10 Italian Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

I once read (OK, fine — it was an Instagram Reel) about how sad it is that Millennials are trading in trips to Europe for homeownership, buying homes like our parents did when they were our age. As a non-homeowner who visits family in Italy every year for the past 14 years, I can honestly say that I am happy keeping my trips to Italy instead of purchasing a home. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that falling in love with Italy was one of the easiest things I’ve done. Everything from the food to the art and cinema is about approaching life in a way that is slower (certainly slower than my life in NYC) and more simple — and Italian style is no exception.

Italians are masters of the capsule wardrobe. They stick to a few high-quality pieces in light, neutral colors that pair easily with everything in their closets. The linen sets, breezy dresses, and pared-down silhouettes easily transition from Italian patisseries and beach clubs to my coffee runs and brunch dates in NYC. But I must admit, I recently had the most fun putting my Italian wardrobe to practice on the island of Capri. I’m not exactly working with the same budget many of the island’s socialites are, but as a fashion editor and shopping expert, I know how to spot quality pieces that won’t break the bank. See below for some of the style pieces I wear when I want to fit in with my Italian friends — and trust that you’ll be seeing me speed walk in the same outfits all over NYC, too.

Zesica Summer Strapless Dress

I find myself reaching for this dress over and over again. In the course of a month, I wore it almost every two to three days. I have the solid beige color, and I pair it with layers of gold necklaces and bracelets. It’s comfortable, versatile, and looks more expensive than it really is. It comes in 30 color and print options, but you’ll want to stick to light-colored neutral tones to blend with the locals. Many reviewers say the dress is extremely comfortable, with one happy shopper adding that it’s “literally the most flattering and comfortable dress I have ever owned … I feel like every day is a vacation when I wear it.” 

Dreshow UPF 50+ Straw Fedora

Pretty much every person you pass on the street in Italy— from Milan to Naples to Capri — is wearing one of these hats. In Italy, you’ll see countless boutiques selling versions that cost a pretty penny, but this one will give you the same style points and the added bonus of UPF-50+ protection. Despite the low price tag, reviewers rave about the hat’s quality, with one customer saying they “received lots of compliments.” 

Mango Pleated Belted Cotton & Linen Wide Leg Pants

Linen pants may read as “coastal grandma” in the U.S., but absolutely everyone wears them in Italy. I love these particular pants because the cotton-linen blend makes them more opaque than pure linen options. The built-in belt makes adjusting the fit easy, and styling these pants are a breeze. I like to pair them with a simple white tank for casual days, and then with heels and a silk top for a nice dinner. I also stay cool in these, even while climbing Capri’s hills in 85-degree-Fahrenheit weather. The front pleats give them a more elevated look, too.

Vince Easy Linen Button-up Shirt

This one’s pricier, but I’ve been wearing this button-down for almost seven years and it just gets more and more comfortable with time. It’s always on the flight over with me, and can be worn many ways. I layer it on top of the aforementioned dress or with a tank and some pants, or tuck it into trousers for a more sophisticated look. It comes in either white or blue, and while I have it in white, blue is a really popular color to wear with linen pants on islands like Capri and Sicily. If it’s not in your budget right now, try this comparable option from Gap.   

Ettika Set of 2 Pendant Necklaces

Balance out all the neutral, minimalist essentials by layering lots of gold necklaces and bracelets, and don’t be afraid to opt for some chunky pendants like these ones from Ettika. When it comes to gold, “di più è di più” (“more is more”)! One shopper, who liked these so much that they bought them again after losing the first set, says they are “an instant favorite because they’re great for layering and look good with everything.”

Lululemon Utilitech Relaxed Mid-rise Trouser

You know how travelers used to dress up to get on airplanes and trains back in the day? I like to think of these wrinkle-free pants as my modern, more comfy take on that. I’ve worn them on long flights to Bangkok and India and, of course, around Italy and Europe, and have paired them with a simple tank, T-shirt, linen shirt, or sweater. These trousers are made with four-way stretch and a buttery-soft waistband. I love how formal they look despite how comfy they feel. They look great with a corset top or silk cami, too. Several shoppers say they are their “absolute favorite pants.”

Skims Fits Everybody Tube Dress

You’ve likely seen the Skims tank dress on your social media feed. This tube dress version has the same comfort and fit people rave about with other Skims pieces, but the strapless silhouette is more fitting for the Italian style. The black is classic, but the umber shade is another great go-to for everything from a day of shoe shopping to a glamorous rooftop spritz at sunset. Nordstrom shoppers rave about how the double lining “snatches” their figure “to oblivion.”

MZ Wallace Mini Raffia Tote

I’ve sampled many a tote in my day, but nothing can compete with the combination of style and function in this mini MZ Wallace tote. It just as easily holds my phone, wallet, Kindle, and headphones as it does a towel, sunglasses, and snacks for the beach. It’s never lost its like-new appearance since I got it a year ago. The texture and color goes perfectly with all the other neutral tones in my Italian wardrobe, and I love the nylon pouch inside to keep my electronics separate from my water bottle and lip gloss. One shopper prepping for a trip to Hawaii says, “it’s perfect for my sunblock and essentials.”

Naturalizer Banks Pointed Toe Flat

You can spend a lot on a pair of leather Italian shoes, or you can get a pair of flats stateside for a fraction of the cost. I prefer the latter, and so do the over 2,000 Amazon shoppers who gave these shoes a five-star rating. One reviewer, who wanted something dressy but didn’t want to wear heels, says they wear these flats anytime they’re “not in sneakers” because they’re “so cute and comfy.” These shoes have a flexible sole, breathable lining, and plenty of cushion, so I never shy away from walking everywhere with them on. These shoes come in 26 different colors, and most of them are neutral enough to fit in easily with local style.

Anthropologie Pilcro Seemed Linen Midi Skirt

A good white skirt is a must-have for any Italy-bound traveler. This, with its opaque fabric and unique midi skirt, is my go-to pick. I recommend spending a bit more on any sort of quality linen bottoms since it’s often difficult to find ones that aren’t sheer. Made with a linen-cotton blend, the lightweight fabric pairs easily with anything from a T-shirt to dressier silk top. The vertical seams add a bit more interest and dimension to this than most standard white linen skirts, too.