ITALIAN FASHION
How to dress for an Estate Italiana
An informal guide into the do’s and don’ts of what to wear on your Italian summer holiday.
When you visit the country that birthed Prada, Versace, Pucci, and Dolce & gabbana, your wardrobe might feel under pressure to perform.
As Italians, we often hear the world marvel at our elegance and style, a grace embodied by legends like Sophia Loren (a past guest of Grand Hotel Miramare no less). But here’s a secret: Italian fashion isn't about being flashy. It's about quality, fit, and knowing how to live in your clothes.
Of course, each region has its style. Milan might whisper haute couture, while down south it’s a bit more boho. We’re not about to give you a history lesson on it all, but what follows are a few pointers on what makes our Italian hearts smile, and frown, when it comes to what to wear during your Estate Italiana. We’ll start from the top, then work our way to the toes…
Our unofficial summer uniform
If summer were a fabric, it would be linen. And in Italy, it’s practically a religion. Breathable, lightweight, and gently rumpled in the best possible way, it’s a dream for our hot days.
Whether it’s a perfectly tailored linen pant, or a crisp and breezy shirt, this fabric keeps you cool, comfortable, and perpetually elegante. But be careful: linen seems to be attracted to pasta sauce.
The art of the accessory
Italians love to accessorize. Sunglasses, bags, jewelry… Bring it all. But perhaps the most quintessential (and, given the heat, seemingly paradoxical) accessory is the scarf or, for the men, a jumper slung just so around the neck.
Why? To avoid the dreaded colpo d’aria - literally ‘a blast of air’. This sneaky villain can lead to all sorts of woes, from a stiff neck (cervicale, a true Italian affliction) to mysterious liver pains (mal di fegato).
A scarf, draped just so, is your stylish shield. You’ll find them everywhere, year-round. Bring your own or, better yet, collect a few vibrant beauties from one of Santa Margherita’s markets and vintage shops.
Go with the flow
Long, flowing dresses are an Estate Italiana staple. They are true chameleons: ready for a day exploring the towns of the Ligurian Riviera; ideal for one’s pre-aperitivo passeggiata; and then equally adept for a sophisticated evening under the stars at Vistamare Restaurant.
While neutrals always have their place, summer is your chance for a bold floral print that pops, or a simple block of vibrant coral or sun-drenched yellow.
How to make a splash
Cast your mind back to the early 1950s and bikinis, fresh from France, were being worn by women across Italia’s beaches. However, with the country at a crossroads between conservatism and liberation, these two-piece swimsuits caused quite a stir, with local governments hiring bikini inspectors to patrol the beaches and enforce modesty.
Fast-forward to today and you’ll have no such problem, with Italy boasting one of Europe’s most relaxed beachwear cultures. Our only advice? Whether you’re wearing a one-piece, bikini, or boldly colored swimsuit, finish your look with cat-eye sunglasses. Because even on the sand, a touch of glamour is non-negotiable.
For the men, of course there’s the skimpy speedo. While a younger generation might gravitate towards something a little longer, the body-hugging brief is still a staple of the beach. If you prefer a little more fabric then well-fitted swimming trunks are your go-to, rather than loose board shorts. The latter are a bit too casual for our Italian sensibilities.
About those shorts...
If you're looking to blend into the Italian summer scene, leave your athletic shorts for the gym or, perhaps, a spirited game of tennis at our nearby courts.
But for strolling through town? Shorts with a smart-casual finish are ideal, even when the mercury rises.
And a word on jeans...
The tighter, and whiter, the better. Italian men are masters of making a great pair of jeans work for almost any occasion. Day to night, with a simple shirt or a sharp coat, smart jeans are the champions of versatile cool.
For the more adventurous, ‘manpris’ (longer than shorts, shorter than trousers) are a bold statement and a true mark of a certain Italian confidence.
Finally, the feet
An unspoken rule, but for anything beyond the beach or pool deck, us Italians stick to a strappy and elegant sandal. This is especially true if you’re venturing into Portofino or one of Genoa’s sacred spaces, where the clip-clop sound of the flip-flop shoe is a touch inelegant.
Come as you are
Of course, none of the above is a decree.
While we Italians do have our preferences, the true spirit of Estate Italiana - and certainly of Grand Hotel Miramare - is one of laid-back warmth and welcome. Whether you arrive in the purest linen or your favourite well-worn jeans, we embrace you as you are.
We're never too formal or too fancy, unless, of course, that's precisely the kind of summer evening you're dreaming of.
