We're a Couple That Traveled Through Europe—6 Staples We Both Wore to Look Chic

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(Image credit: Rachel Besser)

The phrase "fashion power couple" is the first thought that comes to mind when describing Rachel Besser and David Perry. With Besser as a Vogue contributor and fashion director and Perry at the helm of his namesake jewelry label, the duo has a pulse on what matters in the fashion world. While they each have their own unique and inspiring personal styles, their vibes often mesh, focusing on outfits that feature forward staples and elevated basics. This results in the two gravitating toward similar pieces on the regular.

On that note, the couple recently vacationed in Europe and actually shared many pieces to maximize suitcase storage. For the most part, the shared pieces fell in that basics category to easily mix and match. 

Below, you'll uncover the specific items Besser and Perry wore throughout Europe, complete with visual inspiration. There are also shopping recommendations if you're interested in adding a fresh piece to your own wardrobe.

Trouser Shorts

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(Image credit: Rachel Besser)

With limited space in their shared carry-on, a pair of trousers shorts became a go-to staple for both Besser and Perry, with a belt included. "These shorts not only allowed us to feel comfortably dressed up, but they were also perfect for exploring Portrait Milano, an incredible hotel just steps from the Duomo," Besser said.

Shop shorts:

Cashmere Sweater + Blazer

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(Image credit: Rachel Besser)

Besser and Perry also ventured to Piedmont, Italy, and stayed at the Relais San Maurizio, nestled right in the heart of wine country. Besser mentioned that this part of Italy offered a stark contrast to Milan with chillier temperatures, so layers were key. The duo alternated between an oversize navy-blue cashmere sweater and Perry's suit jacket he packed for a wedding that marked the start of their trip to London. "The suit jacket came in handy, serving as an extra layer to throw over our shoulders on especially chilly days and evenings," Besser said.

Shop sweaters and blazers:

White Tee + Jeans

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(Image credit: Rachel Besser)

While in the South of France, Perry wore a white tee and Adrian Cashmere white denim on the way to the San Maurizio hotel. Besser then wore the same outfit on the way to wine country in Nice, France.

Shop tees and jeans:

Belt Bag

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(Image credit: Rachel Besser)

While staying at Fouquet's Paris, Besser and Perry took turns wearing a shared belt bag depending on whose outfit it complemented better. "There's something reassuring about being hands-free with all your belongings in sight while exploring the city," Besser stated. "It allowed us to easily hop onto a bike or wander around the city without the worry of leaving a purse behind at a restaurant or sunglasses or lip balm falling out of your pockets."

Shop belt bags:

Now, shop jewelry from David Perry:

Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.