What The It Girls Are Wearing In Italy This Summer

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 Realisation Par The Evie, $160 Runaway The Label Blaine Maxi Skirt, $80 RIXO London Amari Silk Midi Dress, $505 Free People Butterfly Babe Midi Dress, $198 Altar'd State Annalise Midi Dress, $98 Reformation Eden Silk Dress, $248 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). The pieces that pulled the most compliments for our editor were from Dôen and Rixo London, both worth it if silk is your love language. There’s nothing like the feel of silky soft luxury against your sun-kissed skin while on holiday. Lace trim takes it up a notch. 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 RIXO Losanna Satin Halterneck Maxi Dress, $363 LPA Celeste Midi Dress, $268 Doen Junia Dress, $498 Reformation Fern Satin Short, $148 Reformation Carolina Silk Skirt, $248 Reformation Frankie Silk Dress, $298 Drop Waist Dresses The drop waist got to Italy before the rest of us did. That low, bloused seam skims past the hip and lands somewhere between a 1920s flapper and a '90s slip, which is a polite way of saying it flatters nearly everyone. Mango has been making them especially well this season, at a price that feels almost too kind for the fabric you get. A few to pack: A&F Sydney Smocked Dipped-Waist Midi Dress, $85 Faithfull Palomar Mini Dress Espresso, $168 Mango Embroidered Detail Dress, $100 HEMANT AND NANDITA Ruched Midi Dress, $191 More To Come Kienna Mini Dress, $68 Linen Pant Sets A linen pant set earns its place in the suitcase, mostly because of the European heat (and the near-total lack of AC). A matching top and trouser in a breathable weave photographs like you fussed and wears like you didn't, which is the whole dream. Our editor practically lived in hers. Start here: FAITHFULL Isotta Pant, $225 FAITHFULL x REVOLVE Lulea Pant, $183 Quince 100% European Linen Wide Leg Pants, $42 Reformation Lenora Linen Two Piece, $278 Gap Factory Mid Rise Pull-On Wide-Leg Linen-Blend Pants, $42 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 More To Come Alisia Top, $68 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 Guizio Leila Twill Mini Dress, $198 BNTO FARM RIO Black Richelieu Laces Cip Midi Dress, $348 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 AE Lace Cami, $30 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: Yumi Kim Madison Dress, $88 Bohme Halsey Floral Maxi Dress, $75 Shop Stevie Alara Tiered Lace Dress, $96 UO Perfectly Victorian Lace Trim Corset Midi Dress, $149 Steve Madden Arietty Top, $69 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? One note: the Tuscan lemon dress mostly lives in Florence. Our Editor spotted far more actual lemon prints there than in Milan, where everything runs a little sleeker. If you want the full Amalfi-lemon fantasy, save it for the Tuscan leg of the trip. Shop our favorites here: Princess Polly South Of France Maxi Dress Yellow, $99 Meshki Maureen Cotton Shirring Maxi Dress, $87 Realisation Par The Fleur, $290 One Loved Babe Sun Filled Sky Dress, $56 Blanco by Nature Zuri Dress, $69 Altar'd State Haven Satin Maxi Skirt, $74 FarmRio Off-white Emily Floral Tapestry Rope Ties Midi Dress, $260 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 Heartloom Dionne Set, $169 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: Celandine Lacy Skirt, $88 Altar'd State Emmaline Tie Front Kimono, $78 Seafolly Gathered Lace Cover Up, $210 Free People Winter Valley Kimono, $98 When In Rome, Walk Like It Every look above needs something to stand in, and in Italy this summer that something is a proper shoe. Miu Miu and Alaïa were on every stylish set of feet from Portofino to Puglia, ballet flats and slingbacks mostly, in the kind of muted leather that looks better the more cobblestones it meets. The pair our editor actually packed, though, was Larroudé, which gives you the same polished silhouette without needing a second suitcase for shoeboxes. Slip into these: Larroude Georgina Milanina Ballet Flat In Beige Raffia, $330 Larroude Verona New Macrame In Ivory Leather, $390 Larroude Dolly Verona Low Sandal In Natural Raffia and Beige Leather, $375 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 living in cotton, linen, and silk, enjoying an affogato from the impossibly viral Vivoli in Florence in hand, and it's every bit as good as the queue promises. She’s reaching full life saturation, eternal present moment. Oh, and she looks divine. Truly, mamma mia che bello, in polka dots. Bellissima .