Italian Summer Look: tourists vs Italian girls

The Italian summer is synonymous with bright sunshine, long days at the beach, and evening strolls through the alleys of historic cities. Amidst the vibrant colors of fruit-flavored gelato and the scent of the sea, one detail that stands out is the clear difference between the style of Italian women and that of tourists and travelers who, through TikTok or Instagram, try to showcase outfits they think are suited to the destination and the photos, of course. While in the past we could recognize tourists by their practical clothing—sandals and socks, sneakers, and baseball caps—the situation now seems to have reversed. Overdressing is taking over. We asked ourselves, what distinguishes these two ways of experiencing the Italian summer, that of tourists and that of the so-called locals? In this article, we'll explore the key differences, revealing the peculiarities that make the style of those who live and breathe Italian fashion unique compared to those who visit it just for a season.

The Italian Summer Trend on TikTok and Its Limits

It seems that over the past two years, the concept of a summer wardrobe in Italian/European style has exploded. We can blame (or credit) influencers, who amass millions of views with their videos showcasing their vacation looks in Europe or Italy. Consequently, and inevitably, capturing the perfect shot during the vacation becomes everyone's number one goal, with nothing left to chance. But don't overdo it. Buying clothes for an imaginary vacation personality that you may or may not adopt once you pull out your passport isn't a great idea, especially considering the issue of overconsumption. If you're a jeans-and-t-shirt kind of girl, do you really think you'll transform into a flowing-skirt type once you're abroad? Probably not. In any case, Belpaese doesn't automatically mean good weather, and if you happen to encounter days of rain and hail, a wardrobe inspired by photos and who we want to be rather than reality could leave you unprepared and at the mercy of the elements. And no straw hat can save you then.

How Do Italian Women Dress? The Statement Pieces of a True Italian Summer

Among the clothing items associated with the Italian summer as interpreted by local girls, Birkenstock Arizona sandals stand out. Once a symbol of tourists with sandals and socks, Birkenstocks have achieved fashion status thanks to numerous collaborations in recent years with the Birkenstok 1774 line (e.g., Isabel Marant, Manolo Blahnik, Proenza Schouler). They're now perfect for any occasion, and let's not kid ourselves: we Italian women don't want to give them up even for dinner at an "Instagrammable" restaurant. Dress codes and luxury bags are fine, but Birkenstocks are non-negotiable.

The markets in the historic centers of our cities are a hidden treasure of boho dresses with paisley patterns, made from flowing fabrics and often featuring open backs. Especially when made of breathable materials like cotton and linen, these dresses are suitable for daytime with flat sandals and for the evening with heels or wedges. One thing is certain: they pair perfectly with a tan and are ideal for each of us, given the range of patterns, styles, lengths, and colors available. On late summer evenings, or when it gets really late and you're near the sea or exposed to the breeze, we need something to cover our shoulders but not keep us too warm: the leather jacket is a must. Cropped, fitted, oversized, or with a nice zip, it can also be replaced, if necessary, by a denim jacket.

The Statement Pieces of the Italian Summer According to Tourists

If we had to give advice to a friend visiting us for the summer, it definitely wouldn't be to bring loafers. High temperatures and that type of shoe don't mix well, and they might ruin the vacation due to blisters. Comfortable sandals, lightweight sneakers, and slides are the way to go, especially if they're already broken in and trustworthy. And for loafers, we'll patiently and diligently wait for autumn. Moreover, while tight, long mermaid skirts are beautiful, wearing one while trying to explore an Italian city—with its hills, steps, and slopes—could make the experience quite unpleasant. Remember Kendall Jenner in Portofino? Exactly. Finally, denim in the Italian summer heat can be really uncomfortable. If you're heading to warm and humid places, it's best to avoid denim skirts and pants, especially long ones. You risk making your stay really uncomfortable. It's better to opt for linen or cotton.

Italian Women and Overdressing: Myth or Reality?

The myth of Italy as a fashion capital is true: in some ways, style and attention to clothing are indeed integral parts of our culture, but it can't be said that we always dress too elegantly or overdressed. Rather, Italians tend to emphasize the attention to detail and the selection of clothes that reflect a certain aesthetic, even in everyday situations. In Italy, fashion is seen as a form of self-expression and a way to respect the context in which you find yourself. Whether it's a dinner, a walk in the city, or a day at work, it doesn't matter. With a naturalness that isn't necessarily photogenic but reflects our busy lifestyles. In short, the difference between a local and a tourist couldn't be more evident, even at first glance. Do you agree?