I Just Came Back From Rome—6 Chic Trends Italian Woman Inspired Me to Buy

Earlier this month, I jetted off to Italy for the first time after a good friend convinced me to live like the Romans do. Although I'd pinned Italian women style inspiration across my Pinterest boards for weeks in anticipation and bookmarked all of the must-see boutiques, one of the things I was looking forward to the most was seeing how true Italian women dressed day-to-day. Sure, Italian women have a reputation as impeccable style North Stars during Milan Fashion Week and on the street style circuit, but how would their looks measure up in the blistering summer heat? The answer: incredibly well.

While there are some classic markers of style I found myself lusting after while visiting Rome (Slip dresses! Silk scarvess! Vespa-approved linen!), there were even more sartorial common denominators Italian women wore that I didn't expect. Below, scroll to see all of the trends I spotted on Italian women in Rome, plus everything at the top of my summer buy list after visiting the city.

All-Black Outfits

The one thing my Italian best friend told me when I was visiting her in Rome was that you can spot an Italian fashion girl from a mile away—usually because they're dressed in all black. Regardless of the season, temperature, or weather, stylish women from Milan, Rome, and beyond rely on this classic color palette to look cool year-round.

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White Tailored Trousers

Is there anything quite as chic as a pair of white, tailored trousers? I kept spotting Italian women wearing the style up and down the streets of Rome, both at culturally significant sites and in small, quaint restaurants in Monti. Wear with a simple white tee or tank, and you're golden.

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Oversize Sunglasses

If Italian women know how to do one thing right, it's accessorize. Stylish women everywhere were sporting larger-than-life retro frames that I instantly copied after only a day in Italy. Plus, they look great in pictures. Win-win!

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Slip Dresses

While Italian women love dressing up, I was shocked to see how casual the stylish set in Rome could be, mixing formal elements with casual sneakers or denim jackets. The biggest example? Wearing slip dresses with sandals or sneakers while walking around Rome and trying to stay cool in the summer heat.

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Linen Everything

The key to beating the heat under the Mediterranean sun is always sporting some linen, so it's no surprise I saw Italian women everywhere opting for the summer staple when the temperatures in Rome are reaching their peak. Not only is linen incredibly cozy and comfortable in the high-90-degree weather, but there's tons of stylish options and silhouettes Italians go for— think breezy summer dresses, casual linen pants, and elegant vests.

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Silk Scarves

Italian summer style wouldn't be Italian summer style without a silk scarf lazily wrapped around your neck or head. Case in point: the vintage-inspired satin square I picked up while thrifting in Rome that reminded me of old-school Italian cinema and romantic looks from my favorite Italian fashion creators on vacation in Sicily. While you'd think the silk scarf can be a bit too on-the-nose for Italian style, I was shocked to see a few chic grandmothers and young Gen Zers wear the style to shield themselves from the blazing sun.

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