danger. However, I can’t allow them to get Ben either. If they do, who knows what may happen. My distracting thoughts are interrupted by shouting.

“She’s over there! Right here!” A soldier shouts as he points in our direction.

All of their heads snap to us and I decide we better start running.

“Time to go!” I tug on his arm and he sprints to the door.

“Get them!” The leader commands and the tavern breaks out into utter chaos.

Ben frees the door and a breeze of warm June air slaps me in the face. We run down the stone alley together, hand in hand. I don’t recommend running in heels altogether, let alone on an uneven cobblestone road. Ben turns the corner and guides me down the sidewalk toward the center of town.

“I have a horse a just down this way! We’ll have to hurry!”

We weave between people, trying to stay out of sight and get to point B as soon as possible.

“This way!” A voice shouts from up the road and a clump of jogging redcoat with muskets approaches us.

Ben cuts around the corner into an unlit alley and blocks me against the wall. Deep into the darkness, we hide undetected. He positions himself between me and the road to block me from sight.

Soon, marching boots slip by the alley without hesitation. The soldiers must’ve passed us. My chest falls as I release a breath I hadn’t released I was holding.

“Keep your face out of sight. Focus on the ground and I’ll get us out of here,” he promises me in a hushed tone.

I hum, nodding my head frantically. I would be lying if I said I’m not genuinely scared.

He takes my hand before slipping back into the light. He checks the general area for any red coats. When he decides the coast is clear, we run down the road to a horse tied to a post. Ben helps me once he’s secured himself on the animal. Then, we ride off into the night. I have no idea where he’s taking nor do I have any way of telling Doctor where I’m going. All I can do is keep going and stay alive. Hopefully, if I’m lucky, I’ll make it back to the tavern when it’s safe and he’ll be there. 

_______________________________________

Masterlist

[sp4c3-0ddity]

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like A Christmas Carol

Epilogue:  Nothing Is Set in Stone if You Carry a Chisel

Prologue | Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three

Read on ao3

~4100 words

sorry about the wait and i know it’s quite a bit after Christmas but i still hope you’ll take a read. shout-out to my co-conspirators @hailqiqi and @rueitae for encouraging and beta reading and continuity policing!!

Any guilt Lance feels at waking his mami when he calls disappears as soon as she answers, mumbling a sleepy hello before grumbling that he'd better be calling because Kaltenecker's barn is on fire or because he's hurt.

A smile stretches across his face as he reassures her, "Everything's fine! I just wanted to hear your voice since it's Christmas."

"And you couldn't call us earlier when we were"—a yawn cuts her off—"still awake?"

"Sorry, Mami." He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly right as his bus pulls into the stop. "I had an early flight to catch so I couldn't."

"Early flight?" Lance hears the sudden alertness in her voice and braces himself for a barrage of questions. "Don't tell me something kidnapped you into space again."

Lance chuckles - if only - and admits, "No, this was kind of a...last minute plan." Dread ties his stomach into knots while he files out of the bus and pauses at the bench, duffel bag slung across his back with the strap digging into his neck. It's cooler outside than he expected, and he shivers against a damp breeze.

He watches the bus pull away from the stop and wonders, "Mami, can I talk to Rachel? I know she sleeps like the dead but..."

His mami must hear something in his voice, for she sighs and says, "She'll wake up for you."

Lance grins - he can't feel too ashamed of interrupting his sister's beauty sleep - but can't help the anxious drumming of his fingers against his thigh. He shifts his duffel bag as he finally leaves the bus stop and enters the neighborhood of neat houses with manicured drought-resistant lawns free of actual grass.

It's a huge contrast from the juniberry fields on his family's farm, and a shockingly welcome one. His chest loosens - he hadn't realized he was homesick for here, of all places - as he approaches his destination.

"Hello?" Rachel mutters sleepily. "Lance?"

His smile widens, a spring entering his step, and he asks, "So are we still twins?"

"What? Mami wakes me up in the middle of the night so you can ask something stupid like that?"

"Well..." Lance chuckles and explains, "I lost about two years in space and when I came back to Earth you were...older than me, right?"

A heartbeat, two heartbeats, and Rachel says, "I'm too sleepy to deal with your nonsense, Lance."

"Yeah, fine, we can debate the finer points of time dilation and wormholes when you get back," Lance decides, rolling his eyes.

"Then if that's all—"

"Wait, Rachel," he says, for a joke doesn't even scratch the surface of what he wants - and needs - to say to her, "I know I'm not with you guys now, but I'm not going anywhere anytime soon without telling you first and I'll be home when you get back."

Rachel falls silent after a sharp intake of breath for so long Lance worries she fell asleep while still on the phone, but then she says, "Promise?"

Lance smiles and says, "Pinkie promise." His face falls as he adds, "And...can you tell Veronica I'm sorry for always being a brat to her?"

"As long as it can wait till morning..."

"It can," Lance assures her.

"I doubt she'll believe me, but okay."

Lance's jaw drops indignantly, but before he can express it she bids him goodbye.

He pauses at the end of a stone walkway, his heart pounding at the sight of a familiar wooden door and old-fashioned brass knocker. His feet shift while his stomach turns with apprehension, itching to be away...itching to sprint to the door.

When his mami greets him again he fumbles his phone - he almost forgot he hadn't hung up yet - and says, "Mami, I thought you would've gone back to sleep."

"I will," she says, "but...Lance, I so wish you weren't spending Christmas alone."

Lance licks his dry lips - quiznaking desert winter - and rifles through his duffel bag until soft velvet greets his fingertips. He tugs the floppy red hat out and drops it onto his bed before promising his mami, "I won't."

The door swings open.

Pidge stands there, a star-studded green sweater with a red-nosed reindeer stitched on the front hanging from her small frame. When her eyes land on him, her lips part in surprise. "Lance?"

Lance's heart skips a beat, but he musters the wherewithal to tell his mami he'll call her later and hang up. He raises a hand, a cautious smile blooming on his face, and wonders, "Am I still invited?"

"You said you weren't coming," Pidge says with a slight furrow between her eyebrows.

His insides twist guiltily even while he finds the courage to approach, every step an effort despite his resolve. "I-I know." He adjusts his hat and scratches his ear before saying, "I changed my mind."

"Hunk and Keith were both convinced you would," she muses.

Lance's eyes widen. "They were?"

Pidge smiles, and something in his chest loosens at the sight. "Maybe I should've had as much faith in you."

Lance rubs the back of his neck, his skin suddenly prickling with awkwardness, and before Pidge can step aside and let him, a sense of urgency spurs him to grab her shoulder. "I'm sorry," he says, in a rush to get the words out lest he lose his chance. "It was really crummy of me to hang up on you just because you invited me to your family's Christmas dinner."

Pidge stares up at him, her gaze utterly bewildered. "That's...I kind of just assumed you preferred to spend it with your family."

"Uh, well...they're in Paris," he admits with a sheepish smile, "and our big dinner is usually on Christmas Eve anyway." He spins his duffel bag around and zips it open, digging through its contents and pulling out the slim box. He hands it to Pidge, heat already rising to his face, and says, "This probably won't make up for my behavior and I really meant to give it to you ages ago but I figured better late than never, right?"

Pidge quirks an eyebrow as she accepts his hastily wrapped gift. She tears the paper away, her eyes bugging when she snaps the lid open. "What the quiznak?" Her gaze flicks to his before drifting away. "This matches the earrings you made me. Why did you hold onto it for so long?"

"I uh..." Lance shifts, suddenly feeling awkward standing on her porch while she stands inside, as if the threshold separating them is something momentous. "I got a little...caught up in something"—someone—"else, and—"

The lid clicks shut a heartbeat before Pidge flings her arms around his neck and presses her forehead into his chest. "It doesn't matter right now," she says, voice muffled, and he wonders if she heard some of the words he left unspoken. "I'm just glad you showed up."

Lance returns her embrace while a wide smile pushes at his lips. "Does that mean you don't want it?"

"No, I'm keeping it!" Pidge slips from his arms - he misses her already - and flashes her a grin before finally waving him inside. "You're lucky Hunk and my mom prepared more food than we can eat without you."

Lance follows her inside with his heart pounding and an apprehensive smile on his face, but any tension left in his shoulders eases when Hunk, in an apron that reads Kiss the Cook, races down the hall and sweeps him into a backbreaking hug. "I knew it!" he crows while the front door creaks shut behind him. "I even saved you a piece of the Red Lion.”

Lance groans, rubbing his ribs, when Hunk lets him go. But he laughs and wonders, "How did you—"

The cake from the party.

"Oh, great, I can't wait to try it!" Overcome with fondness and gratitude and the sheer relief of seeing that his friends missed him, he smacks a kiss on Hunk's stubbly cheek and winks. "Bet it can't be as sweet as you though."

"Uh..." Hunk's jaw drops and Pidge, lingering nearby, sounds like she just choked on her saliva judging by a furious coughing fit. "What was that for?"

Lance shrugs. "I'm just doing what your apron said to do," he says before turning to a red-faced Pidge. "You okay?"

She nods, grabbing his arm as she doubles over and giggles. "Just peachy." She straightens, her smile not faltering, and pushes him down the hall. "Go talk to everyone else before we sit down for dinner."

Lance grins at her as he leaves, a pleasant warmth filling his chest when their eyes briefly meet. But he straightens his hat - Hunk's bear hug knocked it off-kilter - and walks the familiar hall to where he remembers the living room.

Behind him, he hears Hunk asking Pidge, "Do you want to wear this apron?"

"Shut up," she retorts.

Lance detours to the kitchen, knocking on the door frame and greeting its occupants, "Hi, Sam and...Colleen." Commander Holt - Sam, which feels strange to call him since he hasn't seen him in years - stands at the stove stirring a pan of gravy while Colleen waits in front of the oven with her hands on her hips.

They both turn when he enters, wide-eyed in surprise before smiling. Colleen, dressed in a white apron embroidered with a reminder to Eat Your Vegetables, approaches. "Lance!" she says, quick to pull him into a warm, maternal hug not unlike his mami's. She steps away before he can reciprocate - has Colleen ever hugged him? He can't remember - and adds, "Katie said you weren't coming."

"I changed my mind," Lance admits. He hands her a packet of juniberry seeds that germinated from an odd genetic variation. "I don't want to miss another family Christmas if I can help it."

Colleen smiles. "New seeds? Lance, you do know I engineered this new juniberry species, right?”

Lance blushes and admits, “These ones are…a natural mutation.” He grins cautiously and promises, “You’ll like them! They’re white instead of pink.”

She wags a finger at him and tucks them into a pocket in her apron. “I’m trusting you. It seems you've done very well for them."

"Yeah, well..." Lance scratches his chin, self-conscious under her and Sam’s scrutiny. "I just found out juniberries were impossible to cultivate on Altea, so it's really all thanks to you."

"Really?" Sam raises an eyebrow. "Who told you that?"

Lance flushes and lies, "Coran."

"Interesting," Colleen says, frowning. "He never said anything like that to me."

Lance doesn't know if he imagines the suspicion in her gaze - just that it makes his skin crawl - but after asking if they need any help - his mami would be proud of him - he finally goes off in search of his old teammates.

The Holts' Christmas tree sits in the exact same corner as it did last night, its light blinking cheerfully and its boughs filling the air with a rich, piney scent. With his heart suddenly heavy, he turns his back to it, half-expecting Pidge and Keith lurking behind it in quiet conversation and Krolia cooing over a freckled toddler.

Instead an ambush awaits him.

Coran's hug knocks the breath from his lungs and forces him back a step, other warm bodies engulfing him within seconds. Fingers ruffle his hair and tug on his sweater and a stray arm shoves the Santa hat from his head while they all call greetings and express disbelief - is it really so unbelievable? - that he came.

Lance breathes when they withdraw, taking in their grinning faces as they return to wherever they sat before he intruded. Shiro perches on a sofa, a glass of eggnog in hand with Matt regaling him with some rebel story, while Krolia leans against the mantle inspecting a stocking overflowing with candy canes. Keith nurses a mug of steaming cider while Romelle chats his ear off about a diplomatic mission and Coran nods along enthusiastically.

For a heartbeat Lance feels out of place, with everyone comfortable and content and musing on their lives while he stands in the doorway staring at them, at least until someone small pushes past him.

Pidge bends down and picks up his fallen Santa hat. "Lose something?"

Keith ventures over and tugs on the strap of his duffel bag. "You going to carry this all evening?"

Lance stares between the two of them, an image of the kiss he accidentally - thanks a lot, Bob - witnessed between them replaying in his head. That familiar jealousy twists in his gut and he can't help but wonder...is there something between them?

"Uh..." Lance lets Keith take his bag and deposit it on an ottoman while accepting his hat back from Pidge. "Wait, I...have gifts for you guys in there." He unzips his bag and tugs the first gift out. "For Shiro." He passes to him a mug he bought at the last minute from an airport gift shop, a purple bow stuck tot he handle to make it look more festive.

"Number One Grandpa?" Shiro reads, raising a skeptical eyebrow before a smile blooms over his face. He runs fingers through his white hair and sighs. "I thought you'd respect me enough not to make this joke anymore."

"Respect you, our fearless leader?" Hunk teases as he joins them. "Never."

Shiro chuckles before draining every last drop of his drink. "Matt, I think I need more eggnog if I'm to get through this dinner."

Lance laughs as Matt throws a crumpled wad of wrapping paper at Shiro. He finds the hard plastic in his duffel bag and presents Hunk with his gift. "And...uh, another apron to add to your growing collection."

Hunk takes it with the air of someone handling porcelain. "I will treasure it like I treasure anything else I have fifteen of." He raises an eyebrow at the design. "Superman?"

"Well, you are a super man." Lance, with heat in his cheeks, punches his shoulder. Then he leans closer and promises, "For your birthday I'll get you that set of fancy kitchen knives you've been eyeballing."

Hunk grins. "For once, it won't be Keith getting a blade. Thank you, Lance."

Lance relaxes before turning to Coran with a little package in hand. "So I got you a brush...for your gorgeous mustache."

Coran accepts the package with unexpected tears swimming in his eyes. He sniffles before trumpeting into the handkerchief Romelle passes him. "Oh, Lance, you shouldn't have!"

"Oh, wait, one more thing!" Lance remembers what else he brought and finds the second Santa hat - he meant to give that to Sam but figures Coran needs it more. "This is traditional Christmas headgear. Santa Claus wears it when he delivers gifts to children!"

Coran appraises the hat before perching it on his own head, heedless of the awful clash between the red velvet and his orange hair. "Is it a cloaking device that keeps him hidden from pursuers who wish to steal his gifts?"

"Uh...yes," Lance lies. "Let's go with that." He glances at Keith. "And for you"—he rifles through his duffel bag and finds the brown paper-wrapped present he bought in a fit of pique—"keep warm. It's cold in space."

Keith unwraps the paper and raises an eyebrow at the tasseled red-and-yellow-striped machine-woven scarf. "That's very thoughtful of you, Lance," he says, "but I don't need it if I'm wearing a spacesuit."

"Then I'll take it," Pidge offers, rubbing the fabric between two fingers. "It's nice and soft and it'll keep me warm on my way home from work."

"Really?" Lance crosses his arms, not a little irritated...and with his insides twisting and reminded of their closeness. "You're gonna give away my thoughtful"—last-minute bargain at the airport—"Christmas present in front of me?"

Keith stares between him and the scarf before sighing and flinging it around his neck, one end dangling to his navel and the other caught in his ear. "Happy?"

And he looks so ridiculous that a laugh bursts from him. So what if Keith kissed Pidge first? It was just mistletoe, for quiznak’s sake! (Even if there was a little tongue involved…)

So it’s not a lie when Lance says, "Ecstatic.” He zips his duffel bag back up and announces, "And Santa's sack is empty!"

"What about Pidge's gift?" Matt wonders with a raised eyebrow. "You got all your ex-teammates except her, so—"

"He already gave me mine," Pidge says, her hand grasping something resting over the fabric of her sweater with a soft smile on her face.

Lance's heart performs a complicated series of gymnastics at the sight, at the realization she must've slipped the necklace on right after he gave it to her.

"Oh, really?" Matt smirks. "And without anyone else around?"

Pidge's face reddens, a glare shot Matt's direction, but before she can retort - and Lance can react to the implication in his words - Sam bustles into the living room and announces dinner.

Everyone files out excitedly, even Krolia describing her favorite Christmas dish - apparently she spent one with Keith's dad and misses it - to Romelle, but before Lance follows small, warm fingers close around his wrist and tug him back.

"Wait," Pidge says, sounding oddly shy as she meets his eyes. She pushes something into his hands. "I had something for you too; I...worked on it for a while so when I thought you weren't coming I worried I wouldn't be able to give it to you but here it is!" She laughs, awkwardly gripping her elbow, and adds, "I hope you like it."

His heart skips a beat as he looks from her hopeful expression to the gift - a leather-bound photo album - in his hands, and he holds his breath while he flips to the first page.

He doesn't know which emotion hits him at the sight of the first picture, of his own more youthful face grinning at the camera, of Hunk's almost indulgent smile and Pidge's - unevenly cut hair brushing her neck and a glare shining on her glasses - irritated scowl. His fingers poke out from behind her head, and the three of them are wearing the Garrison cadet uniforms.

The photos progress from their Garrison training days - Pidge a rare and reluctant presence - to their time in space. And by the time he finds a picture of him with a few Puigian girls, Lance realizes these are all photos he took.

A lump sticks in his throat the further he gets into the album. He flips past pictures of Blade members long dead, of a ridiculously photogenic Prince Lotor, of Coalition members that screeched in horror the instant they realized someone was getting their faces on camera, of Keith scowling and Shiro talking and Hunk smiling and Pidge laughing.

Pictures of Allura, with the mice, with Coran, with the Blue Lion, with all of them.

Lance blinks a single tear out of his eye when he reaches the last photo, the very one he ruined just last night, of him and Allura on their first date.

"Lance?" Pidge prompts, frowning when he glances at her. "You...okay?"

"Yeah," Lance says, nodding, and he smiles when he realizes he isn't lying. He flips through all the empty pages in the album and says, "I'm just looking forward to adding more pictures."

The worry obvious in every furrow on her face eases, a laugh escaping her. "Oh, good, for a second I thought I screwed up with this."

"No, it's perfect, Pidge." He pulls her into a hug, holding her tightly against him, the scents of cinnamon and peppermint tickling his nose. "Thank you."

Pidge's arms wrap around his back, so much warmth in her embrace he forgets everything he saw of his own misery the night before, remembering that he wasn’t there to comfort her when she needed it. The future isn't written in stone, and even if it is, he would gladly take a chisel and reshape it.

He’ll do everything in his power to make her future a happy one, one where Pidge is loved the way she should be.

She pulls back first but doesn't quite step away, leaving them near enough he can see every sliver of brown in her eyes. She laughs and reaches up to flick the white ball at the end of his Santa hat out of her face.

Lance wants to kiss her till they're both breathless and their hearts pound in time - and without the excuse of mistletoe. But—

"You guys hungry or what?"

His eyes widen and Pidge’s cheeks fill with color - he doubts he looks much better - as she steps away from him and he spins around to see Colleen standing in the doorway with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

“Yes!” Lance says, wincing at the crack in his voice. He rubs his stomach and reassures her, “I’m starving!”

“Then come on, before it’s all gone.” Colleen beckons for them to follow.

Pidge laughs as she precedes Lance out of the living room - but not without flashing him a smirk that warms him to the core.

“Well,” he muses with a smile of his own, “there’s always New Year’s Eve.”

Pidge’s brow furrows in confusion. “For dinner?”

“No, for…” Lance, growing warmer with every second she stares at him, waves a dismissive hand. “For spending time with friends and stuff.”

Pidge doesn’t look convinced, but she rolls her eyes and says, “Just don’t be a stranger and we won’t have a problem.”

For Christmas dinner Lance ends up squeezed between Pidge and Hunk. Hunk doles out servings of turkey and potatoes and salad to him before he can ask, and Pidge shoots him the occasional bewildered smile as if she still can’t believe he’s there. Her foot brushes his under the table, making him flinch more than once, but he finds himself leaning closer to her with or without the excuse of reaching for another buttered roll.

“If only Princess Allura was with us too,” Romelle says, her eyes drawing down and fixing morosely on her turkey leg. “Strange as it is, I think she’d like Chrastmas on Earth.”

“It’s Christmas,” Hunk corrects.

“Quizzak,” Romelle curses with a sheepish smile. “Sorry; I know what this holiday means to you all.”

Krolia sighs, her own gaze downcast, until Keith nudges her in the arm and offers her a smile.

Lance can feel the strength of all their eyes turning to him, but he grins and says, “Oh, I’m sure Allura would be charmed by it, but she would’ve hated the hat.”

“Princess Allura never did much like headwear,” Coran muses, his eyes crossing in an attempt to keep his Santa hat in sight. “It was always just the tiara with her. Or even a helmet!” He wipes a tear from the corner of his eye. “Did I ever tell you all about the time she stole Zarkon’s helmet?”

And, without waiting for a reply aside from a few giggles and incredulous stares, Coran launches into what’s sure to be a long-winded story.

Lance laughs at all the right moments along with everyone else, grinning wider when his gaze drifts around the table. Hunk rolls his eyes at him, and Keith’s eyes glaze over while he devoutly picks at his food though he quirks a confused eyebrow when he catches his.

Pidge scoffs at a silly moment in the story before flashing him a warm smile that startles the butterflies in his stomach. He’s pleased how easy it is, that he doesn’t even have to feign amusement for Coran’s benefit. He’s not betraying Allura’s memory by finding new - and old - happiness, not when she sacrificed herself to give them all chances to live.

Maybe that’s why he turns to Sam towards the end of the meal and wonders, “So…are there any new missions going into space anytime soon?”

Sam laughs and asks, “You thinking of a career change?”

A hopeful smile pushes at his lips, sparked by the memory of the gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, and blood-rushing feeling of flight, and says, “Something like that.”

Pidge nudges him in the arm. “What about your poor juniberries?” she teases…though there’s an edge of trepidation in her tone.

Lance nudges her back and says, “The juniberries don’t need me anymore.”

Not like they need him, and not like he needs all of them.

[outfittrends]

What to Wear in Italy: Packing List 2019 and 15 Outfit Ideas Outfit Trends - Ideas How to Wear & What to Wear

New Post has been published on https://www.outfittrends.com/what-to-wear-in-italy-packing-list/

What to Wear in Italy: Packing List 2019 and 15 Outfit Ideas

What to wear in Italy. Choosing your outfits when traveling to Italy does not have to be a hassle nor does it need to be overwhelming! In this article, we have you covered on all things wardrobe so you can make the most of your Italian travels. With outfit ideas, packing tips, and wardrobe pointers, say goodbye to packing stress and hello to your best vacation ever!

Italy is definitely a dream destination and we’ll help you look dreamy too!

How To Pack For Italy Trip

Let’s start with some Packing Tips:

Most tried-and-true travelers will recommend that you pack super light when going abroad in order to save space for the inevitable souvenirs you will pick up. So bear that in mind when you are planning your Italy travel wear.

You can either opt for a capsule wardrobe to optimize luggage space or if you are only staying a short while, a more extensive, fashion-conscious wardrobe.

The season will also determine what you end up packing. Italy is apparently quite hot during the summer, especially during July and August, so if you are going during the summer months, make sure you pack light, breathable clothing. 

↓ 15 – How to Choose a Capsule Wardrobe When Packing For Italy Trip

The rule of thumb for creating a capsule wardrobe is designing a wardrobe where every piece works with each other. Some people choose a 37-piece limit; others 50. You will also want to stick to a basic color scheme.

Depending on how long you will be traveling determines how many pieces you ultimately bring along with you, but here are 10 pieces we think are absolutely essential:

Two dresses (choose colors and a cut that complement your complexion and figure, as well as can be dressed up or dressed down according to the occasion)

Trousers and/or jeans

Long-sleeved shirt

Sweater/Cardigan if traveling in Fall/Winter

Shorts

Blouse

Tee shirts

Underclothes

Well-fitting, classic jacket

Jumpsuit

A Versatile Skirt that you can pair with any shirt

One pair of sneakers/walking shoes and neutral heels that can be paired with any outfit

Accessories are separate, but there is no need to go overboard. Opt for a few main accessories that match your clothing, and keep in mind that you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking and exploring when choosing your footwear.

↓ 14 – How To Fit In When Visiting Italy

A classic trend you may see a lot of in Italy is tucked-in shirts. It’s a simple trick to give you a slightly more European look. With this ensemble, pair a light blue button-down shirt with a well-fitting, patterned mini skirt. Tuck it in and, if you really want to seal your immersion in the Italian culture, add a belt to the outfit! Italians love a good belt.

To finish this look off, opt for a pair of oversized sunglasses, a trend-setting purse, and some stylish boots.

Pro Tip: If you are going to be doing a lot of walking (and let’s face it – you probably will) remember that many of the streets are cobblestoned and roughly paved. Avoid delicate shoes like espadrilles or TOMs and, if in doubt, opt for boating shoes or stylish sneakers.

Via

SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER £230

H&M Bucket Bag £14.99

MissyEmpire Margret Black Chunky Square Sunglasses £8.00

Harrod’s Patch Pocket Collar Shirt £205.00

↓ 13 – Street Style in Italy

This look is perfect for a breezy summer day walking the streets. If it’s just too hot, you can switch out the jeans for shorts, but we love how the more skin-revealing top is matched with these high-waisted, wide leg jeans. Distressed hems and stylish sneakers bring the look home.

Also, can we talk about this super cute off-the-shoulder blouse? Not only does it make for the perfect top to achieve some summer-ready sunkissed shoulders, but it also reminds us of that classic I Love Lucy episode where Lucy goes off on a grape-stomping adventure at an Italian winery, donning a lovely if not somewhat touristy style dress in order to imitate the local women. Happily, we can say pretty confidently that no one will be looking at you twice in this ensemble, as you will be fitting right in – no Lucy to see here!

Pro Tip: It goes without saying that heat-conscious clothing is a must if you are traveling to Italy during the summer months. Linen and cotton are your best bet, so keep this in mind when picking your outfits.

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SHOP THIS LOOK FOR UNDER $470

Madewell Wide Leg Crop Jeans $128

Revolve 2790 Platform Sneaker $80

Ray-Ban Sunglasses $213

H&M Weekend Bag $39.99

↓ 12 – Tuscany Sightseeing Tour Outfit

Tuscany is another must-see destination and most people choose to do a one-day tour of Tuscany during their visit to Italy. It’s most popular for its fields of flowers, vineyards, medieval towers and the leaning tower of Pisa. We recommend going for a neutral outfit for this trip, for example, a black dress or a white tee with jeans. If you want to go for something printed, we recommend stripes since they’ll look great in Tuscan pictures. Especially if you’re taking the day trip, you would want to choose something simple and fuss-free. Have a look at the Tuscan images below to get some ideas:

↓ 11 – Outfit For Venice Boat Ride

For most visitors or tourists, the boat ride in Venice is one of the highlights of their trips. It’s such a peaceful and romantic experience and of course, it’s where you get the best pictures of your trip. So obviously you need to wear something that will look good in that background. We highly recommend going for something flowery and flowy, like a floral maxi dress. If you’re not a fan of floral prints, go for a solid colored dress instead but make sure that you choose a bright color like red or orange because you want to stand out in the water and not blend in with the background.

↓ 10 – Perfect Outfit for Summers

Summer is that much coveted time where Italy’s ladies bust out the heels, so make sure you have at least one sturdy but fashionable pair to bring along with you. We love these open-toed booties that would match well with nearly any outfit.

Start with a boldly striped tank and tuck into a brightly colored pair of shorts. Don’t forget accessories. Oversized earrings like these flower cutouts will really draw the eye to your face. This is a great look for going out to lunch or grabbing some gelato!

Pro Tip: Bring pieces that you can mix-and-match and make multiple outfits with. Remember, you want to optimize your luggage space. These three pieces can be worn in a variety of ways, which should be your goal for everything you pack.

Via

SHOP THIS LOOK FOR UNDER $100

LOFT Stripe Ribbed Sweater Cami $44.50

LOFT Knit Tie Waist Shorts $49.50

↓ 9 – What to Wear in Italy to NOT Look Like a Tourist

Everybody wants to look like they fit in, especially when traveling to a new place. The truth is, you probably will stick out a little – and hey, that’s totally okay. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to avoid looking like a massive tourist:

Opt for fitted, tailored clothing whenever possible. Italians are big on tailoring.

As previously mentioned, tuck your shirt into your trousers. It’s a thing.

Avoid flip-flops and Converse. Opt for flat sneakers, loafers, or a similar stylish walking shoe.

Don’t wear too-short shorts.

Say no to yoga pants, crop tops, and fanny packs. Those will stick out like a sore thumb.

For this outfit, tuck a vertically striped cap sleeve top into a pair of white wide-legged pants. Throw on a matching pair of loafers and let your hair loose. It’s a simple, well-fitting look that will have you totally fitting in!

Bonus: Peep the stylish guy look for your significant other!

Via

SHOP THIS LOOK FOR UNDER $415

Nordstrom We the Free by Free the People Patti Crop Cotton Pants $46.80

Two24 by Ariat Jubilee Loafers $227.95

Shopbop Cap Sleeve Tie Front Top $139

↓ 8 – Dinner Attire

For a European-inspired look, check out this gorgeous ensemble. Knot a satin, cream-colored top at your waist and pair with some white corduroy pants. Roll your sleeves to your elbows and tie your hair at the nape of your neck. This is a lovely evening look for when you are heading out to dinner or taking a boat ride through the canals of Venice.

Pro Tip: When accessorizing, you can’t go wrong with Aviator Ray-Bans (apparently you can buy them on any street corner in Italy for super cheap so take advantage!) and a scarf.

Via

SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER £70

H&M Wide Corduroy Trousers £39.99

ASOS Design Relaxed Satin Long Sleeve Shirt £28.00

↓ 7 – Beautiful Summer Evening Look

A trip to Italy would not be complete without bringing at least one or two dresses in your suitcase. And this lovely red dress is perfect for any occasion, especially when going out in the evening. This dress works well for summer or spring and can be worn with a hat and sunglasses for optimum style.

Pro Tip: In order to be allowed in a church or cathedral your shoulders must be covered. So keep a scarf in your purse so that you are always prepared! Also keep in mind that if you are wearing a skirt or dress, the hem must fall to the knee or below it and you can’t wear shorts. Otherwise, you can wear jeans or long trousers.

Via

SHOP THIS LOOK FOR UNDER $680

STAUD Penny Cotton-Blend Poplin Midi Dress $230

Nordstrom Straw Boater Hat $49

Gucci Aviator Sunglasses $420

↓ 6 – The Right Outfit To Explore Italy

While we recommend slightly more durable footwear when pounding those Italian streets, we cannot get over how cute this look is! Jumpsuits are stylish and versatile and can be worn so many different ways for just as many occasions! For this look, pair a well-fitting jumpsuit with a hat and simple accessories. This is a great ensemble for warmer days.

Pro Tip: A neutral-colored jumpsuit can replace one of the dresses in your capsule wardrobe and can be dressed up or down according to the occasion. Remember to pop a scarf or light cardigan over your shoulders when visiting a cathedral or church. (And yes, that includes the Vatican!)

Via

SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $105

In the Moment Jumpsuit $101

↓ 5 – Italy During the Fall

With fall comes slightly cooler weather so if you are traveling during the later months of the year, this is the perfect opportunity for you to bust out the sweater, long-sleeved top or blouse. This look is light and airy, well-fitted and perfect for a lunch out dining on Italian fare. This look also works for touring different spots.

We love this pale blue bell-sleeved blouse paired with white jeans folded at the hem. (Bare ankles are a thing, you watch and see!) Accessorize with a paisley scarf and stud earrings. Opt for some street-chic boots like this neutral colored pair.

Pro Tip: Make sure your scarf matches the rest of your wardrobe, capsule or no. That way you can pair it with more than one outfit!

Via

SHOP THE LOOK FOR UNDER $260

Loft Ruffle Bell Sleeve Blouse $29.88

Old Navy Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans $30

Loft Coastal Paisley Scarf $19.99

Nordstrom Petty Chelsea Boot $99.95

Nordstrom Swarovski Crystal Pearl Logo Stud Earrings $78

↓ 4 – Simple and Classic Outfit to Wear For Sightseeing in Italy

You might just want to consider packing a pair of white skinny jeans as they feature in so many of these outfits. Remember it’s about the fit, so whether you are a size 2 or a size 12, choose jeans that flatter your body type and shape.

Here is another outfit where a light-colored or neutral top is paired with a white pant leg and a simple but classy shoe. Great for dinner or a gondola ride!

Via

SHOP THIS LOOK FOR UNDER $450

Nordstrom 10-Inch Button High Waist Crop Skinny Jeans 

SHEIN Rolled Up Sleeve Striped Dip Hem Blouse $18

Nordstrom Yaro Ankle Strap Sandal $99.95

Nordstrom Robinson Leather Wallet on a Chain $298

Delicate Layered Necklace $17.57

↓ 3 – What to Wear in Italy During Spring

We can’t imagine a better outfit for exploring the side roads and hillsides of Italy during spring than this look here! Extra points for the comfortable but stylish footwear, as well as the cinched waist on this striped, 3-quarter length sleeve dress. This is a classic, easily styled look that can work for just about any occasion.

Nordstrom Gondolier Boater Hat $375

↓ 2 – What to Wear in Italy in Winter

Depending on where you are visiting will determine how warmly you need to dress. As with most places in winter, the farther north you go the colder it will be. So make sure you bring along a well-fitting coat and at least one classically cut jacket.

We love the layers of this ensemble and hope you will too! In fact, you may find that most Italians really pile on the layers right around the October mark. For this look, start with black or opaque tights and top with a lacy dress, cinched with a belt. Layer with a black leather jacket and black heels. This is a great ensemble for traveling in the southern cities where winters are milder.

Pro Tip: Check the weather before traveling and pack accordingly. Also, keep an umbrella handy at all times! A travel-size one will fit in your purse or day-pack and serve you well in case you get caught in a downpour.

Via

↓ 1 – Classy, Elegant Outfit

Our last outfit is one that you could wear for just about any occasion where you want to look elegant and stylish. Plus, these are all items that can be worn over and over again when paired with other articles in your capsule wardrobe!

Start with your staple pair of jeans – these are Mom jeans done right with a high-waist and a straight cut. Pair with a tucked in floral-printed blouse and cover up with a long satin cardigan. Pop on a pair of heels and accessorize with sunglasses.

Pro Tip: Ultimately you want to enjoy your Italian experience. So pack clothing you love and will feel comfortable in. After all, that’s all that really matters.

Via

SHOP THIS LOOK FOR UNDER 105 €

ASOS Neon Rose Satin Cardigan 70,99 €

ASOS Schmale Mom-Jeans 30,49 €