Every August, Italy becomes a stage. The beaches fill with sun-kissed locals, linen-clad tourists, and a kind of style that doesn’t just whisper “summer,” it sings it. It’s less about chasing trends and more about embracing a mood—think: playful, romantic, timeless. While Italians aren’t typically into micro-trends quite as intensely as Americans are, there are certain summer staples that resurface year after year, though always with a modern twist.
Here are the Italian-coded looks I’m actually wearing this summer—and yes, you’ll find me twirling in a gelato-toned dress with a lace cape somewhere between Scopello and Lipari.
Gelato Tones
Free People Erin Midi Dress
Free People
This summer, I’m leaning into creamy lemon yellows, soft pistachio greens, and that perfect melty-pink gelato hue. These aren’t your standard baby pastels—they feel sun-faded, Mediterranean, and a little romantic.
The Erin Midi Dress from Free People gives classic Positano energy with its soft orange tone and easy silhouette. I’ve also been rotating the Pilcro Sleeveless Swing Dress for Aperol Spritz runs. It looks just as good with sandals as it does barefoot on the beach. For something sleeker, the high-neck cotton midi from Nordstrom that resembles genuine caffé gelato or this pistachio-toned flowy Zara dress works great for dinners out. I even found a lemony yellow linen slip from Banana Republic Factory that feels way more expensive than it is.
Sheer Lace Layering
Brixton Cotton Blend Lace Cover-Up Dress
Nordstrom
There’s something very “La Dolce Vita” about delicate lace draped over sun-kissed skin. Sheer cardigans and cover-ups let you layer up without overheating, which is essential when it’s 95 degrees outside, and you’re still trying to look cute at the lido.
I’ve seen versions of the Willow Tie-Front Cape sprawled all across my Instagram feed from Italian cool-girls coast-to-coast, North to South. The crochet Mango cardigan and lace cover-up from Becca both hit that vintage-Italian-postcard vibe, but make it 2025. For Amazon girls, this Myneiyi lace number is shockingly good for layering and looks like you wrapped the dinner table cloth around your waist. Everything an Italian summer should be.
Metal Swimwear Details
Amul3tto Isla Red Bikini Top
AMUL3TTO
Simple black bikinis? Great. But when they’ve got a silver or gold accent? Chef’s kiss. Italians love a sleek, sculptural detail—and this summer, it’s showing up in swimwear in the form of rings, chains, and metallic fastenings.
Amuletto’s strapless bikini top and Zara’s bandeau version feels high-fashion, while this Mango nailed the eyelet trend at under $40. This Soly Hux set on Amazon looks designer with its gold swirl-ring and cheeky fit, and the Lily Bikini from Nordstrom is minimal, metallic, and very “sun-drenched yacht in Capri.”
Beaded & String Jewelry
Anthropologie Delicate Bead Necklace
Anthropologie
On Italian beaches, your jewelry should look like something you found at a market stall in 1998. I love stacking colorful pieces that feel handmade, especially when layered over a sunburn and salty hair.
The Éliou wrap necklace channels carefree, coastal energy—like something you’d pick up at a seaside market in Sicily and never take off. Zara’s beaded necklace pack is perfect for travel (a.k.a., if you lose it, you won’t necessarily cry). Anthropologie’s delicate bead chain adds just enough shine without feeling too polished, and this faux pearl layered moment from Nordstrom feels like you stepped right out of a grotto in the Tyrrhenian.
Americana Patterns
Beach House Gingham Shorts
Nordstrom
Along with a recent surge in popularity of cowboy boots over the last few years, Italians have been leaning toward an arguably “Americana-core” aesthetic this summer. Nothing feels more “Italo-American in August” than a bit of gingham or nautical stripe. Think Amalfi meets 4th of July in the most ironic, charming way.
Reformation’s linen maxi skirt gives coastal picnic energy, and these Beach House gingham shorts are basically made for ferry rides and espresso runs. I’m also into the pointelle knit shorts from Nordstrom and this striped knit polo that gives the vibe of a ‘90s Italian tennis coach.