Chiara Boni La Petite Robe

Chiara Boni was born in Florence and began her career in 1971 by opening a boutique there called You Tarzan Me Jane. She was among the first in Italy to experiment with Lycra in fashion fabrics, and stretch became the heart of La Petite Robe, which launched in 2007. The first collection was just 14 black dresses, in a fabric from Eurojersey, and the point was travel. The dresses could be rolled up small, washed in a hotel shower and left to dry overnight, so nothing needed ironing. That is a very different promise from most evening dresses, and the first group here carries it into gowns. The Soleo floral-print column gown, the Nitsa floral-embellished halter column gown and the Gudruly floral-appliqué halterneck gown are the evening choices, and the Vepse strapless mermaid gown is the most dramatic. The draped faux wrap dress and the Bozena draped wrap-front dress are the easier ones, with a shape that moves. The Yaras embellished velvet dress, the Safia jersey layered mini and the Shire embellished midi cover the shorter lengths. If you are packing a suitcase, my guide to packing a designer vacation wardrobe is a good place to see how pieces like these travel.

The second group is where the brand's tailoring shows up most. The Sedva sequin-embellished sheath midi, the Haby brooch peplum sheath dress and the Klara chain-trim bodycon midi are structured and body-conscious, and the Brynn lace-embellished bodycon midi is the romantic version. The Noori halter mermaid gown, the Ajour bateau-neck mermaid gown and the side ruched halter gown with an asymmetric ruffle are the long ones. For sleeves, there are the Hesup embellished cap sleeve dress, the Onori long sleeve sequin flower midi, the Maode lace bodice V neck dress and the Wang three-quarter sleeve side ruffle dress. The Arun tie-waist midi and the Elham asymmetric sash midi are the ones that adjust with the waist. I would use the sequin and lace dresses for the kind of cocktail evening that begins before dark. What I would skip is pairing the bodycon midis with a heavy structured coat, since the jersey needs a layer that follows the line of the dress.

La Petite Robe is known for its Italian-made stretch jersey and tailoring, and the separates here make use of both. The Skyla floral wide-leg pants are the printed pair, the Nuccia crop pants and the Chivy sugar pants are the simpler ones, while the Eryda velvet flared pants and the metallic ribbed knit pants are the evening ones. The Lumi high-waisted pencil midi skirt and the velvet-effect pencil skirt are slim and simple. The Ritz Bic 2-piece houndstooth cardigan and skirt set is the one to wear as a full look. For ideas about how to style a skirt, I wrote about fall skirts, which is a good companion. In 2019 it became the first women's fashion brand to earn the European PEF, or Product Environmental Footprint, certification, a notable milestone for a label built on pieces that are made to be worn again and again.

The top group is the sparkly one. The Mique shimmer off the shoulder top and the Mausi velvet illusion top are for evening, and the Lissia embellished sweater and the crystal-embellished three-quarter sleeve sweater bring the shine to knitwear. The Estik striped boatneck top and the Kyung asymmetric gathered top are the quiet pieces, and the belted floral-print midi shirtdress works for daytime. The Mativel jacket is the layer to add. Pair a shimmer top with one of the velvet pants above, or a striped boatneck with a pencil skirt, and you have a complete outfit that can be rolled into a bag. Picture her at a hotel dinner in a velvet illusion top, the suitcase already unpacked.

The last group holds four standouts. The Amatista satin bolero is the cover-up for any of the gowns, and the Doradus beaded midi sheath is the evening one. The Liyan belted striped maxi shirtdress and the Feria floral-embroidered maxi shirtdress are the relaxed ones, and both are easy to pack. If you are dressing for a wedding as a parent, there are a few helpful ideas in my mother of the bride guide. A bolero over a sheath is a nice shortcut to a formal look, and the maxi shirtdresses work as a relaxed alternative when the invitation says garden party or dinner on the terrace. Keep the jewelry small, because the embroidery and beading are already doing the talking.

The brand is now owned by the Germanetti family and has boutiques in Rome, Milan and Monte Carlo, but I keep returning to the original idea of 14 black dresses that fit in a suitcase. I would take one gown, one midi sheath and a bolero, and that is the whole trip. For more packing ideas, see the vacation wardrobe, edited.