I've Studied What Chic Italian Women Wear—They'd Be All Over These 7 Classy Summer Pieces

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @kristincabat wears a silk evening dress on a beach in Italy

(Image credit: @kristincabat)

Lately, it feels like whenever I open Instagram, someone is enjoying pasta with a view or taking a dip in the Mediterranean, Positano's colourful buildings clinging to the cliffside behind them. The Amalfi Coast is a popular destination at this time of year, boasting romantic restaurants and stunning scenery. So, it's no surprise that visitors want to dress the part, curating the perfect photogenic wardrobe that is unlikely to fit in a carry-on.

If you're in this situation, a word of advice: before you start stuffing twenty different sundresses into your suitcase, focus on the core pieces you know you'll reach for repeatedly. While a cascading maxi dress with dramatic puffed sleeves might look great on your IG grid, it's not necessarily the best use of your luggage space. Struggling to identify these feel-good items? Don't fret, because we've selected seven chic and practical pieces we promise you'll love wearing for early morning beach trips, balmy Sorrento evenings and everything in between.

1. Linen Shirt

Amalfi coast shopping list: @lizzyhadfield wears a linen shirt

(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

Style Notes: Wherever you're jetting off to this summer—or even if you're staying local—a linen shirt is a non-negotiable. Trust us, it doesn't get much more effortless than this.

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2. Simple Bikini

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @rayan.xasan wears a simple bikini

(Image credit: @rayan.xasan)

Style Notes: You'll likely spend a good chunk of your Amalfi Coast holiday by the sea (or in it), so bring along a bikini you'll be happy wearing non-stop. Generally, loud prints or bold colours have a shorter lifespan than minimal, neutral-hued sets.

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3. White Dress

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @maddibriell wears a white dress

(Image credit: @maddiebriell)

Style Notes: A romantic setting calls for a romantic outfit. Enter the white cotton dress, an easy throw-on piece that exudes Italian elegance. Be warned, though: pizza sauce will stain, so maybe change before dinner.

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4. Raffia Accessories

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @jeannine.roxas wears raffia accessories

(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Style Notes: Add a touch of raffia to any outfit to give it the holiday treatment, be it a hat, bag or sandals.

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5. Denim Shorts

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @chasemarieee wears denim shorts

(Image credit: @chasemarieee)

Style Notes: Don't be fooled into thinking denim shorts are boring just because they've been around for decades—2024 has proved just how current this staple can look, especially if you opt for a longline pair.

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6. Strappy Top

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @oliviamarcus wears a strappy top

(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: While it's fun to experiment with fashion in a new environment, it's also important to bring along reliable pieces you can pull out on low-effort days. A flowy blouse or strappy top ticks this box.

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7. Light Tailoring

Amalfi coast shopping picks: @andi_mun wears tailored trousers

(Image credit: @andi_mun)

Style Notes: In summer, autumn, winter and spring, we'll continue singing the praises of tailored trousers. Stick to a lightweight fabric like linen or cotton twill for your Italian sojourn.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.