In Italy, the term villeggiatura evokes nostalgic images of past decades, where families could be seen in black-and-white photos, cramming into Fiat station wagons for their summer migration to the coast or mountains. During the ’50s and ’60s, these trips were more akin to seasonal relocations than mere vacations, often involving moving wardrobes and routines, along with enough luggage to fill a small villa. Although times have evolved, the cherished tradition of the Italian summer getaway remains unchanged. For those who hold this custom dear, Carolina Castiglioni has prepared the essentials with care.
Plan C’s latest collection offers a wide array of options to dress an entire season of hopeful excursions. With an artistic legacy evident in the Castiglioni family, it is unsurprising that Carolina Castiglioni’s “basics” are basic only in a technical sense. They are highly wearable yet elevate conventional basics to a new standard. The brand’s appeal lies in its thoughtful design featuring a subtle modernist touch, innovative fabrics with a hint of technology, and pricing that is reasonable without being exorbitant.
Carolina Castiglioni and her children serve as the brand’s most compelling representatives. They embody the desirable Plan C lifestyle, spending summers between Forte dei Marmi and Switzerland, always dressed as if part of the most stylish summer camp. The typical attire includes windbreakers, crisp oversized shirts with functional pockets, and sailor trousers designed to avoid nautical clichés.
The beachwear collection follows a similar aesthetic. Trapeze dresses made from compact white cotton exude a charming innocence, adorned with detachable geometric flowers that highlight their modernist flair, while boxy shirts feature Hawaiian florals drawn in a playful style.
“For me, utility and femininity are best companions,” says Castiglioni, whose brand of elegance maintains a lighthearted tone. Her cleverly designed clothes carry a touch of humor, encouraging even the most dedicated professionals in Milan to consider a summer retreat.
