You’ll love these 35+ Italy outfit ideas that will turn heads from rome to capri and back!
Italy—with it’s enchanting ancient cities and sun kissed coastlines, where every street corner promises a vista or a story, and where fashion is as deeply ingrained in the culture as pasta and fine wine. In this guide, I’ve curated over 25 Italy summer outfits that will make you feel chic and glamorous under the Italian Sun, whether you’re sipping spritzes in Capri or strolling ancient ruins in Rome
From the Amalfi Coast, with it’s dazzling cliffside villages to Lake Como with its unrivaled allure of natural beauty and luxurious villas, from the charming shores of Portofino to the ancient ruins Rome and the bustling streets of Sicily, Italian Summer is the perfect backdrop for fashionistas to show off their Summer style.
When traveling to Italy in the summer, curating the perfect packing list and vacation wardrobe becomes half the fun of planning the trip itself.
I’ve also included essential packing tips that promise to make your Italian holiday a breeze and ensure that every outfit is as picturesque as the places you’ll visit and reflects that quintessential Italian style.
If you’re looking for more European Summer inspired packing guides you’ll also love these posts:
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WEATHER IN ITALY
Summer in Italy is synonymous with warm weather and plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect destination for soaking up the sun this time of year. The average temperatures range in the Summer months varies depending on your destination, but typically July and August tend to be the warmer months to visit. Southern Italy tends to be a bit warmer than Northern Italy, and coastal cities tend to have a bit more of a breeze than landlocked areas like Tuscany. Check out our weather cheat sheet for your Italy trip below:
- Amalfi Coast: The average temperature in Italy’s Amalfi Coast in the summer ranges from the high-70s at night to the mid-80s during the day. The sea temperature is usually around 75°F to 81°F (24°C to 27°C)
- Cinque Terre: Dry and sunny, with highs in the mid-70s during the day and lows in the mid-60s at night.
- Lake Como: Mostly sunny, with the occasional rainstorm. Temperatures range from highs in the mid-70s during the day to lows in the mid-60s at night.
- Portofino: Dry and sunny, with highs in the mid-80s during the day to lows in the mid-70s at night.
- Rome: Dry and sunny, with highs in the low-90s during the day and lows in the high-60s at night.
- Sardinia: Mostly sunny, with the occasional rainstorm. Temperatures range from highs in the mid-90s during the day to lows in the mid-70s at night.
- Sicily: Mostly sunny and hot days, with balmy evenings. Temperatures range from highs in the mid-90s during the day to lows in the mid-70s at night.
ITALY PACKING TIPS
- Use Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage with packing cubes to maximize space and keep your belongings organized so you can easily find things. This helps so much when you’re hopping between islands and having to unpack and repack a few times. I’ve included my favorites below.
- Plan Your Outfits: Keep your packing list short by focusing on versatile pieces that you can wear more than once. Take photos of your outfits on your phone before you pack, so you know exactly what you have and can easily throw on a look.
- Keep Your Valuable in Your Carry On: I never risk packing any of my nice jewelry or handbags in my checked luggage in case it gets lost or stolen. I also travel with a mini portable safe for valuables in case my accommodations don’t have one.
- Air Tags, Air Tags, AIR TAGS: I never travel without putting an air tag in every single piece of luggage, and you shouldn’t either. It makes tracking down lost luggage so much easier and gives you peace of mind.
my italy packing list
CLOTHING
☐ Swimsuits
☐ Beach dress / swim coverup
☐ Lightweight tops (linen, cotton)
☐ Flowing skirts or shorts
☐ Light weight pants
☐ Chic dinner dresses
☐ Light sweater or wrap for cooler evenings
☐ Activewear for activities
☐ Socks
☐ Underwear
☐ Cozy plane outfit
SHOES + ACCESSORIES
☐ Flat sandals (casual and dressy)
☐ Espadrilles or Wedges (skip the heels)
☐ Athletic shoes (for excursions)
☐ Daytime Bag + Beach bag
☐ Chic evening bag
☐ Straw hat or wide-brimmed hat
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Jewelry
MISCELLANEOUS
☐ Make up / Skincare / Hair Products
☐ Sunscreen / Insect repellent
☐ Laundry bag / Swimsuit bag
☐ Travel adapter / Charging cables
ITALY PACKING LIST
- Lightweight Clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton and linen that will keep you comfortable during the hot days. Think flowing dresses, maxi skirts, sleeveless top, tailored short shorts and breezy linen pants. I recommend packing neutral colors for the daytime, and avoiding dark colors like black tops that soak up the heat from the sun.
- Dresses: My go-to uniform for summer in Europe. Maxi dresses are effortlessly chic and can easily be worn day or night, dressed up or down for any occasion. A chic wrap dress is perfect for transitioning from day to evening. Simple white dresses are a great idea for daytime to keep you cooler, and can be accessorized with Pucci scarf and a stylish pair of sunglasses to make you feel like a glamorous movie star right out of a 1950s Italian film.
- Swimsuits: I like to pack multiple bathing suit options, to give them time to dry in between wears. Think cute Bikinis for lounging on the beach, and perhaps some one piece options for activities like swimming and snorkeling.
- Shoes: Stylish, yet comfortable sandals are a must-have for exploring the cobblestone streets and a sijple pair of sanddals, like flip-flops, are a necessity for the sandy beaches of the Italy. I also recommend packing some chic, comfortable pair of sneakers, for walking around ancient ruins and any exploring. You can leave the high heels at home, unless you know you’re going to be traveling to and from dinners strictly by taxi, and opt for wedges or espadrilles instead. Mind the cobblestones!
- Wide-Brimmed Hat and Sunglasses: Essential for protection from the Mediterranean sun while adding a touch of style.
- Light Jacket: It does tend to get a bit cooler in the evenings in Italy in the Summer, especially near the seaside. For this, I recommend packing a light sweater, a dress with long sleeve or a leather jacket to throw on when the sun goes down.
- Athleisure: If you’re planning on doing anything active like an early morning walk or yoga, I recommend bringing a cute workout set or two.
- Cozy Plane Outfit: Plane rides tend to be freezing, especially on a long flight, so be sure to wear something warm that you can easily throw in your bag upon arrival.
- Beach Bags: I recommend bringing a chic Beach bag that can easily fold up and takes up less room in your suitcase. Trust me, you don’t want to ruin your cute straw tote trying to use it as your carry-on bag on the plane.
- Swimsuit Bag for your wet bikinis so you don’t have to wear them all day long if you’re out and about.
- Waterproof Bag to keep essentials like your cell phone and cameras dry and sand free if you’re out on a boat trip or at the beach.
- Electrical Converter: I highly recommend getting an International electrical travel converter that can be used to plug in electronics anywhere in the world. up a steep ramp
- Laundry Bag: This is a personal preference, but I always like to bring a laundry bag with me for dirty clothes, to keep them separate from my clean ona great
my long-haul flight
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
ITALY SUMMER OUTFITS
With the right wardrobe essentials and a touch of Italian dress code inspired style, you can explore this beautiful country while looking effortlessly chic from the colorful coastal towns of Cinque Terre to the Amalfi’s coast citrus-scented streets. Embrace the dolce vita life and let your personal style reflect the vibrant glamour of these Italy inspired outfit ideas below that are perfect for enjoying the warmer weather.
The Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast are synonymous with color—from the deep blues of the sea to the vibrant yellows and pinks of the coastal buildings that mirror its lively culture and picturesque settings. Embrace Missoni-style prints with their iconic zigzag patterns in multicolor for that perfect Italian summer look. These pieces not only resonate with the lively atmosphere but also stand out in the sun-drenched settings, making them perfect for both seaside lounging and a night out on the piazza. These bold, colorful outfits not only make for stunning photos but also reflect the joyous spirit of Italian summers.
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Embrace the fiery passion of Italy with bold red hues that symbolize the heart of Italian fashion. This vibrant color exudes confidence and a deep connection to Italian culture, making it an essential part of any summer wardrobe destined for Italy. Imagine yourself wearing a flowing red maxi dress or a chic crop top paired with linen shorts as you dine by the Mediterranean sunset. Better yet, why not rock the classic red lip á la Sophia Loren. Red is not merely a color; it’s a statement. It captures the essence of Italian vitality and is perfect for creating a standout look, whether you’re clinking glasses in a lively piazza or taking a leisurely stroll through the local markets.
The Ultimate Italy Packing Guide for Summer.
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PS – This post isn’t over yet, there’s more below!
What to Wear in Italy in the Summer. Outfits to wear in Italy and Italy outfits for summer in Italy including the beautiful towns of Italy, Portofino, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Taormina, Positano, Rome and Lake Como!
Dive into the laid-back sophistication of the 70s Italian Bohemian style, and embrace that relaxed summer feeling of ‘Il Dolce Far Niente’. The iconic Pucci prints, renowned for their vibrant colors and bold patterns, is the perfect way to embrace this trend. Think flare pants and breezy maxi dresses that sway with the Amalfi breeze. Pair these statement pieces with simple, airy crop tops or elegant wrap skirts for a look that is both timeless and effortlessly chic. Accessorize with a chic straw tote filled with your beach essentials or a handmade leather crossbody bag from the markets in Florence. This style pays homage to Italy’s rich fashion heritage while offering modern comfort and versatility, ideal for a day exploring Italy’s picturesque villages or an evening of fine dining under the stars.
Bright, Limoncello yellow captures the essence of the sun-drenched island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, bringing a cheerful spirit to your summer outfits. Opt for a sundress sprinkled with lemon prints, or accessorize with a lemon-hued handbag to brighten up a neutral palette. This look is perfect for a sunset cruise along the Amalfi Coast or a sophisticated dinner overlooking the turquoise waters of Portofino. Embrace this zesty trend to add a slice of Italian summer joy to your travel ensemble with our favorite lemon inspired pieces below.
Channel the timeless elegance of the Italian Riviera with outfits that speak of understated luxury and classic chic. Invoke the spirit of Italian cinema with retro-inspired looks that make you feel like an Italian woman starring in a Fellini film… Think Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief— classic silhouettes and sophisticated pieces that pay tribute to Italy’s glamorous past. High-waisted shorts, knotted white shirts, and flowing sundresses paired with elegant headscarves create a nostalgic look that is perfect for traversing Italy’s idyllic towns on the back of a Vespa. Accessorize with oversized sunglasses and a sleek crossbody bag for a day of adventure, or dress up with bold jewelry for an evening of elegance. Retro Italian flair is about capturing the spirit of a bygone era and reimagining it for today’s stylish traveler.
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Each outfit idea detailed above is crafted to ensure you not only look the part but also feel immersed in the Italian culture and comfortable throughout your travels. These style tips, coupled with essential packing advice, are designed to prepare you for a summer in Italy filled with beauty, adventure, and fashion. Embrace each moment with the confidence that your wardrobe is as ready for the journey as you are.
The most important thing for your first time in Italy? Pack light, think versatile, and choose pieces that help you blend in—not stand out like an American tourist. We love Italian style and Italian fashion, and this curated list of Italy outfit ideas ensures you’ll arrive ready to embrace the vibe. From stylish travel outfits for Italy to chic outfits for Italy that take you from aperitivo hour to cobblestone strolls, these are the summer outfits for your Italy trip that will have you living la dolce vita. Save this packing list for Italy in summer for future Italian vacations and Europe summer travel outfits—and don’t forget to toss in your water bottle, travel sizes, and a reliable tour guide for your summer trip. Because the best time to feel fabulous in Italian cities… is now.
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Wondering what to pack for your Italy summer vacation? You’re in the right place. This Italy outfits packing list has everything you need to look like a glamorous Italian woman while embracing the warm weather, hot days, and cooler evenings of your Italian summer trip. Whether it’s a city break in Rome or the Vatican City, or a sun-soaked beach vacation on the Amalfi Coast, my go-to travel wardrobe includes breezy white dresses, linen shorts, and chic yet casual outfits made from lightweight fabrics that handle those high temperatures with ease. And don’t forget the must-haves: a wide-brimmed hat, a bathing suit, wide fit shoes, denim shorts, skinny jeans, red dresses, white tops, a tote bag, dress pants, a pair of jeans, maxi skirt, and simple sandals for every stylish moment in between.
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