What The It Girls Are Wearing In Italy This Summer
Italian girl summer has returned for another season, and the looks are Sicil-ing. Here's how to look the part, whether you’re traveling to The Beautiful Country or not.
Some of us haven’t been to Positano yet and it shows. After precedent-setting seasons the last couple of years, La Dolce Vita summer officially kicked off last month with Dua Lipa’s wedding festivities in Palermo, Sicily. (She and new husband Callum Turner spent three days partying with guests on the beautiful island, and making it look very dolce indeed.) The forecast for this year’s Italian-inspired summer? Let’s just say things are only heating up.
Currently, it girls are descending upon Capri, Puglia, and Portofino in droves. In addition to some male-variety arm candy, they’ve brought their content plan and their entire summer wardrobe, it would seem. And their digestive enzymes, per il bottomless pasta. When in Rome.
Regarding la moda (the fashion), on the verandas, there are polka dots, floaty tops, and pops of butter yellow. On the quaint cobblestone streets, there are midi skirts, li’l black and white dresses, and lots of satin and lace. In Capri, there are capris. And, as always, summer whites are ubiquitous. In 2026 Italy we are living the sweet life, truly.
Want to live La Dolce Vita this summer, despite not taking any international flights? Here’s how you can look (and feel) the part, all the same. Buon appetito:
Polka Dots
Polka dots are everywhere, and we do mean everywhere, in Italy right now. Be it the halterneck dress or the midi skirt variety, there’s not an it girl wardrobe that does not include them. And with good reason. Polka dots are simultaneously sensual, feminine, and adorable. One of the few womenswear prints approved by men and women alike, here are some you might try:
Zara Polka Dot Round Neck Halter Top, $40
Runaway The Label Blaine Maxi Skirt, $80
Free People Butterfly Babe Midi Dress, $198
Altar'd State Annalise Midi Dress, $98
Zara Tied Polka Dot Midi Dress, $70
Zara Polka Dot Tulle Skirt, $40
Satin/Lace
The ultimate cool girl staple, a satin skirt or dress is a must on the Amalfi Coast this year (bonus points if it’s real silk). Lace trim takes it up a notch. There’s nothing like the feel of silky soft luxury against your sun-kissed skin while on holiday. Highly recommend. Here are a few we like:
Zara Satin Midi Dress with Contrast Piping, $60
ASTR The Label Makaela Puff Sleeve Floral Satin Midi Dress, $158
Princess Polly Adelie Maxi Dress Champagne, $99
Zara Satin Effect Long Halter Dress, $70
Intimately Lunch Date Midi Slip Dress, $98
Zara Jacquard Satin Mini Dress with Buttons, $60
Floaty Tops & Midi Skirts
Floaty tops and midi skirts are essentials in Italy this summer. Both nostalgic nods to the pasts, billowy tops are reminiscent of the free-spirited '70s, while midi skirts reference Y2K fashion. Sometimes worn together, and sometimes not, the girls are bringing them back this year with a vengeance. Here are a few to consider:
H&M Lace-Trimmed Viscose Top, $30
Abercrombie & Fitch Lace-Trim Cinched Button-Through Cami, $52
Princess Polly Quani Lace Midi Skirt Cream, $65
Bella Venice The Roxy Skirt, $127
Free People Opal Skirt Set, $78
Li’l Black + White Dress
The LBD is never not classic, but have you tried the black and white? Black and white dresses are somehow even classier, and bougier, than a traditional LBD. Mini or maxi length is fine. Both do the work. The Arcina Ori maxi version with black and white skirt panels seen here first debuted a couple of seasons ago, but we’re not tired of it yet (and neither is Florence). Here are some dupes:
Princess Polly Nourish Maxi Dress Black, $99
LyreBird Silky Lace Midi Dress, $168
Nobody's Child Kayla V-Neck Midi Dress, $135
The Hang Stir Black White Sweetheart Contrast Panel Maxi Dress, $102
Just Shorts and a Cute Top
Just shorts and a cute top literally never fails, even in Roma. Put some thought into it, so it doesn’t come across as haphazard, but a lacy cami with high-waisted shorts in a cute print is Italian chef’s kiss. The perfect sightseeing ‘fit. As per usual when it comes to style, go with your gut. See if these resonate:
Zara ZW Collection Lace Camisole Top, $48
Lisa Says Gah Fiona Short, $138
Bohme Mattie Polka Dot Shorts, $55
Capris a Capri
Capris are returning again this summer, hallelujah. There is something so sexy about a figure-hugging pedal pusher with heeled flip flops or flats, especially when styled correctly. Worn with a structured jacket or halter top, it gives 1950s bombshell in a big Italian way. Here are some faves:
Aritzia Rhodora Bustier Crepette™, $79
All The Ways Junia Capri Set, $94
Zara Polka Dot Capri Pants, $50
Princess Polly Rossie Capri Pants Red Gingham, $55
Level 10 Romance
Achieving level 10 romance is about three things: movement, shape, and details. Whether the details are a whimsical print (florals never fail), lace trim, or extra ruffles, they matter. When it comes to shape, as with love, the more dramatic the better. Regarding movement, just make sure it’s giving elegant swan gliding across a lake. Happy romancemaxxing:
Bohme Halsey Floral Maxi Dress, $75
Shop Stevie Alara Tiered Lace Dress, $96
UO Perfectly Victorian Lace Trim Corset Midi Dress, $149
Butter Yellow
Yes, butter yellow is still happening, and we are still here for it, especially in Tuscany. It lends a summer glow to a dramatic gown or silky pjs, and begs for sunset photo ops. And who doesn’t need more of those? Shop the buttery goodness, here:
Princess Polly South Of France Maxi Dress Yellow, $99
Meshki Maureen Cotton Shirring Maxi Dress, $87
One Loved Babe Sun Filled Sky Dress, $56
Blanco by Nature Zuri Dress, $69
Altar'd State Haven Satin Maxi Skirt, $74
Summer Whites
What summer wardrobe is complete without some fresh, breezy whites? Not an Italian one. You can go just about any which way here. Whether your vibe is classy, vintage siren, or free-spirited gypsy, there’s a bianca look for you. Here are some options:
J.Crew Cotton Voile Scallop-trim Babydoll Dress, $49
Meshki Vivian Tie Waist Embroidered Pant, $149
Dissh Annabel White Sleeveless V Neck Mini Dress, $170
12th Tribe Dahlia White Satin Maxi Skirt, $74
Game, Set, Match
If you’re anything like me, you’re never not in a matching set, and Venetian summer is no exception. Luckily for us, the brands got the memo and there have never been more to choose from. The sets we’re seeing in Italy are cropped, flowy, and ideally in lemon or gingham print. Shop game-winning sets here:
Quince 100% European Linen Halter Top, $42
Quince 100% European Linen Skort, $44
Bohme Aya Collared Ruffle Blouse in Yellow, $55 and Shorts, $45
Pippa & Pearl Caroline Coastline Crop Top and Midi Skirt, $124
Princess Polly Valerio Frill Top, $55 and Maxi Skirt Yellow, $65
The Coverup You Deserve
The centerpiece of Italian summer 2026 is the swim coverup you deserve. Whether it’s crochet, lace, or plain sheer elegance, every girl needs a coverup that’s a vibe all on its own. When shopping, look for one that is worthy: of the setting, of the moment, of you. Here’s a good place to start:
Altar'd State Emmaline Tie Front Kimono, $78
Seafolly Gathered Lace Cover Up, $210
Free People Winter Valley Kimono, $98
La Fine
When it comes to Italian girl summer, the vibe is this: she’s becoming her future self. She’s happy, she’s in the moment, she’s loving her life. She’s saying yes and trying new things. She’s lounging outside. She’s reaching full life saturation, eternal present moment. Oh, and she looks divine. Truly, mamma mia che bello, in polka dots. Bellissima.