What to Wear in Italy, From City Style to Seaside Looks

Image may contain Christy Turlington Face Head Person Photography Portrait Accessories Sunglasses Glasses and Adult
Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, December 1992

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Your flights are booked, hotels reserved, and activities planned for your summer vacation in Italy. Now comes the hardest part—what will you pack? Most Italian holidays include a mix of exploring ancient cities, sipping crisp wine in the countryside, and sunbathing on the rocky coast, so you need to be able to fit a mix of styles into one or two carry-ons that can be easily transported between planes, trains, and automobiles.

Your Packing Check List:

Featured in this article

The Midi Dress
Dôen Emmaretta shirred midi dress
See More
The Linen Trousers
Mango straight leg linen pants
See More
The Striped Button-Up
Matteau striped cotton-poplin shirt
See More

Below, find a list of what to wear in Italy this summer and beyond: think breezy linen dresses, easy sandals, and all things raffia. Just add some Italian sunshine and you are ready to live la dolce vita!

City Chic

With direct flights from New York City to Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples, most Italian adventures start in a major city where you can expect to walk at least 20,000 steps per day—meaning it is crucial that you have comfortable sneakers to take you from one tourist attraction to another.

But dressing comfortably doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are plenty of summer sneaker outfits that will still look chic as you toss a coin over your shoulder at the Trevi Fountain à la Lizzie McGuire, or stroll down the Spanish steps with a gelato in hand. Pair a flowy dress or skirt with colorful sneakers or fisherman sandals, a bag to hold your essentials, and a sweater or light jacket to layer for the cooler mornings and evenings. Andiamo!

Image may contain: Clothing, Dress, Skirt, Fashion, Formal Wear, and Robe

Dôen

Emmaretta shirred midi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Knitwear, Sweater, and Cardigan

Reformation

Clara cashmere crew cardigan

Image may contain: Suede, Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, and Sneaker

Nike

LD-1000 sneakers

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, Handbag, and Purse

Khaite

Audrey crossbody bag

Image may contain: Clothing, and Swimwear

Aritzia

contour crew bodysuit

Image may contain: Home Decor, Linen, Clothing, and Pants

Everlane

The Linen way-high drape pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

The Row

Fisherman leather sandals

Image may contain: Accessories, and Sunglasses

Saint Laurent Eyewear

cat-eye acetate sunglasses

Tuscan Countryside

The rolling hills of Tuscany are just a few hours from the popular cities of Rome and Florence, so many visitors head toward wine country to sip on local blends and take in the countryside for a few days. Rent a villa or Airbnb with friends and book a car to take you from vineyard to vineyard for the ultimate under-the-Tuscan-sun experience.

Image may contain: Clothing, Vest, Knitwear, Sweater, and Lifejacket

Allude

striped cashmere vest

Image may contain: Clothing, Skirt, and Miniskirt

Aligne

Natalie cotton midi skirt

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, Handbag, and Purse

Jil Sander

Goji bamboo leather tote

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Reformation

Jessie thong sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Shirt, Long Sleeve, Sleeve, Dress Shirt, and Blouse

Rag Bone

Maxine stripe button-up shirt

Image may contain: Clothing, Shorts, and Pants

Mango

straight leg linen pants

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, Sandal, Accessories, and Strap

Gucci

bamboo thong sandals

Image may contain: Bag, Tote Bag, Accessories, and Handbag

Saint Laurent

Panier small raffia bag

Seaside Style

There is no shortage of beautiful coastal towns in Italy—from the Amalfi Coast and Capri, to Portofino and Puglia, there are hidden beach coves and crystal blue water waiting for you on either side of the ‘boot’. For this part of your trip, you’ll want to pack a mix of swimwear, activewear, and eveningwear so you are prepared for any activity from morning to night. Bring layers for that chilly ocean breeze, and don’t forget to pack your SPF to protect from that strong Mediterranean sun!

Image may contain: Clothing, Swimwear, Bikini, Hosiery, and Sock

Hunza G

Camille seersucker swimsuit

Image may contain: Clothing, and Scarf

Agua by Agua Bendita

Lavanda beach cover-up

Image may contain: Bag, Accessories, Handbag, Tote Bag, and Purse

Prada

small logo raffia tote

Image may contain: Accessories, Bead, Bead Necklace, Jewelry, Ornament, Necklace, Bracelet, and Gemstone

Vertigo

Lapis choker

Image may contain: Blouse, Clothing, and Skirt

Faithfull

Juliet shirred midi dress

Image may contain: Clothing, Knitwear, Sweater, Sweatshirt, Long Sleeve, Sleeve, and Blouse

Aritzia

Isabelle sweater

Image may contain: Accessories, Bag, Handbag, Canvas, Tote Bag, and Purse

Miu Miu

Ivy crochet tote bag

Image may contain: Clothing, Footwear, and Sandal

Ancient Greek Sandals

Eleftheria braided sandals

Image may contain: Clothing, Shirt, Dress Shirt, Long Sleeve, and Sleeve

Matteau

striped cotton-poplin shirt

Image may contain: Clothing, Shorts, Home Decor, and Linen

Everlane

The Pleated shorts

Image may contain: Bag, Tote Bag, Accessories, and Handbag

Staud

Christos mini tote bag

Image may contain: Clothing, Hat, and Sun Hat

Madewell

Lantern straw hat