The Italian Summer Wardrobe You Probably Already Own
What to actually wear in Italy this summer, sweating in style, and keeping things simple.
Good morning from a very hot and humid beginning of July.
All anyone seems to be talking about is the temperature because, yes—shockingly—it’s HOT! Like, hot hot. A colleague recently messaged me after a few days touring Rome, writing on Slack: “Is it always like this?” Alas, yes, it is.
Speaking of summer temps: getting dressed every day has become a (very personal) challenge. Even walking down to our neighborhood bar for a 7:30 a.m. cappuccino freddo makes me hesitate—I dread stepping out of my nightgown because I know that, in under a minute, the humidity will eat me alive.
And lately, I’ve been seeing so much commentary on social media about “what to wear” on your European summer vacation. People are packing curated capsule wardrobes that somehow cost more than the trip itself, while simultaneously posting massive shopping hauls. Let’s be clear: I for one love treating myself to something new before a trip—who doesn’t? But the idea that you need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for a two-week Italian vacation? This is propaganda I am not falling for and neither should you.
There is so much consumerism pressure with a lot of these haul videos to buy an entire new wardrobe for your upcoming trip and it kinda makes you feel…shitty? I have been there! But stepping back, I don’t think it is really necessary to have more than one carry-on suitcase to get you through ESPECIALLY (!!!) if you’re traveling throughout the country via train. You don’t want to have to deal with three jumbo trunks lugging you down in the train station during peak summer travel season. I was at Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale last week and it was mobbed.
At the end of the day, Italy in the summer is hot. Many places don’t have A/C. You’ll want to walk, explore, maybe hop in the sea—of course you do…you’re on vacation…in Italy! Long gone are the days when 7:30 pm rolled around and you could count on a cool breeze for aperitivo and dinner. So: dress accordingly. My rule? Nothing that sticks to you. Jean shorts? No, no, no. Ankle-length silk gowns? Take the risk, but with a grain of salt.
The goal is simple: keep it light—both in color and in fabric. You can still feel put together and put your best fashion foot forward with just a few smart essentials on hand.
Here are my go-to summer packing guidelines, if you will:
White, white, and more white
White? In the summer? I know, I know. It’s not groundbreaking, but did I mention how hot it is? If you tend to be on the sweatier side (hi, it’s me!), then light-colored garments—aka ALL WHITE!—will be your best friend. Think: a great white tee or tank, a babydoll dress, linen or cotton shorts, flowy pants, and breathable button-downs. They’re basic, yet essential enough to mix and match with a few fun pieces.
The perfect shoe trifecta
Hear me out, you will regret packing eight pairs of kitten heels that take up majority of the real estate space in your suite case. Let’s just say Italian streets aren’t necessarily paved to perfection. My rule of thumb is three pairs of shoes: a comfortable walking sneaker, a going-out shoe for dinners/drinks—like a strappy sandal, mesh flat, or ballerina, and a beach shoe. I love a Havaiana flip-flop or a trusty Birkenstock.
Anti-denim bottoms
I love denim, but, sadly, denim does not love me in the summer. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t love shorts in the summer but do always find myself leaning towards a capri or longer summer-appropriate pant! Nothing feels worse than your thighs sticking to the hot plastic chair at an outdoor trattoria. Pants do keep you feeling comfy and cool.
If you’re headed to the beach…
Packing for the beach should be the easiest part. One bathing suit? Not gonna cut it (trust me, I would push the boundaries). I like to bring two or three to rotate. And despite what all those viral TikTok hauls would have you believe, you don’t need a matching Pucci bikini-and-cover-up set to fit in. I see plenty of women wearing printed cotton kaftans, sundresses, flowy beach pants, or a lightweight button-down for sun protection. Also: a closeable beach bag, hat, and sunnies are a must.
Bags in hand
Shoes might be a girl’s best friend, but bags? Now we’re talking. That said, they take up a lot of room. So, like the shoe rule, I follow a three-bag policy: a day-to-day crossbody, a beach bag, and something a bit more special for, yes, dinner and drinks.
Skin & beauty care
Toiletries and makeup are obviously personal, but a non-negotiable for an Italian summer—whether you’re in Bologna or Puglia—is a high-quality face sunscreen.
I love Caudalíe’s SPF 50 Vinosun Protect, which you can find at nearly any pharmacy here. For after-sun care, I recently got turned onto Welda Food Cream. It’s perfect for post-shower nourishment after a long day in the sun, and it’s under 9 euros. Other minis I’m tossing into my beach bag or going-out bag: a trusty deodorant (lol), and a few beauty favorites from EspressOh.
Happy summering! What are some of your non-negotiable packing items or beauty products that you swear by?
Oh how I covet that monogrammed Longchamp! I am forever playing around with color combinations on the website. Alas, my trusty navy with red stitching is holding up annoyingly well so I can't justify a new one 😭
This is such a great list!
I've been wanting to try espressoh for so long, what's your take??