No matter how many time zones I cross, this quintessential travel essential goes the distance.

I’m forever on the lookout for clothing that’s not only figure flattering, versatile, and über comfortable, but that also packs down to nothing, breathes well, is machine-washable and doesn’t need ironing. 

Enter Icebreaker’s Superfine Villa Dress, a lightweight merino wool classic that moves easily across seasons and continents. Perfect for travelling and packing light.

During a recent adventure yacht cruise in Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, the superfine merino fabric of this dress was ideally suited to the desert climate: keeping me cool in the heat of the day, and warm at night. Add leggings and a wrap, and I’m as comfortable in Alaska as Baja. 

As I write this review, I’m in the process of packing for a year (or two) of nomadic exploration in Central and South America; an endeavor that requires me to fit only my most essential goods and gadgets into one checked bag, one carry-on and one laptop/camera bag. Be assured - this dress WILL be in my bag.  

Available at www.Icebreaker.com as well as the Travel Store at EllenBarone.com powered by Amazon. Suggested retail price: $110.00. 

About Icebreaker:

Launched in 1994, Icebreaker was the first company in the world to develop a merino fibre layering system for the outdoors. It was also the first outdoor apparel company in the world to source merino directly from growers, a system it began in 1997. There are now 20-25 distinct pure merino fabrics in the Icebreaker system, covering underwear, mid layer, and outerwear. Icebreaker is sold in more than 2,000 stores in 24 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia and North America. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, Icebreaker uses only pure merino hand-picked from 120 high country stations in the country’s Southern Alps to create edgy outdoor clothing that combines nature’s work with human technology and design. The company is committed to sustainability, ethical manufacturing and animal welfare. In 2008 the company launched “Icebreaker Baacode,” a pioneering supply chain transparency and traceability program. Each Icebreaker includes a unique Baacode, which enables customers to trace the garment online from rearing the sheep through to each stage of the supply chain process.