We Live in Italy and Swear By These Summer Staples
Let me paint a little picture: It’s summer, you’re on vacation, and you’re staying in Rome. You’ve just spent the morning winding through the cobbled streets while snacking on gelati. Or maybe you’ve been lounging by the beach in Sicily, and you’re now ordering an obligatory pizza to devour in a patch of sunlight. Dreamy, right?
There’s something about the idea of spending the summer in Italy and Italian fashion itself. Even though I’m a self-proclaimed Francophile and live in New York, I understand that the Italians embody effortless style. It’s why Italian luxury brands (hello, Prada, Versace, Bottega Veneta) hold such a prominent place in fashion, why we all dream of jetting off just for the chance to soak up the Tuscan sun, and why I've finished Stanley Tucci’s memoir in one sitting. The Italians know fashion, so it only makes sense that when searching for inspiration for the summer, we’d want to go straight to the source.
Ahead, we reached out to nine stylish Italian women from across the nation to have them share the staples they swear by, what trends they’re loving right now and what they'd pack for a trip to Italy. Consider this your crash course in embracing la dolce vita.
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@fedecarrieWHO: Federica Carra, content creator
WHERE: Venice, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
Minimal and chic with an Italian twist.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
Relax, slow down, and enjoy the Italian dolce vita. In terms of what to wear, I recommend you pay attention to detail; we love to match our accessories for a timeless and elegant look. Also, try to avoid straw hats with long floral dresses—it looks like a stereotype of the Italian vacation and is very touristy. Instead, go with timeless garments in high-quality fabrics (i.e., a silk or a linen set) and elevate the look with accessories such as a headscarf, designer sunglasses, and dainty jewelry.
Italian brand Gia Borghini knows clever design - just check out that heel.
This skirt was made for walking - the side panel will accentuate your movement.
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@campadel_mariaWHO: Campadel Maria, Founder of the We Are Busy Agency
WHERE: Milan, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d describe my style as colorful, casual, and sporty chic. My style is definitely a mix of everything—not only of styles but also all the different feelings I have on any given day. My mood certainly affects the way I dress.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
This is a good question! I can’t recognise a real Italian style because most varied—there’s everyone from the fashionista addicted to the latest It item to a sneakerhead obsessed with the newest release. However, I don't know why, but as soon as we see someone abroad wearing a waist bag, any Italian thinks, "There's an Italian!”
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@martina_tinarelliWHO: Martina Tinarelli, content creator
WHERE: Perugia, Umbria, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
What a question! In my opinion, style is fluid; it can change based on many factors, but mine is always contemporary and feminine with a touch of boho.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
I don’t think that there’s anything to avoid, you should always wear what makes you feel confident and powerful. But if you want to look like an Italian on vacation, wear linen clothes (shirts, dresses, co-ord sets). And don’t forget to bring flats, oversize sunglasses, and long boho dresses. Pack these pieces, and you’ll fit right in.
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@glitterpeonyWHO: Antonella Di Santi
WHERE: South Italy, Campania
How would you describe your personal style?
I always try to stick with my own style, and I love mixing everything: masculine and feminine, chic and sporty.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
Take inspiration from nature and the cities you visit; you should be guided by the colors and the architecture around you. I think it’s essential to avoid stereotypes and not overdress.
A floaty maxi skirt is just the thing for sizzling hot days.
Make it a full 90s moment with a white tee underneath.
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@eelisa.sartoriWHO: Elisa Sartori, content creator
WHERE: Rome, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is constantly evolving, but I think it would fall into the category of the city girl with a touch of rock elements and some colourful pieces. I love wearing staples modernly, styling them with fun little elements that make the outfit pop.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
The Italian style à la dolce vita is all about opulence and elegance. This translates to long white linen dresses, heeled sandals, and maybe a big straw hat in the summer. Little advice, anything from Cult Gaia is the best you can have in your baggage. To blend in, you should avoid packing sporty pieces and anything that can make you faint in warm weather (like a black long-sleeve top) because trust me—you will overheat. You’ll feel much better with a flowy dress, a miniskirt, and a tank top combo.
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@beeliseWHO: Elisabetta Gentili
WHERE: Viterbo, Lazio, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is minimalistic, casual, and comfortable but also very chic. I think my style is kinda “street style” with a pinch of evergreen clothes. I follow fashion trends, but I try not to buy too many microtrends because they go out of fashion after a while—I prefer to buy basic clothes that stand the test of time.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
Less is better. Yes, cool and original fashion items are great but don’t try to overexaggerate. Yes, to colours, but make sure they match well. And please, no Crocs, Bermudas, or hiking boots.
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@sara.rhodioWHO: Sara Rhodio, content creator
WHERE: Rome, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
My style depends mainly on what I'm inspired by at the moment. I find inspiration everywhere—it can be a person, a city, a cool brand, Pinterest, or a celebrity. Of course, I prefer a minimalistic aesthetic with simple silhouettes and colors, with a ‘90s revival, but I’m open to whatever sparks inspiration.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
Take it slowly and enjoy your days in Italy. Go for an espresso and cornetto in the morning. Enjoy the famous dolce far niente (sweetness doing nothing) at the beach, and you must order the Pizza Rossa after a swim in the sea. In terms of what to pack, try to wear natural fabrics and light colors and avoid wearing synthetic clothes; they will make you feel warmer!
For protection from the sun and a stylish finishing touch.
Just the enough sparkle for any outfit - from smart to casual looks.
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@valerialborghettiWHO: Valeria Alborghetti, content creator and creative strategist
WHERE: Milan
How would you describe your personal style?
I have a minimal and refined style. I always try to buy timeless pieces in neutral colors, something you don’t get tired of and can always pull out for a last-minute outfit. I always try to appear chic and not ordinary but always without any exaggeration.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
The secret is: Less is more. A big no to big straw hats is a very touristy thing. Instead of wearing pieces with elaborate patterns or too many logos, go for a minimal and plain outfit, as you can never go wrong with neutrals. And don't wear too high heels as flat sandals are always the best choice.
The breeze off-shoulder style is a must for the Italian heat.
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@elena_impieriWHO: Elena Impieri, content creator
WHERE: Calabria, Italy
How would you describe your personal style?
My style is sophisticated with a bit of fun. I love a clean outfit, my go-tos are usually neutrals, but sometimes I do love to add a pop of color depending on my mood.
For those of us dreaming of travelling to Italy this summer, what do you feel is the secret to blending in like a true Italian native? Anything we should avoid packing or wearing?
If you want to blend in like an Italian on your travels, enjoy the food, enjoy the wine, try the language (it doesn’t matter if you mess up—that’s the fun part), try the little local shops and restaurants rather than the usual tourist places. When it comes to clothing, the summer is so hot, so try not to pack heavy fabrics or uncomfortable footwear. You want to be prepared for a lot of walking as there’s usually a lot of that involved in most places in Italy.
