Everyone's wearing 'Italian Girl' style for summer 2023—here's how to join the breezy movement
From flowing linen pants to polka-dot dresses, here are all the 'Italian Girl' staples you need for summer 2023


While the 'Coastal Cowgirl' aesthetic might be dominating your TikTok feed, here's why you should also consider channeling an 'Italian Girl' vibe with your summer capsule wardrobe...
Let us paint you a picture: you're sat at a small outdoor table for two, with an Aperol spritz in hand, some chic Sofia Riche-esque sunglasses covering your eyes and wearing a pair of cream structured pants, a crisp white tank top with a thin knit draped over your shoulders. What you've just visualized, dear reader, is the dream Italian Girl aesthetic.
The look is really the epitome of 'Quiet Luxury,' and encompasses that chic and unbothered vibe that we so often attribute to Italian style (much like we do with French-Girl makeup)—they're essentially The White Lotus outfits to the max. So, if you're jetting off to Europe this summer, or just want to channel all things elegant, here's a guide to the trending style...
What is 'Italian Girl' style?
You can look at the Italian Girl aesthetic as similar to old money, but with a more summery twist.
Think polka dot dress, all-black outfits, linen or structured cream pants and minimal basics elevated with accessories like small leather handbags and belts, delicate gold necklaces, and model-like black sunglasses. It's mostly based on soft neutrals, but occasionally a bold print or bright color like red can work too.
As we can see, there's an effortless feel to every look and yet the wearer always looks so chic.
The outfits are often made up of timeless basics, like little black dresses, dark denim, or white linen shirts, with the addition of black sunnies and cute straw bags. Foot-wear wise, sandals and loafers definitely fulfill the assignment.
MIL's edit of 'Italian Girl' staples
- & Other Stories: Right now you can shop some very Italian-esque linen trousers and dresses that just ooze chic
- COS: Another must for anyone looking to stock up on staples, from well-fitting vests and tanks to flowy skirts.
- Mango: A great place for vacation-ready pieces and elevated basics, like colorful shirts, bikinis and trousers
- Missoma: For all your jewelry needs, from small and simple hoops to statement rings
- Reformation: Where you can snag flattering and effortless-looking dresses and skirts, ideal for a summer spent in Europe
- ZARA: Right now, Zara has a ton of affordable linen pieces, including trousers, shirts and dresses
So, now we know what the Italian gal look entails, here are a few of our recommendations to make your vacay shopping a little easier...

& Other Stories Linen A-Line Dress
RRP: $119
This A-line LBD is very 'Italian Girl'. Pair it with a straw bag, hat and a pair of strappy sandals.

ZARA Polka Dot Midi Dress
RRP: $49.99
This dress is right on the money, with its classic white and black polka dot design and leg slit.
Pair with a blazer and heels for a date night look, or sandals and a linen shirt for a day spent traipsing around Portofino!

& Other Stories Linen Diagonal Wrap Dress
RRP: $119
A wrap dress is also very on theme, this one in particular comes in four colors, though we'd suggest sticking with cream.
Mango Linen 100% Shirt
RRP: $59.99
This shirt is also the perfect Italian Girl staple, you can either wear it on open over a top (like with Sydney Sweeney's Cannes look) or buttoned and tucked, with some tailored pants.

Mango Polka-dot Blouse With Floral Applique
RRP: $79.99
This top is perfect for a sunset dinner moment, or trip to a seaside town.
It features a bold but classic polka-dot print, a one-shoulder shape and flower detailing!

COS Wide-Leg Tailored Pants
RRP: $135
A pair of nice, tailored pants is essential for this look. Pair with a white tank and a pair of loafers, before accessorizing with a belt and small handbag!

& Other Stories Wide High Waist Linen Trousers
RRP: $119
These are also another great option, and thanks to their linen fabric they'll be perfect for many summers to come!

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team, where she covers everything from entertainment to fashion and beauty, as well as TikTok trends for Woman&Home, after previously writing for My Imperfect Life and GoodTo. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but lept into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing and earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ.
Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.