What to Pack for Italy This Summer
- Summer Packing Guide for Petites: Outfits, Shoes & Beauty Essentials -
There’s a moment that always stays with me, no matter how many times I return home to Italy. It happens on that very first morning: stepping onto a quiet Roman street just after sunrise, linen dress catching the breeze, the scent of coffee filling the air, warm stone facades glowing softly, market voices blending into one steady rhythm — like a background song that will carry me through my entire stay.
The light is soft. The city is waking up. And the day feels like a new chapter waiting to unfold.
But here’s the truth: that feeling—that ease— starts with how you feel - in your clothes and in your own skin. What you choose to bring becomes part of the story you’re writing for yourself in this new season of life.
If you're preparing for Italy (or other European destinations) this summer, I invite you to think of your suitcase not as a checklist… but as a kind of love letter to yourself. A carefully curated wardrobe that makes every morning effortless, every photo timeless, and every memory even more beautiful.
Because I live between two countries, I’ve packed for this journey many times. And with every trip, I’ve learned what works — and what I wish I had done differently. My hope is that these simple lessons will help you enjoy your trip fully, with fewer packing mistakes and more room for joy.
Let’s pack together!
Preparing a petite-friendly travel capsule: folding soft layers for summer in Italy.
Build Your Travel Capsule
Everything you bring needs to create harmony. You may already be familiar with the idea of a capsule wardrobe — a thoughtfully curated collection of pieces that mix and match seamlessly to create multiple outfits. It’s designed to be versatile, minimalist, and sustainable, built on timeless staples that can easily be refreshed with a few seasonal touches to achieve that classic modern look I often reference here at Élan Petite.
Imagine soft linen dresses in ivory and navy, a blouse that layers effortlessly over tailored shorts or breezy trousers, and sandals that pair with everything. Your color palette hums the same quiet melody, so you’re never standing in front of your suitcase wondering what goes together.
This is your travel capsule. It’s never about how much you bring—it’s about how well it all works together.
When I pack, I choose pieces I’d happily wear at home, but elevated just enough to feel special for the trip. A romantic midi dress that moves with the breeze. A crisp white top that still feels fresh after a full day of exploring. When you’re walking cobblestones one moment and dining under string lights the next, an intentional wardrobe becomes your greatest ally.
Here’s what my capsule looks like this year:
Petite-friendly Italy summer travel capsule with dresses, layers, accessories, and shoes — curated for effortless European style.
If you love any outfit in this little collection I made, here are all the links. (Crossing my fingers everything is still in stock when you read this!)
Dresses: Mango White Belted Dress | Boden Navy Dress | Veronica Beard Light Blue Dress | A&F dress (alternative)
Shirts: Madewell Denim Shirt | H&M Linen Striped Shirt
Shorts: AritziaTailored Shorts | Madewell Perfect Denim Shorts | White Denim Shorts | Quince Linen Shorts
Pants: Quince Linen Pants | Artizia Navy Trousers | Zara Wide Leg Denim Jeans
Shoes: Mango Pointed Heels | Ann Tailor Cork Kitten Heels | Samba OG Neutral | Margaux Ballet Flats
Coats: Mango Suede Jacket | J.Crew Trench Coat | longer alternative: Sézane Trench (runs big)
Purses: J. Crew Raffia Purse | DeMellier Cream Clutch (alternative)
Accessories: J. Crew Sun Glasses | BR Chunky Bracelet | Linjer Pearls Earrings | LOFT Silk Scarf | Petite Studio Belt
Pool: J. Crew Swimming Suit
Travel Gears: Neutral Suitcase Set | Quince Silk Mask (my favorite!)
Be ready for adventures… and layers!
Italy in summer is mostly golden… but not always predictable. Rainclouds drift in like uninvited guests, then vanish just as quickly. Wind kisses your shoulders in Venice, while a quiet church in Assisi will gently ask you to cover them.
And sometimes — if you’re anything like me — you’ll find yourself wandering into unexpected adventures: climbing the narrow streets of a hill town you hadn’t planned to visit, stumbling upon an ancient fortress you didn’t know existed, and before you realize it, the sun is setting and you’re being swept into an unforgettable dinner on a hilltop, overlooking a glittering lake that feels like a scene from a dream.
It sounds surreal — but that’s the essence of La Dolce Vita: not everything is scheduled, and the most beautiful moments are often the ones you never saw coming.
That’s why layers are your best ally when packing for Italy. A soft cotton cardigan, a linen blazer, or even a beautiful scarf takes up almost no space, but gives you the freedom to say yes to whatever the day brings — whether it's cool evening breezes, spontaneous hikes, or dress codes you didn’t anticipate. No outfit ruined. No moment missed.
Effortless light layers for unexpected summer adventures — perfect for Italian hill towns and evening strolls.
Simple sightseeing outfit for Rome: lightweight top, neutral accessories, and gelato in hand.
Shoes make the journey
And in Italy, the journey is long and beautiful. You’ll walk more than you think—through markets, museums, and meandering evening strolls where the best gelato is always just ten minutes further.
But nothing screams tourist more than the wrong pair of shoes. Italians — as you may have noticed — are fanatical and unapologetically opinionated about footwear. From teenagers to grandparents, shoes are a quiet (or not-so-quiet) statement of who you are and how you carry yourself.
During my first years in the States, I could always spot a fellow Italian by two things:
a) their impeccably elegant shoes,
b) their horrified expression when noticing other people’s shoes.
(It still makes me smile to this day.)
So yes — bring the stylish pair. But let it also be a comfortable one. Especially if you’re visiting Rome, my city — never underestimate how tricky these cobblestones can be. And trust me: designer flip flops won’t do.
My personal secret? I bring a few flat options and rotate them daily to give my feet a break.
I absolutely love a classic, low-profile pair of sneakers (the Samba OG is having a moment, and for good reason), and ballet flats that feel as lovely as they look. The Madewell Greta Ballet Flat and Margaux’s The Pointe are two beautiful, petite-friendly options that pair with everything. My personal favorite? A caramel pair of sandals I discovered during a spontaneous trip to Charleston — they’ve become my go-to ever since.
And for evenings? A small sandal heel in caramel elongates the leg and keeps the outfit light, pairing effortlessly with everything from navy trousers to linen dresses. In Italy, I always carry an extra pair of heels for the evening — a little secret many Roman women swear by. And if you’re petite like me, it quickly becomes a necessity!
Here are the four type of shoes I highly recommend bringing for a 2-week vacation to Italy (no more, no less!)
Petite-Friendly Picks for Effortless Italy Summer Packing
The Elevated Sneakers: Adidas Samba OG | Rebook | Converse Run Star
The Everyday Low-Heel Sandals: Ann Tailor Cork Kitten Heels | (alternative) | Margaux Sandals | SM Gold Heels
The Ballet Flats: Vivaia Pointed-Toe Flats | Margaux Ballet Flats | J.Crew Gold Mesh Mary Janes
The Nude Evening Heels: Mango Pointed Heels | Anthropologie Raffia Sandal | Sam Edelman Gold Sandal (alternative)
(PS: if you are wondering about the best ballet flats for a petite, make sure to read my Élan Petite Ballet Flats Edit.)
Don’t forget the Glam
Every trip has a surprise. A dinner that turns unexpectedly grand. An invitation to a wedding. A concert under the stars. And Italians? They dress for the moment. It’s serious business :)
So even if you’re packing light, tuck in that one outfit—the one that makes you stand taller. Maybe it’s a silk slip dress. Maybe it’s the alter vest with matching pants with gold earrings you never get to wear at home. Let it be a reminder that elegance doesn’t need an occasion… but Italy will likely give you one anyway.
Summer evenings in Italy: petite-friendly dresses for elevated moments, effortless elegance, and golden hour gatherings.
Beauty rituals while traveling
Yes, bring your favorites—just not all of them. I always say: pack like you’re writing poetry, not a novel.
A tinted moisturizer, a refillable perfume vial, a lipstick that carries you from market mornings to moonlit dinners and don't forget your curling iron - but only if it’s dual voltage (Italy runs on 220V, not 110).
Personally, I can’t live without my Dyson Airwrap but sadly it’s not EU-friendly so I typically bring just my Beachwaver curling iron. One thing to know about Italian women—they care deeply about their hair. Even in the smallest towns, you’ll spot a woman whose hair is beautifully styled, no matter the hour. When I was growing up in Italy, it was perfectly normal for my aunt to visit her hairstylist weekly. Even us children got styled! These days, as I travel with family and our days are fuller—especially post-pandemic—I tend to reserve hair appointments for cuts and color only, and do the rest myself using the tools I love. I carry what I need to feel beautiful, confident, and ready for any city on the itinerary.
If you are traveling only for a or two week, pack only the essentials: your favorite travel-sized anti-frizz serum, a lightweight styling cream, and a mini heat protectant spray if you plan to use tools. Consider a compact brush or folding comb, and a few soft hair ties or clips to switch from day to evening looks. Dry shampoo can also be a lifesaver if your schedule is full and washing time is scarce. Keep it simple, but intentional—these little touches can make you feel polished even on the busiest travel days.
Lily’s Beauty Essentials for Travel
Travel Makeup Bag | All my other Beauty Favorites can be found here.
And always, always leave room for “Love at First Sight”
Not romantic love, necessarily (though who knows?). I mean the kind of love that stops you mid-step—a woven bag in a Tuscan market, a pair of handmade sandals in Positano, a linen blouse you never expected to find.
Leave a little room in your suitcase. Because Italy has a way of giving you things you didn’t know you needed. And it’s always more fun to come home with treasures than regrets. For example, last May as I was walking in Ponte Vecchio in Florence, I fell in love with some chic soft leather gloves in burgundy, perfect for my petite hands. And that same night, I could not resist but splurging on a handcrafted a suede leather jacket which I use on repeat all year long.
Luxury shopping in Milan Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — perfect for petite-friendly luxury shopping during Italy summer travel.
Exploring Italy’s hidden gems in Venice.
Packing Tips Recap:
Capsule: Choose a petite-friendly capsule wardrobe that mixes and matches with ease
Layers: Always pack light layers for rain, wind, or modesty in sacred spaces
Shoes: Bring chic but comfortable shoes (think Samba OG, Greta Ballet Flat, and a low sandal heel)
Glam: Don’t skip the glam—include at least one elevated outfit for unexpected elegant evenings
Beauty: Simplify your beauty routine and check voltage for hot tools (Italy uses 220V)
Shopping: Leave space in your suitcase for unexpected treasures
One last thing…
Enjoying coffee at a Rome café in a summer outfit — lightweight dress, scarf, and statement earrings for effortless travel style.
And above all? Don’t stress. Italy is full of charming boutiques, well-stocked pharmacies, and even market stalls that carry beautiful, high-quality pieces - like a cashmere pashmina scarf! If you forget something, you’ll likely find something better waiting for you.
Packing well doesn’t mean bringing more. It means bringing you. The version of you that feels at ease in her clothes. Who knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to wear it twice. Who leaves space for joy, beauty, and a little bit of magic.
Wishing you a summer of slow mornings, dreamy evenings, and stories you’ll carry for a lifetime.
With love,
Lily
