If you follow along on Instagram, you probably caught a glimpse of our whirlwind escape to Italy last week. Jeff and I managed to carve out a few days for a quick vacation, and while the trip flew by far too quickly, it was every bit as magical as I’d hoped. Between the cobblestone streets of Rome, the Renaissance charm of Florence, and more gelato breaks than I care to admit, Italy left us dizzy in the best way.
We took so many photos—partly because the backdrop was just too perfect, and partly because I wanted to remember the feeling of being there, dressed in clothes that felt just right for the setting. Travel always pushes me to think a little differently about what I wear: practicality meets romance, comfort with a touch of drama. Since so many of you asked about my outfits, I thought I’d share a little roundup of my favorite looks from our time in Rome and Florence.
Roman Holiday Essentials
Rome has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a classic film. The streets buzz with life, scooters weave effortlessly through traffic, and history greets you at every corner. My wardrobe for Rome leaned into that cinematic energy—effortless, but with small details that made me feel put-together as we wandered through ruins and piazzas.
The White Linen Dress
Nothing feels more right in Rome than linen. I packed a crisp white linen dress, cinched at the waist with a woven belt. It was light enough to handle the afternoon sun but polished enough for an aperitivo at a café near Piazza Navona. Paired with flat sandals and a crossbody bag, it became my go-to outfit for days when we were on our feet from morning to night.
Wide-Leg Trousers & Silk Camisole
For evenings, I opted for wide-leg trousers in a soft neutral tone paired with a champagne silk camisole. Comfortable, yes, but also sophisticated for late dinners where meals stretch past midnight (as they should in Rome). I layered on gold jewelry to catch the glow of candlelight—minimal effort, maximum impact.
Florentine Flair
Florence is a different kind of beauty—quieter than Rome, yet bursting with artistry in every corner. The colors of the city—burnished terracotta rooftops, creamy stone walls, golden sunsets—seemed to seep into the way I dressed while we were there.
Midi Skirt & Knit Top
One of my favorite Florence outfits was a pleated midi skirt in a deep bronze shade, paired with a simple knit top. The skirt caught the light beautifully as we crossed the Ponte Vecchio, and I loved how it felt both romantic and practical. Sneakers kept it grounded for exploring museums, but I swapped in block heels for dinner under the stars.
Floral Maxi Dress
Florence practically demands something feminine and flowing. I wore a floral maxi dress one afternoon while we strolled through the Boboli Gardens, and it felt like a dream. With its soft pattern and easy silhouette, it was the kind of piece that makes you feel both comfortable and instantly dressed-up. Add a straw hat and you’re practically blending in with the Tuscan scenery.
Accessories That Made the Trip
As much as the main pieces mattered, I found that accessories carried a lot of the weight when it came to styling abroad. A wide-brimmed straw hat kept the sun at bay, while a rotation of lightweight scarves doubled as shawls when evenings got breezy. My trusty crossbody bag never left my side—it was the perfect size for a phone, sunglasses, and the occasional gelato spoon.
And then there were the shoes. I promised myself I wouldn’t overpack, and I stuck to three pairs: leather sandals, classic white sneakers, and one pair of block-heel mules for dinners out. That small rotation served me well, proof that thoughtful packing pays off.
What I Learned from Dressing in Italy
Travel outfits, when done right, should make you feel like yourself, but also like you’ve stepped into the rhythm of a new place. In Rome, I leaned into chic neutrals and lightweight fabrics; in Florence, I embraced softness and romance. The thread running through everything was practicality—because nothing ruins a good look faster than being uncomfortable when you still have miles of cobblestones to cover.
But more than that, dressing for Italy reminded me of something I often forget in the day-to-day rush: clothes are about how you feel. I didn’t pack anything overly fussy or precious, but instead chose pieces that sparked a little joy every time I slipped them on. And that joy lingered, even as we hopped from city to city in just a handful of days.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the trip was far too short—I could have stayed another week in either Rome or Florence without running out of things to see, eat, or wear. But even in just a few days, Italy worked its magic. I came home with a camera roll full of memories, a suitcase full of linen and silk that now smell faintly of Tuscan air, and a renewed appreciation for the way travel and style intertwine.
So here’s my little style diary from Italy—outfits that carried me from morning espressos to twilight walks along the Arno. If nothing else, they remind me that sometimes, the best souvenirs aren’t the things you bring home, but the way a place inspires you to see your own wardrobe in a new light.
