5 Items Italian Women Actually Pack For 'Euro Summer'

After the amount of attention this note got last week, it not only inspired this piece but also made me feel a lot less alone. Clearly, more than 1,000 of us are sick of the content machines feeding us what “cool” women wear, when, in reality, it’s just a handful of brands pushed by strong affiliate link rewards. No shade to anyone getting their bag, but a little shade to the idea that this is actually what “European” women are wearing.

Alas, I am here to say that packing is much simpler than we think, whether it is a trip to the south of France or the Italian Riviera, and Italian women have shown me the way. There are no head-to-toe Pucci sets or vintage Dolce & Gabbana bikini tops that require dancing on chairs and spinning napkins at some bougie day club in these carry-on suitcases. It is simple pieces that feel baked into Italian vacation DNA, without leaning into a cheesy, la dolce vita version.

Which is what I love about the way many Italian women dress, and honestly, French and Spanish women, too. There is no strict, season-after-season trending blueprint; just hero pieces with a clear throughline that somehow always come full circle. Shall we? These are 5 items that would most likely end up in an Italian’s suitcase come July or August, featuring real inspo and guidance from Italian women whose style I admire!

The Pareo (aka The Sarong)

Not a skirt, nor a dress, nor a kaftan, but a pareo. Just a simple piece of cloth that somehow travels a thousand kilometers through the closets of so many Italians. It is chic, colorful, comfortable, and, most importantly, adaptable. Wear it around your waist before a daytime swim, throw it over your shoulders for dinner, or tie it into whatever you need it to be in between.

The Leather Sandals

A high-quality leather sandal can and will carry you from morning to night if the right hands make it. Jackie Kennedy was onto something when she took a liking to the Capri sandal, because those straps are nailed in and quite possibly the only type of shoe that you can wear without the fear of breaking.

And yes, the Capri sandal has made its way to the masses, but Italian women still pack a pair or two on vacation and call it a day (that’s right, no 18 different shoe options in these suitcases). For some of the best brands around Capri and the coast, check out my sandal roundup here.

The Raffia Tote

A raffia tote is basically synonymous with an Italian summer, and I am very much here for it. Raffia is easy to work with, adaptable, and can take a beating from sand and water, since raffia actually loves water (it is how artisans soften and shape the material into the bags and pieces we wear and love today). It is one of those pieces that makes absolute sense, and there is no need for further explanation.

The Perfect Oversized Shirt

Much like a pareo, an oversized shirt feels like a second skin for many Italians. It is no wonder, considering Italy’s deep sartorial roots, with craftsmanship and sartorie dating back to the 14th century. Linen or poplin, keep it baggy and light, and get playful with the sleeve cuffs.

Evening Pops of Color

I see so many stereotypical posts about how Italians love cheetah print and black outfits. Sure, maybe. But many also love a pop of color, mixing prints, and leaning into a bit of contrast, especially in the summer months when everything works better against a tan!

Some favorites on my wishlist

For more of my work:

I hope you’re feeling inspired! Xxx