The “Italian summer” aesthetic is characterized by light, chic, minimalistic fashion perfect for warm Mediterranean weather. The style embraces light and breathable fabrics, versatile styles and classic silhouettes paired with the charm of slow Italian living. A refreshing drink is a must-have accessory to an Italian summer afternoon, so why not treat your favorite drink as an accessory to your outfit?
Here are five ways you can match your outfit to your drink this Italian girl summer.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol spritz has had its own moment on social media recently. Even if you’re not familiar with the drink, the orange hue is unmistakable. As a classic, refreshing and Instagram-able cocktail, this comes as no surprise. Known in Italy as simply a spritz, this drink is equal parts sweet and bitter with an herbal and citrusy finish and of course, bubbles.
This first outfit combines function and style while showing off the rich orange color of the Aperol Spritz. A matching vest set is easy to throw on but looks so classy. And, if you’re missing your go-to blazer in warmer weather, it’s also a way to wear the business casual style while staying cool. Plus, it has pockets.
Brown leather sandals and a complimenting crossbody bag are classic accessories to wear while sipping your classic cocktail. To tie it all together, these pointed gold hoop earrings give a subtle nod to the hemline of the vest.
To Make An Aperol Spritz
First, fill a wine glass with ice.
Next, add two ounces of Aperol.
Then, add three ounces of Prosecco.
Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with an orange slice.
Limoncello Spritz
Nothing says summer like a cold glass of fresh lemonade–except Italy’s adult version. The Limoncello spritz puts a twist on the classic Aperol spritz by switching out Aperol for Limoncello, a liquor made with vodka, lemon peels, and sugar. This drink is bright, refreshing, and subtly sweet.
Naturally, the corresponding look is bright and fun! The base of this outfit is a pale-yellow knit dress with lots of movement, perfect for strolling the streets this summer. A straw hat is a classic summertime accessory, and the one pictured below adds a modern yet elegant twist, with a black bow and teardrop shaped brim. Black platform sandals tie the look together and keep it comfortable.
Is the lemon print on the cork bag a little on-the-nose? Maybe, but it was too charming to resist.
To Make A Limoncello Spritz
First, fill a wine glass with ice.
Next, add two ounces of Limoncello.
Then, add three ounces of Prosecco.
Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with a lemon slice.
Negroni
The Negroni is an elusive cocktail with immense depth of flavor. It’s equally bitter and herbal with subtle notes of sweetness. Put simply, it embodies intensity and style. Though famous for his love of martinis, even James Bond regarded it as a drink appropriate for sipping at an outdoor cafe in Italy.
While the “Italian girl” style normally sticks to a more minimal template, an exception had to be made for such a bold drink. This striking jumpsuit matches the Negroni’s signature red but embraces simplicity and a classically feminine silhouette, making it the perfect pair for this drink. Oversized sunglasses add drama and an air of mystery, while dainty jewelry keeps the look lowkey and classy.
To Make A Negroni
First, add one ounce each of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin into a glass with ice.
Then, stir until chilled and pour over a large rock.
Garnish with an orange peel.
Caffe Shakerato
Wake up and smell the caffe shakerato! This is a cold shaken espresso beverage made with a few simple ingredients. It’s similar to an American iced coffee, and while the recipe doesn’t call for milk, it has a rich frothy layer on top.
An indulgent coffee says, ‘slow Sunday morning,’ and that’s exactly what this look delivers. A button-down shirt dress is a classy but casual piece, and the one below adds shape with a tied waist. Think, ‘I just rolled out of bed but somehow look flawless.’
Chic white sneakers keep you comfortable while a woven tote bag carries all your daily essentials with room to spare for any trinkets you pick up along the way. And while you don’t *need* a watch on the go since you have your phone, a sleek leather watch elevates any look. The caffe shakerato-inspired outfit will take you from your morning errands to your afternoon caffeine pick-me-up.
To Make A Caffe Shakerato
First, add four to six ice cubes and one tablespoon of sugar to a cocktail shaker.
Then, pour two ounces of freshly brewed espresso over the ice.
Next, shake vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds.
Strain into a glass of ice and serve.
Bellini
In modern times, you can find countless bellini flavors in bars across the world. The classic bellini only uses two ingredients, peach and Prosecco. While the drink is simple, it’s bursting with bold peach flavor.
The base of this outfit is a playful maxi dress with lots of layers. Layers add movement to a dress, which looks especially sophisticated on a breezy summer evening while you sip your drink on a restaurant terrace. Understated accessories like a wicker clutch, delicate hoops and black sling-back flats keep the look balanced. A silk scarf adds a final touch of flair and function to the outfit. Wear it around your neck or use it to tie back your hair, whichever you prefer.
To Make A Bellini
First, add two ounces of peach puree or syrup to a champagne glass.
Then, fill the glass the rest of the way with Prosecco.
Have The Summer You Want
While online culture strongly emphasizes a cultivated aesthetic for a perfect summer, choosing to take inspiration from a certain aesthetic is really about romanticizing your life. When it comes to an Italian summer, this means taking bits of Italian lifestyle you find beautiful and incorporating them into your fashion and food. But it also means slowing down to embrace the beautiful parts of life. Cheers!