By Isla Monroe
I don’t know about you, but when summer hits, I enter my full “romanticizing everything” era. I’m talking about pretending my Brooklyn stoop is a Positano balcony, sipping iced coffee like it’s a €4 cappuccino, and dressing like I just stepped out of an Italian cinema from the 60s.
Italian summer fashion is my love language. It’s timeless, feminine, a little flirty, and always effortless. And the best part? You don’t need a passport or a perfect body or even a big budget to pull it off. These outfits work whether you’re strolling a seaside promenade… or pushing a stroller to the grocery store (hi, that’s me).
So here it is—17 Italian-inspired summer outfits that’ll make you feel like your life deserves a soft-focus film filter.
1. Linen Shirt + Tailored Shorts + Leather Slides
This combo has never failed me. I do a half-tuck with the linen shirt, wear my hair in a low bun, and throw on gold hoops. You look instantly polished, like you might know how to sail.
2.Flowy Midi Dress + Straw Bag + Espadrilles
This is my go-to when I want to feel like the main character. The kind of dress that moves with the breeze and makes you twirl a little while waiting for your Uber (or let’s be honest, the bus).
3. Silky Slip Dress + Flat Sandals + Oversized Sunnies
This is what I’d wear to a 9PM dinner under string lights, even if that dinner is actually me eating burrata alone while my daughter is asleep. Add a spritz, and it’s a vibe.
4. Striped Tee + White Wide-Leg Pants + Espadrilles
There’s something about navy and white stripes that makes you feel like you’re on a yacht. Add bold sunglasses and you’re a minimalist goddess.
5. Eyelet Matching Set + Dainty Jewelry + Low Heels
Matching sets are the ultimate lazy girl hack. You look put-together without even thinking about it. I throw a linen blazer over my shoulders when the breeze kicks in.
6. Puff Sleeve Dress + Lace-Up Sandals + Basket Bag
This is the dress I wear when I need compliments. It’s cute without trying too hard. Perfect for a market stroll or pretending you’re meeting your Italian summer fling.
7. Ribbed Tank + Linen Maxi Skirt + Slides
This is one of those low-effort, high-impact looks. It works for everything from museum days to gelato runs. Add a statement belt if you want to elevate it a bit.
8. Off-the-Shoulder Top + High-Waisted Shorts + Woven Mules
I love showing a little shoulder—it feels flirty but sweet. This outfit screams, “I’m on vacation,” even if I’m sweating through a Brooklyn heatwave.
9. Polka Dot Midi Dress + Kitten Heels + Red Lipstick
Channel your inner vintage Sophia Loren. It’s romantic, feminine, and makes you feel like you could fall in love at any moment (even if it’s just with yourself).
10. Breezy Jumpsuit + Shell Necklace + Platform Sandals
Jumpsuits are so underrated. You don’t have to think too hard, and you can dress them up or down. I love a neutral one with gold accents and a shell necklace I thrifted years ago.
11. Crochet Top + Denim Midi Skirt + Ballet Flats
This one’s for those cooler evenings. I wear this when I want to feel a little artsy, a little retro. I usually throw my hair in a messy bun and add a scarf just because.
12. One-Shoulder Midi Dress + Statement Earrings + Flat Sandals
Asymmetry adds drama—in the best way. This is my Aperol Spritz outfit. Enough said.
13. Square-Neck Sundress + Raffia Hat + Simple Gold Jewelry
This is for when you want to feel delicate and pretty without trying too hard. I wear this when I want to feel like I’m starring in my own coming-of-age summer film.
14. Silk Camisole + Pleated Skirt + Slides
This one makes me feel elegant even when I’m melting. The textures mix beautifully—silk and cotton and gold.
15. Sheer Button-Up + Bralette + Linen Trousers
A little risqué, but tasteful. I wear this when I’m feeling bold or just had an iced coffee that hit extra hard.
16. Spaghetti Strap Dress + Oversized Tote + Tan Sandals
This is my “I just came from the farmer’s market” outfit. Usually I didn’t—but I’ll still fill my tote with fresh flowers and act like I did.
17. Halter Top + Flowy Culottes + Beaded Anklet
Something about culottes always feels chic in the summer. Add a halter and you’re golden. I’ve been loving little anklets lately too—they feel very beachy 2000s (in a good way).
A Few Things I’ve Learned About Dressing Like an Italian Summer Muse:
•Natural fabrics > everything. Linen, cotton, silk—they just feel better on your skin when it’s hot. And they photograph like a dream.
•Accessories matter. A simple dress + the right earrings = magic.
•It’s okay to rewear your favorites. Italians aren’t afraid to rewear beautiful pieces. Style is about how you wear it, not how new it is.
•Romantic doesn’t have to mean fussy. You can look dreamy and put-together in 5 minutes flat if you have a few solid pieces that make you feel good.
Let’s Wrap up with me
Honestly, these aren’t just outfits—they’re little pieces of confidence. Whether I’m chasing my daughter around the park or running errands with sunscreen melting off my face, when I’m wearing something beautiful, I carry myself differently. I feel lighter, softer, more present.
And isn’t that what summer is about?
You don’t have to be in Italy to feel like you’re living a dreamy, romantic life. Sometimes, it just takes the right dress, the right lipstick, and a reminder that you deserve to feel good—even on a random Tuesday.
So grab your sandals, swipe on that gloss, and step into your Italian summer energy. Wherever you are.
Ciao for now, bella 🌸
—Isla
