How to Get the Dolce Vita Look

The Dolce Vita look rose to popularity at the beginning of the 1960s, coinciding with the release of the Italian film, La Dolce Vita, directed by Federico Fellini. The ingenious use of fashion as a storytelling device led to the evolution of a timeless style that is still influencing designers to this day. 

At Joe Browns, we love to tell stories through our clothes, so it’s no wonder that this evergreen summer style was a huge inspiration for our new spring summer collection.

But what exactly is the Dolce Vita look, and how do you achieve it?

The style is glamorous and sophisticated, yet whimsical. It’s a fusion between vintage fashion and the elegant aesthetic many Italian women adopted after the war. You’ll find flowing dresses that create classic silhouettes, tasteful accessories, solid colours and bold prints- think fruits and florals! These stylish elements combine to create a look that is both ageless and effortlessly chic.

However, the real key to mastering the Dolce Vita look lies in the attitude. It’s all about passion, spontaneity, and finding beauty in the everyday. The women who flaunt this style are carefree and jovial, yet bold and fiercely independent. They live to cherish the sweeter things in life, but they’re not afraid to challenge the status quo- just like the independent, free-spirited women who wear Joe Browns. 

A dress is one of the easiest ways to recreate the classic Dolce Vita silhouette. It’s all about balancing simplicity and grace. We’d recommend comfortable day dresses with v-necklines and floaty skirts.

Florals and polka dots are the epitome of vintage patterns, creating the romantic aesthetic that’s typical of this vibrant Italian style. Choose a dress that combines the two for a contrast design that’ll really make a statement.

When Fellini’s La Dolce Vita was released, midi dresses were all the rage. Stopping just below the knee, this cut is both modest and alluring. Dolce Vita dresses often include flowing skirts and puff sleeves that allow for freedom of movement, making them perfect for every occasion and any destination.

Add a touch of refinement with subtle details like lace trims and silk bows. This way, you’ll be able to easily transition from daytime to evening wear.

We know dresses aren’t for everyone. So, you can give your look a modern spin with a stylish top and the right bottoms. 

Capture the essence of dolce vita glamour with a chic jumper. Remember, we want to balance comfort and sophistication, so colours and fabrics are everything! 

An embroidered knitted cardigan would be perfect for an everyday summer outfit. Look out for those special details like buttons and neckline, which are vital to an authentic dolce vita style. Plain old jeans will never do. So, with that classic silhouette in mind, opt for capri pants or a pencil skirt.

For a look that’s more femme fatale, consider a black lace cardigan. Not only is black a staple for Italian vintage styling, but it’s a versatile colour that will take you through the season. Luxury fabrics such as lace are ideal for this look because of their durability and timelessness.

A lace cardigan would go great with a vivid red blazer and a floral skirt, but wide leg trousers can be just as stylish.

Dolce Vita footwear is designed to be glamorous and practical, embodying both sophistication and vivacity. This involves handcrafted shoes with pointed toes, flared or cone heels, and sleek straps.

If you’re a connoisseur of vintage fashion, you’ll know high-quality materials are essential. Fabrics like leather and satin are the best options to create an authentic Dolce Vita outfit.

Look for shoes with subtle points of difference like embossed patterns, floral lining, and scalloped detail. Strappy heels, sandals and stilettos are a significant part of the Dolce Vita movement. Flattering and feminine, they feature thin, minimalist straps that emphasise the shape of the foot and leg, enhancing that elegant silhouette. 

If you prefer flats to vintage heels, a pair of espadrilles are a great choice. They’re comfortable enough for your everyday adventures, yet their pretty shape makes them easy to dress up for any occasion.

If that still doesn’t sound like your style, try completing your dolce vita look with some retro boots. Opt for rounded toes and colour blocks to reflect the look’s vibrant and playful energy.

In the 1960s, footwear usually came in neutral shades like blacks, browns, and whites. However, the movement saw bold reds, golds, and metallics, which brought a touch of drama to the style. 

Dolce Vita styling puts a lot of emphasis on matching accessories. The goal is to create a harmonious look that compliments and enhances your luxurious clothing.

Sunglasses are a signature accessory for those wanting to embrace the dolce vita lifestyle. With large frames in cat-eye or round shapes, these sunglasses exude a sense of mystery and glamour. Frames should be in tortoise shell, black, or metallic gold, adding sophistication to your ensemble.

Wide-brimmed floppy hats are another defining accessory of the Dolce Vita style. They give off that carefree mediterranean vibe that’s perfect for beach days or coastal holidays. We recommend going with straw or felt materials, with minimal decorations like ribbons or flowers.

Add a touch of European elegance to your outfit with a lightweight silk scarf. They’re usually worn tied around the neck, the head, or sometimes draped over the shoulders. Your scarf should feature floral or abstract prints, and the fabric should be soft and fluid to echo the free-spirited luxury of the era. 

Handbags are an essential to complete the look. Go for a bag made of high-quality materials like leather, suede, or woven straw. A slouchy shoulder bag would be ideal for day to day elegance, but, for evenings out, a Dolce Vita woman would usually carry a clutch or a small evening bag. 

These bags are designed to make a statement, whilst remaining functional and elegant.