Thank goodness for boredom, because that's precisely how I ended up booking a weeklong trip to Italy. During one of my many late-night sessions aimlessly scrolling through the web, I stumbled upon a cheap flight to Rome that was almost too good to be true. The summer months are considered the high season for visiting Europe, making flights notoriously expensive due to the demand, so I knew I couldn't pass the opportunity up. Next thing you know, I had an Italian summer vacation booked, with a detour to Greece thrown in.
While I'm more than thrilled to return to Italy (it's one of my favorite destinations in the world), I'm even more excited about the outfit planning. Meticulously prepping my vacation outfits is my toxic shopping trait, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I've been scanning through hundreds of dresses, shoes, and bags to find the perfect pieces to complement the picturesque Italian landscape, and I've managed to finally narrow it down to my absolute favorites. So far, I'm coveting breezy summer staples with a handful of colorful and trendy pieces strewn in for a touch of pizzazz. Beachside towns like Positano and Sorrento will also be stops along my journey, so plenty of Pucci-esque prints and vibrant patterns are a priority on my shopping list. For a deep dive into the finds I'm throwing on my vacation mood board, keep scrolling.
A Loewe basket bag has been on my wish list since last year, so I figured an Italian getaway is the perfect excuse to finally pull the trigger.
This screams Positano to me, so that means it's going in my cart.
Pink transparent PVC is always fun, and the wedge heel makes these a more foot-friendly fancy-shoe option.
I'm saying yes to all of the handkerchief tops this season.
I spotted these within Mango's Coastal Escape edit, so it feels right to include them here.
Showstopping earrings to wear with a cute, simple tank.
I feel like I should be eating a plate of spaghetti pomodoro while wearing this.
The abstract silhouette looks so expensive.
A simple gold chain will always get a ton of use.
This seafoam green will feel perfect against the coastal backdrop of Southern Italy.
A one-and-done type of dress.
Styled with low-rise trousers, this vest can take me from museum-hopping to happy hour.
Loose and flowy shorts like these are the only shorts I'll wear.
A big must-have for this trip: a rainbow crocheted hat.
I love big button-downs like this because you can use them as a swimsuit cover-up or as a light layer during the day.
Made out of organic poplin? Say less.
I used to avoid sandals like this, but lately, they've been calling my name. A touch of raffia is perfect for the season.
A work of art.
Just so sophisticated.
If you thought I was leaving my beloved cargos at home, you thought wrong.
Preppy isn't my summer aesthetic per se, but I'm so into this elevated blazer for chilly nights.
With a wide size range, ASOS has been my go-to for cute summer sandals.
Brown linen is my secret obsession.
It's always nice to have a little fun with your hoops.
For this trip, I wanted a bikini that would turn heads, and with glittery magenta Lurex, this one from Oséree is sure to do just that.
Yes, my sunglasses collection is currently overflowing, but as far as I'm concerned, the classic versatility of this pair justifies the purchase.
Is it really a trip to Italy without a little bit of Missoni?
Exploring around town, the last thing you want to be doing is schlepping around a ton of stuff. This structured bag from Irish brand Landa is simple, elegant, and best of all can be worn hands-free.
A cool-girl styling hack: Body chains infinitely elevate a swimsuit.
I'm addicted to crochet right now—can't you tell? I envision styling this with baggy, low-rise light-wash jeans.
The gold details are just gorgeous.
Up next: It's Official: These Bikinis Are Bound to Ignite This Summer