- BY ISSIMO
- July 10, 2023
Summer fashion might be our favourite. The closet brims with nothing but light blouses and breezy dresses; the shoe rack is an eclectic mix of colourful sandals and elegant-yet-comfortable clogs. We switch between Panama hats and cool dad caps; use one type of bag – usually a raffia or straw one – from morning to evening, and are surrounded by happy prints, lively accessories and bold sartorial choices.
Pretty great, right? Italy, in particular, is a great place to fully embrace hot-weather style, as the country basically invented it centuries back. From ChicISSIMO resort wear to laidback canvas kicks, Italians are masters of poolside dressing, and offer plenty of inspiration to channel that same spirit. Here’s how to nail the perfect Italian summer look.
Rock those boho vibes
your time outside. There’s nothing fussy or staid about an Italian holiday: We’re all about the dolce vita and il dolce far niente.
To capture those chilled, easy vibes, consider introducing a few boho-chic pieces to your closet – like this linen Susie Top by Rome-based brand Amotea. Hippie yet sophisticated, flattering yet super comfortable, it says ‘summer mood’ at a glance. Our tip? Pair it with colour-block pants, a patterned pair of shorts, or a floral skirt (see below!).
Go flowy or go home
Comfort drives much of our sartorial choices in Italy, and for good reason: With all those ancient monuments to explore, san pietrini-laden streets to walk on and maze-like historic towns to get lost in, Italian tastemakers don’t like to wear clothes they can’t actually do things in. That’s all the truer in the summer, when outdoor life makes up so much of our days.
So embrace comfort, too – but make it high fashion, with dynamic and timeless pieces like this ISSIMO x Loretta Caponi Romee Long Skirt. Beautifully relaxed and a little edgy thanks to its cool cacti-inspired print, it’s so effortless you’ll never want to take it off. Style it with white or beige trainers like the all-Italian Superga, and you’re good to go.
When in Italy…chances are you’ll walk a fair bit. As mentioned above, our heritage-rich country is made for walking, which means you should pick your footwear accordingly. Forget towering heels or stouty platforms. Instead, opt for easy-to-slip-in sandals and soft flats. Our personal rec? These Aquazzura Almost Bare Sandals. Crafted in Italy in a precious golden hue and with the smoothest calf leather, they are chic, they’re cool, and they’ll carry you wherever you go – not a blister in sight.
Be kind to your feet
One bag fits all
The beauty of summer is that you can bid arrivederci to hefty totes and heavy backpacks stuffed with anything from scarves to chapsticks and go light instead. Italians know it. The moment the temperatures drop, we set aside our bulky bags and take out a cacophony of smaller carriers, from raffia buckets and straw clutches to funky canvases and essential cases, like the ISSIMO x Tanner Krolle Vanity Bag. Hand-crafted in Italy using the most premium Italian calfskin leather in a colour that exudes the quintessential Mediterranean summer, it captures the Italian lifestyle in bag form.
Don’t forget the details
Yes, Italy’s fashionistas like to keep things nice and easy during summer, but that doesn’t mean they like to be predictable. Quite the opposite. Italians might be donning a simple floral dress and a pair of flats come June, July or August, but their attention to details is impeccable, and very much a driver of many outfits.
That goes for hats, sunglasses, and, just as importantly, jewellery. Wearing an elaborate bauble with the most relaxed frock is a lesson in style, editing, and savoir faire – all traits we’re pretty good at. To nail it all, consider pairing a simple dress with statement earrings, like these ISSIMO x Percossi Papi stunners. Called Roma thanks to their minute reproduction of the Arch of Constantine and the Pantheon, they’re embellished with peridots, garnets, cultured pearls and tiny natural pearls, mounted on 24kt gold plated sterling silver. In other words, they look fabulous – the most original way to elevate any outfit.
