Every summer since moving from Italy my Instagram direct messages What should I pack? They’re planning their European vacations. The answer depends on where you are going. What I put in my weekender bag For a trip to Sardinia, my packing list is very different from that for Tuscany. And, there’s the matter of personal style to address—I like to think I take a little bit of Italian summer style and make it my own.
Still, there are timeless Italian style pieces that will work for all wardrobes and destinations—and to determine the Italian summer style must-haves, I turned to my most fashionable Italian friend, fashion designer Stella Jean. Stella Jean, a protégée of Giorgio Armani and a global style icon, has dressed Rihanna Beyonce Zendaya Sandra Bullock.
Jean gave me some packing tips in her oh so romantic Italian style. Life. tips on how to channel Italian style: “Don’t just pack clothes—pack attitudeShe told me. She says that the Italian summer style she loves is “disinvoltura studiata,” which translates literally to “studied ease” but to Jean, is defined as, “That elusive mix of ease and intention—where linen is always slightly crumpled (but never careless), and sandals are custom-made, possibly in a fishing village with no Wi-Fi but generational savoir-faire.” Jean’s collection is characterized by her signatures, such as her striped button-down shirt The following are some examples of how to get started: bold patterned skirtsChannel that disinvoltura studiata. For eight Italian style tips that Jean gave, you can use them to create your own travel wardrobe for summer.
Linen Set
You can also find out more about My linen wardrobe My husband’s linen summer wardrobe, which I noticed during our first dating summer, has inspired me to buy more. He taught me how to wear and use linen. I now love it, especially in the form a matching set. At the moment, I carry three linen sets! Jean says linen is also appropriate for summer. “It can be slightly crumpled and never careless.” I have selected some of my favourite looks, such as a matching square-neck tank The following are some examples of how to get started: skirt set Madewell and a sleek cropped vest The following are some examples of how to get started: high-rise pant Gap.
A Striped Cotton Poplin Top
The summer button-down shirt has always been a favorite of mine. Button-downs can be worn in many ways. I have worn them for years, whether they are tied at the waist or draped over a bathing suit. The style of the striped cotton poplin shirts I’ve seen in Italy has a lovely familiarity. For Jean, a striped cotton poplin shirt is “a quiet staple of the Italian summer, beloved by philosophers, fishermen, and flâneurs alike.” Stella Jean’s striped shirts In a beautiful blue-and-white have always caught my attention, especially when combined with eye catching skirts. This proves that a striped top is not only a classic but also a neutral. I also discovered an oversized option from Madewell A bright vermilion hue from Gap’s partnership with Dôen that will definitely stand out.
Palazzo Pants
Jean and I both agree that beautiful wide-leg pants and palazzos are a sign of Italian style. The “palazzo” trousers are Italian, hence the name. one of my oft-mentioned style staples. These flowy, comfortable bottoms are perfect for exploring the small towns and villages of Italy, as well as a palazzo in an Italian city. Browse the top-selling Madewell Harlow Trousers If you want a polished look, or the white Quince wide-leg chino pants These are perfect for the summer.
Sandals with Capri Styles in Leather
Jean considers a pair leather Capri sandals to be a must-have for Italian summer fashion. She says, “For me summer isn’t complete without them.” “I began wearing them when I was 14 years old, when my mother and me would have them tailored in Positano or Capri. These are the sandals you can wear to work. [24/7]—from breakfast in linen to evening in a flowing dress.” She says that she has probably 20 pairs of shoes, “bought for pure loyalty and overuse.”
If you are unable to make it to Capri, or Positano, for your fitting get your pair from my husband’s family’s company—I’ll ask my father-in-law to sprinkle in a little Italian sunshine into your package! You can shop leather sandals that look similar, such as this strappy pair from Bernardo The following are some examples of how to use this Cole Haan fisherman sandal.
Wear it from day to night
Jean’s dresses are perfect for any occasion. It is difficult to find pieces that can be worn from daytime to night. “Ask yourself: Would this look out of place at a café at noon or in a piazza at midnight?” She says. “If it works for both places, it’s ready to be worn.” Her most iconic dresses include this. striped floral midi dress Jean’s half-Haitian heritage was reflected in the full skirt and striped cotton shirt, which are both reminiscent of Caribbean prints. As seen with flats and a striped cotton poplin shirt on style star Luna de Casanova Or with heeled sandals on Jean herselfA versatile dress that is stylish for day and night. Dresses that have a similar look from day to night include this gingham number from Gap x Dôen The following are some examples of how to get started: this lightweight pinstripe Quince dress Made of European linen.
Skirts with Print
Jean suggests packing a skirt in a vibrant print, especially if it’s tropical. While styling a photoshoot in Ravello, along the Amalfi coast, I used a draped cobalt linen skirt. It’s one of my favourite looks. I paired it with a crisp button-down in white. This Stella Jean Midi Wrap Skirt It reminds me that day and the beautiful shoot, and I could imagine packing it with a crisp tank or button-down. I found some more eye-catching dresses to pack as an outfit upgrade. a colorful midi linen skirt Banana Republic a forest green printed skirt Amazon has a sale on for $25.
Pinstripes
The Italian pinstripes. Jean mentioned pinstripes when casually naming items to punctuate your outfit. The classic Italian look is a favorite of everyone, from politicians in Rome to bankers in Milan. Pinstripes come in a wide variety of styles, including these wide-leg yellow linen pants Mango or these Everlane barrel-leg pants With a pinstripe in dark denim.
Light Scarf
When I was packing for my vacation to Sardinia with my husband, I said, “I will pack a scarve.” It might be breezy at night.” Have I become Italian now? Jean joked, when she put a scarf in her list of things to pack: “Italians are forever convinced that this is true.” il colpo d’aria It is a present and real danger.” Your throat will get exposed and you’ll cough! A scarf is a great accessory that can be worn several different ways. Jean, for example, styles a scarf perfectly. The first time I met her, she was wearing a gorgeous head scarf with a trench coat. I immediately styled the same scarf to fly from Rome to Nice. These silky scarves will make your Italian vacation a breeze, whether you are tying knots or wearing them as a head scarf. this linen scarf around your neck or this parrot-patterned one Over your head or tied around your purse
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