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Dressing for the Heat (and Coping with It!)
- Elinor Salter
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Style, Comfort & Confidence—Even When It’s Boiling!
Italy in the summer is beautiful… but let’s be honest, it can also be brutal. Scorching heat, blazing sun, and the kind of humidity that makes even your sandals feel sticky. Whether you're navigating your new expat life, dreaming of moving here, or just trying to keep cool while looking chic on holiday—it’s not easy dressing well when it feels like the world is melting.
And if you’re also navigating midlife changes (hello, hot flushes!), it can feel downright impossible. But I promise, it’s not.
Let’s talk about how to stay cool, feel confident, and embrace your Italian summer style—without melting into a puddle.
1. Fabric is Everything
Natural, breathable fabrics are your best friend. Think:
Linen – Yes, it creases. But in Italy, that’s part of the charm. A softly wrinkled linen dress says “relaxed elegance”.
Cotton – Lightweight and versatile. Perfect for shirts, sundresses, and even wide-leg trousers.
Viscose – If you like a drapier, silkier feel, this is a great plant-based option that breathes well.
Top tip: Avoid synthetics unless you want to feel like you're wrapped in clingfilm.
2. Silhouettes that Let You Breathe
Think loose, flowing, and gently structured—not tight or clingy.
Try a kaftan-style midi dress, a linen co-ord set, or wide-leg trousers with a boxy tee.
Show some skin strategically: an open back, sleeveless blouse, or off-the-shoulder neckline allows air to circulate without baring it all.
Italian style tip: Italian women know that looking sexy isn’t about showing everything—it’s about suggesting elegance and confidence. A floaty dress with bare shoulders and flat leather sandals? Perfetta.
3. Layer Lightly
Even in the heat, you may want a lightweight layer:
A sheer cotton shirt over a tank top gives coverage without bulk.
A linen blazer for an evening aperitivo adds polish.
A big straw hat and oversized sunglasses protect and elevate your whole look.
Bonus tip: A folding fan in your bag adds a bit of vintage Italian drama—practical and stylish!
4. Colours & Patterns
Lighter colours reflect heat, but that doesn’t mean boring beige. Try:
Crisp whites, soft blues, blush pinks, olive greens
Classic summer stripes or romantic florals
Body-positive reminder: You don’t need to hide behind black just because you're not “beach body ready.” Your body is already worthy of the sunshine.
5. Style Confidence in the Heat
One of the most beautiful things about living in (or visiting) Italy is this: people wear what they want, at any age or size. On the beach, you’ll see grandmothers in bikinis, men in tiny Speedos, and bodies of all shapes soaking up the joy of summer without apology.
What if you gave yourself that same permission?
Wear the sundress. Go sleeveless. Don’t punish yourself with Spanx. Let your body breathe, and enjoy how good it feels to move through summer feeling like you.
6. Coping with the Heat (Not Just Dressing for It)
Take breaks. Step into the shade, find a breeze, drink a granita.
Drink water like it’s your job. Add lemon and mint for a dolce vita touch.
Siesta when you can. Midday heat? Not the time to conquer the world. Be Italian: rest now, live later.
Set the mood. A fan, a light mist spray with rosewater, soft cotton sheets at night—it’s all part of the summer ritual.
La dolce vita isn’t about doing more. It’s about enjoying what you’re already doing.
Ready to Feel Good in Your Summer Style?
Dressing for the heat and coping with it - If you’ve been hiding away this summer, melting into the background, or unsure how to dress for your midlife body in the heat—I see you.
You don’t have to wait until autumn to feel like yourself again. It starts with choosing clothes that love you back. It starts with letting go of shame and rules that don’t serve you anymore. And it starts with treating your body with the same Italian elegance you give to a beautiful plate of pasta or a glass of cold prosecco.
If you're ready to reconnect with your essence, your elegance, and your Italian soul—even in the heat—come and book a Taste of La Dolce Vita style session. Let’s make summer feel good again.
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