A short city break requires savvy packing, says Fashion Editor Aislinn Coffey …
Planning a weekend city break? With seven direct flights from Dublin and new weekly flights from Shannon, Porto is on our radar. The city has a new Cultural District, on the Douro riverfront, encompassing seven interactive museums, multiple restaurants and bars, exhibitions, and a Wine School (which offers WSET accreditation). For a swish gourmet getaway, stay in The Yeatman, which overlooks the city, or in the old town in the decidedly chic Canto de Luz. The Portuguese are masters of mixing and matching understated pieces that serve both fashion and function.
Anchor a city break capsule wardrobe around a pair of CHINOS, such as vintage-washed chinos by Alex Mill, €235; www.alexmill.com, smartening them up with a crisp shirt or keeping them relaxed with a good quality cotton T-shirt (at COS) and a weather-dependent knit.
Pack a MAC like Zara’s double-breasted water-repellent version, €99.95
Or a suede BOMBER jacket like Baracuta’s Harrington €755; www.mrporter.com. For dining out (Mistu is one of the coolest places in the city), a pair of TAILORED TROUSERS hold their own after dark.
As Porto is characterised by cobbled streets, comfortable shoes are a must: Loro Piana’s Walk LOAFERS, €750, are made from water-resistant leather (or suede) and have cushioned rubber soles. They’re perfect for sightseeing during the day but smart enough for wine bars later (try Prova which has jazz nights too).
A functional BACKPACK is essential. We like Mulberry’s Utility Postman leather backpack, €1,420 at Mulberry, 24 Duke Street, Dublin 2 or Rains minimal backpack, €70; www.rains.com.
FOR WASHBAGS, US brand Dagne Dover’s sturdy neoprene bags are smart and washable: we rate the Hunter toiletry bag in grey or black, (€41.93, www.shopbop.com) or a linen drawstring washbag (€45; www.stableofIreland. com).
Throw in a refillable Modern Botany deodorant spray, (€15; www.designireland.ie), and No 1 de Chanel Red Camellia Cleanser (€54).
…plus some Acqua di Parma minis, (€30 at Brown Thomas). Do leave some room for purchases. Portuguese fashion is thriving – look out for small batch sunglasses by Poente, leather bags by Ideal & Co or Labuta boots: all heritage brands whose forte is craftsmanship and artisanal style.
