City to Coast: Your Italian Summer Fashion Guide

With our new Postcards from Portofino range, the Joe Browns spring collection is giving Italian summer fashion its moment in the sun.

A collection of women’s styles designed to whisk you away from ordinary life into your very own Roman Holiday, whether you’re strolling along the sun-soaked streets of the Italian Riviera or you’re bringing the spirit of the mediterranean into your everyday, these summer looks will make you feel like a ‘50s movie star.

But embracing this effortlessly elegant aesthetic isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you style it!  So, before you hop on that plane, take a look at this Italian summer fashion guide for some top tips on how to dress from city to coast.

Packing your bags as we speak? Here are a few quick outfit tips to help you master the look in no time.

• Different cities have different styles:  Summer fashion can mean something different from one city to the next. It's always a good idea to do your research and take inspiration from the locals.
• Quality is Key: Well-made, high-quality pieces are essential to mastering Italian summer style. Choose timeless shapes and fabrics made to last.
• Opt for Flattering Fits: If there’s an image that comes to mind when you think of Italian styling, it’s likely that classic, polished silhouette. Tailored outfits are perfect for achieving that balance between flattering and refined.
• Keep Accessories Subtle: Rather than bold pieces, subtle accessories are used to accentuate the outfit. Jewellery is kept simple with small hoop earrings and delicate necklaces; statement scarves bring vintage elegance. The ultimate Italian summer accessory, chic sunglasses are the perfect choice to top off your ensemble.
• Confidence: The real secret to Italian summer fashion is to dress like you mean it. Wear clothes that don’t only make you look good, but that make you feel incredible. That’s the Dolce Vita way!

For more ideas on what to pack for a summer holiday, visit our new blog.

If you’re dreaming of sipping limoncello at sunset, the Amalfi Coast is where you’ll find your Italian fashion inspiration.

Amalfi Coast styles blend seaside charm with the playful spirit of the Dolce Vita look. To dress like a local, match retro prints with bold pops of colour, and pick some handcrafted accessories for a hint of beachy glamour.

One of our favourite Amalfi Coast looks is the polka dot dress and it’s the perfect starting point. Monochrome is an elegant choice but feel free to choose any colour combo that brings you that famous Italian confidence.

During the day, you can lean into those playful vibes with a pair of comfy pumps. Don’t forget to bring a basket bag to carry all your holiday essentials! 

In the evening, style your outfit with heels and a matching purse in a ravishing shade of red.  Finish off the look with a chic pair of sunglasses and a silk scarf tied loosely around the neck. 

In love with this vintage look? Head to the blog on our inspiration page to learn how to get the dolce vita look!

If you’ve got a passion for art and history, you’ll feel right at home in Tuscany. Though the city’s fashion is more understated than places like Milan or Rome, there’s an effortlessness to Tuscan style that makes it just as captivating. 

A staple style amongst the locals, a sundress is the key to unlocking this rustic Italian aesthetic. Relaxed materials, like linen and cotton, are the fabrics of choice as they’re elegant yet casual, and they’ll keep you cool under the summer sun.

Natural tones, such as white, green, and yellow, reflect the sun-drenched hilltops and rolling vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. 

Style a white cotton sundress with a pair of comfy yet colourful trainers. Come prepared with a statement leather jacket for when the temperature drops. You could even add some countryside chic with a straw hat!

Roman fashion is all about everyday elegance and natural beauty. For an Italian summer outfit inspired by Rome, you’ll want to choose polished pieces, like fitted dresses and blazers, that are casual enough for exploring the ancient streets by day yet refined enough for al fresco dinners on the piazza.  

Shirts and linen trousers are perfect for that effortlessly sophisticated vibe. For a unique Italian summer style, look for a shirt with standout details, like ruffles or applique florals. 

Finish off the outfit with some gold accessories, like small hoop earrings and dainty necklaces. Add some oversized sunglasses for an extra dose of confidence, then complete the look with a leather handbag.

If you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of Sicily, consider bringing this joyful Italian style into your summer wardrobe.

Sicilian fashion is deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture. Warm and colourful, this style is all about expressive, feel-good looks.

A flowing maxi dress with a bold floral print will look right at home on the island. Choose colours that mirror Sicily’s stunning landscapes; terracotta, cobalt blue, lemon yellow, and coral.

Flat sandals are a must when it comes to navigating the sun-soaked streets, and a woven bag is the perfect accessory to complete the look.

Sicily is famous for its breathtaking coastline. So a beautiful beach outfit should be at the top of your packing list. Throw a chic popcorn cardigan over a brightly coloured swimsuit, then add shorts or linen trousers for an easy breezy beach-to-town ensemble.

Finally, complete your Sicilian style with a printed headscarf and chunky jewellery.

Italian summer fashion is all about embracing la dolce vita and finding beauty in the everyday. Wherever you go this season, bring this timeless style with you and every moment will feel belissima!

 

Shop our Postcards from Portofino collection to get the look today.