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This post will show you 10 affordable Italian summer outfits, plus the cutest clothing items to pack with you for a summer trip to Italy.
Ciao, bella!
Are you heading to Italy for vacation this summer — or just want to dress like it? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
In this vacation outfits guide, you’ll find 10 Italian summer outfits that are stylish yet practical — plus budget-friendly.
Featuring items all under $150, you won’t have to break the bank to look your best while touring the beautiful country known for its rich history, incredible architecture, amazing fashion, and delicious cuisine — to say the least!
Whether you’ll be living out your Lizzie McGuire dreams at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, eating pizza in Milan, or swimming off of the Amalfi Coast, I’ve got you covered.
Read on for outfit ideas, along with 10 clothing items under $100 that are so perfect for summer in Italy, you’ll want to order them ASAP.
Italian Summer Outfit #1
The clothing items you bring with you on your summer trip to Italy (lucky you!) should be lightweight and versatile but still make a style impact with vibrant colors and eye-catching prints.
I love the idea of wearing some airy, embroidered shorts with a top that matches the embroidery’s coloring, like this strapless red tie-back top, along with some flat slide sandals.
Bring the look together with summery accessories like a straw tote bag, a charm necklace, and some oval sunglasses that have a retro-inspired vibe.
Italian Summer Outfit #2
There’s something about the color red that just feels quintessentially Italian — it is one of the colors in the country’s flag, after all.
Embrace this vibrant hue with this stylish red drop waist tube mini dress. Its drop waist silhouette and A-line skirt make it appear elevated, but it’s actually an effortless piece to wear thanks to its pull-on design and 100% cotton fabrication, which makes it breezy.
This versatile dress can be worn day or night and works with sandals, sneakers, or heels.
Try styling it with some matching red cat-eye sunglasses for added flair, along with a beaded gold coin necklace set that gives you a layered jewelry look.
These raffia three-strap footbed sandals with short flatform heels are both comfortable and stylish, making them a great vacation pick.
Italian Summer Outfit #3
If you’ll be sightseeing in a city like Rome, Milan, or Florence you’ll need a cute yet practical outfit that is suitable for plenty of walking… and hot weather. Taking in the sights under the hot summer sun can get sweaty!
Sneakers are best for days filled with walking, and luckily, sneakers are trendier than ever, so you won’t feel out of place or that you look too obviously like a tourist. (Though there’s nothing wrong with that, either!)
Adidas sneakers like Sambas, Gazelles, and Campus are some of the hottest styles of the summer and go with just about any type of outfit. I love the way these Adidas Sambas give this outfit an unexpected sporty, street-style vibe, while adding to its comfortability.
Another major trend this summer is tiered maxi skirts, and these make for a vacation must-have. The lightweight, airy fabric will keep you cool under the hot Italian sun, and look great with both simple and intricate tops, alike. You can’t go wrong with a simple black tube top, styled up with some retro-inspired slim oval sunglasses and a cute hair claw clip with a cherry design.
Complete the ensemble with a fashionable yet secure bag that is going to keep your belongings safe, because unfortunately, pick-pockets can be a concern in major cities.
This straw belt crossbody bag is a great option since it has a zipper closure and can be worn across the front of your body for added security, yet it still looks stylish and summery.
Italian Summer Outfit #4
Nothing says summer like a pair of flowy white pants, and what better place to wear them than Italy?
This lightweight pair is 100% cotton and features a relaxed fit and elastic waist (which will surely come in handy during meals of pasta, pizza, and gelato!).
These pants are also ultra-versatile since you can wear them with plenty of other items in your suitcase.
For this look, style them with a green tie-front halter top and some woven raffia slide sandals with a low platform heel and a beachy feel, along with a matching raffia clutch bag.
Perhaps my favorite piece of all is this floral and lemon print bandana head scarf, which makes for the cutest accessory, giving off a retro Italian aesthetic (and will save you from any bad hair days). When you’re not wearing it on your head, you can tie it on the strap of your handbag or around your wrist, making it a multi-functional accessory.
A gold starfish pendant necklace will complete the look and add to its beachy feel.
Italian Summer Outfit #5
Gingham is one of those prints that feels very “summer in Italy,” so I would be sure to pack plenty of gingham pieces, like this adorable black and white gingham print mini dress.
This dress has contrasting ruffle and bow details and can be worn during the day with flat sandals or sneakers or at night with heels.
But since Italy is filled with cobblestone streets, steep hills, and uneven pavement, I say go for these black strappy leather sandals with a short platform heel that look polished (even for nighttime wear) but will be a lot easier to walk in than heels.
Gold jewelry is another Italian must-have, so wear pieces like a chunky cuff bracelet and some statement earrings with the look.
Add in an eye-catching pop of color with a red woven shoulder bag that you easily wear with many other outfits in this post.
Italian Summer Outfit #6
Heading out for an aperitivo or to dinner? This romantic tie-front floral print top will make you feel like you’re living la dolce vita, especially when worn with a flowy tiered maxi skirt.
By the way, this black maxi skirt has an elastic waistband which makes it that much more comfortable to wear to a delicious Italian feast!
Since the top is so intricate, all you’ll need is a delicate necklace like this dainty clover charm necklace.
This pair of black leather sandals features a contoured footbed and chic gold buckles for an elevated yet comfortable effect that makes them ideal for a European trip.
Italian Summer Outfit #7
No summer vacation wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim shorts!
For a more casual, laid-back daytime look, wear your denim cutoff shorts with low-top sneakers and a cute top. These white Superga sneakers feature a mid-height flatform heel but are also available without.
This adorable red and white gingham print top, paired with some slim oval sunnies and a gold pendant necklace, will give you a retro-inspired look that feels quintessentially Italian.
Italian Summer Outfit #8
Speaking of gingham, how adorable is this red gingham mini dress?
This dress features a corset-style bodice and off-the-shoulder puff sleeves for a feminine silhouette while still being super airy and great for hot weather.
Whether you wear this frock to sightsee or to enjoy a meal at a cute Italian café, you’ll look adorable in it… especially with a matching red head scarf (even if it’s just for the Instagram photo — gotta get the good vacation social media content!).
A colorful charm necklace and a straw basket tote bag are the perfect accessories for this ensemble.
Complete the look with white low-top sneakers or some comfortable, neutral-colored sandals like these Tevas, which are ideal for travel and adventures.
Italian Summer Outfit #9
If you want to blend in with the Italian locals and wear for a super chic look while sightseeing, try this two-piece set featuring a button-front vest and matching tailored shorts. It looks ultra-polished, is hot weather-friendly, and is perfect for a stylish city destination like Milan or Florence.
This set comes in a bunch of different colors, but by opting for a neutral hue like beige, you’ll more easily be able to match these pieces with other items in your suitcase to create multiple different looks (for example, wear the shorts with a blouse and pair the vest with a silky midi skirt).
Opt for luxe-looking accessories like some gold metal oval sunglasses and black ankle-strap footbed sandals which are good for walking thanks to their cushioned footbed, but feature shiny gold hardware for a sleek effect.
A straw half-moon crossbody bag adds a summery touch to the outfit, but its faux leather detailing keeps it looking polished.
Italian Summer Outfit #10
If you’re traveling to Italy during the summertime, you better be hitting its beautiful beaches!
I say go for a cute, colorful cover-up set to wear over your swimsuit but that’s also wearable beyond the beach.
This ribbed green shorts and button-down shirt set are made from a soft toweling material that is ideal for a beach day but can also be worn with other items in your suitcase.
Water-resistant shoes are a must, and this pair of sandals has a fashionable woven design and good traction so that you can hop on and off of boats, walk on rocky beaches, or wander around town comfortably.
Another must-have? A packable beach bag. This large woven tote bag is super lightweight and easy to fold down and pack in your suitcase, unlike structured tote bags, which are much more difficult to pack.
Finally, add in some trendy summery accessories like a pair of tinted aviator sunglasses and a sun cord necklace to bring the look together.
Italy Summer Vacation Clothing
Looking for more options?
Check out these adorable clothing picks that are perfect for an Italian summer vacation, all under $100.
Printed Halter Mini Dress
The print on this halter mini dress could not be more perfect for the summer, or for a trip to Italy!
The red and white printed frock also features an open-back design and linen-blend fabric, which will help to keep you cool in the summertime heat.
Red Corset Mini Dress
No print? No problem.
This stunning red corset mini dress has Italian vacation written all over it and a majorly romantic aesthetic thanks to its feminine design.
With a lace-up back, corset bodice, and fit and flare silhouette, this feminine dress will make you want to twirl your way through the streets of Italy — gelato in hand, of course.
Printed Linen Pants
As I mentioned before, linen is one of the best materials to wear on a summer vacation, especially in Italy, which is famed for its beautiful linen clothing.
These printed linen pants feature a summery design and a flowy, loose fit that makes them great for the beach or strolling around town in the evening.
Wear them with a red top to make the print pop; the red strapless tie-back top in Outfit #1 would be a good choice!
Blue Textured Fringe Top and Midi Skirt
Get ready to stun in this royal blue textured fringe top and matching midi skirt combo.
If you want to impress on a night out in Italy (and in your vacation photos), this set will surely do the trick.
This two-piece features textured fabric with fringe trim on both the top and skirt, along with a crochet medallion-like design on the waistband and neckline. Its intricate design certainly makes it worthy of a special occasion like a trip to Italy!
Plus, you can always wear the pieces with other items in your wardrobe; even a simple white tank top will still look incredible with the skirt, while denim shorts will give the top a casual spin.
Printed Linen Blend Shorts
Linen fabric? Check. Comfy, pull-on design? Check. Insanely adorable pattern featuring waves, suns, tomatoes, fish, and vases? Check and check!
These shorts are practically a depiction of your trip to Italy, wrapped up in an effortlessly stylish design.
Wear them with a tank or tube top during the daytime and with a crop top or off-the-shoulder blouse at nighttime for a dressier vibe.
P.S. If you love this print, there is also a matching top, dress, and other items available at Abercrombie & Fitch.
Printed Woven Shirt and Mini Skirt
Boasting a fun, summery print and lightweight woven fabric, this mini skirt and matching button-down shirt couldn’t be cuter for an Italian summer vacation.
It’s no secret that I love matching sets for their versatility and how easy they make it to put outfits together, and this set is no different.
Wear the pieces together for a playful, eye-catching look (also as a swim cover-up), or wear them separately with other items you pack, too.
Printed Linen Mini Dress
One theme you’ll see all along the Amalfi Coast (and on Capri, in particular) is lemons. Lemon prints on dishes, vases, scarves, you name it — and I say, why not embrace this Italian signature in the form of a lemon print mini dress?
This fabulous frock features a linen-blend material, making it lightweight and perfect for hot summer weather.
Satin Cut-Out Printed Maxi Dress
I couldn’t *not* include this satin cut-out maxi dress featuring an “Italia” print all over.
With Italian tiles, striped beach umbrellas, and the word “Italia” written on it, this standout dress sums up a summer in Italy perfectly.
Its satin material gives it a more luxe, elevated effect, making it ideal for a special night out in Italy, like for a fancy dinner or a scenic cocktail hour. Plus, its side cut-out will let you show off your Italian summer tan!
Italia Stamp Graphic Print T-Shirt
Consider this graphic print Italia stamp t-shirt a wearable souvenir.
Featuring an adorable image of an Italian stamp with a drawing of a classic Italian summer scene, this baby tee is perfectly cropped and will look adorable long after your trip comes to an end, paired with denim shorts, jeans, or maxi skirts.
What did you think of our Italian summer outfits guide?
Would you wear these outfits? Which Italian summer look is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!
