Bringing your dream outfits to life in an affordable and timeless way, as shared by students studying abroad in the summer.
By Emily Bruck
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something that comes from within.” – Ralph Lauren
One term I often encountered when discussing summer vacations in Italy— or any Southern European destination during the summer—was “Eurosummer.” This term encapsulates a vibe of confident women, bright sunshine, and a chic, bohemian-inspired summer wardrobe that appears both vintage and luxurious. Simply put, it refers to the essence of summer in Europe.
@lolitaolympia almost that time again #eurosummer #summerineurope ♬ belly conklin x brazil by declan mckenna – summer 🌺
Social media and influencers have expanded this simple concept into something much more significant; it convinced me that I had to spend my summer in Italy to experience this enchanting atmosphere. But the question remained: how could I style linens, headscarves, sandals, and bags without draining my budget?
Various resources suggest that to “dress like an Italian,” one should incorporate classic pieces like statement sunglasses, white linen trousers, and long patterned skirts. They also recommend summer accessories, such as woven bags.
For additional inspiration, here are five curated ‘Eurosummer’ looks from different social media accounts.
However, achieving the quintessential Italian summer look while sticking to a budget feels almost unattainable. Therefore, here’s a look at what an affordable Eurosummer wardrobe looks like in practice, worn by actual students studying abroad striving to embody this aesthetic. Here are the key tips and tricks:
Four Affordable Summer Shopping Tips from a Study Abroad Student
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First and foremost, thrifting remains a timeless approach. How else can you achieve that vintage look affordably? Florence has a wealth of vintage shops, from high-end quality pieces to budget-friendly finds. For a more structured approach, check out our guide to vintage shopping in Florence. If you’re like me and prefer to plan ahead, you might want to visualize your Eurosummer outfits before heading abroad. Visit local thrift stores such as Savers and Salvation Army. These options are not only budget-friendly for college students but also sustainable.
During my summer abroad, I successfully thrifted several pairs of white linen pants, a multi-functional head scarf that can be worn as a tube top, casual and evening boots, and linen button-ups. All of these items clearly align with influencers’ visions of Eurosummer. Below is an outfit entirely thrifted by a Syracuse University student studying abroad.
Outfits by Londyn Grieve
Next, I highly recommend investing in staples. Staple items are those that can be easily mixed and matched, allowing for versatile outfits.
While exploring what other girls our age were wearing for their Eurosummer looks, we observed an ideal staple outfit worn by a German tourist alongside the Duomo in Florence.
Describing her outfit as depicted above, she shared the importance of a comfortable, casual all-day ensemble.
“Nothing special, of course, just my Nike Air Forces,” she said, highlighting her staple shoes.
For me, my staples include beige, white, and pastel-colored trousers and skirts. By purchasing a singular long black and white skirt, I can create both daytime and evening looks by mixing and matching tops for various settings and temperatures. An essential staple is also a cover-up that complements everything, especially in a historic Renaissance city like Florence, where you never know what dress codes you might encounter.
For instance, at the Santa Maria Cathedral, known as the Duomo, there is a dress code. Having a staple cover-up, long skirt, linen pants, and a tank top provides multiple outfit combinations for summer while ensuring comfort, appropriateness, and creativity for your Eurosummer vision. Below, you can see an outfit by SU summer abroad student Abby Gioffre that illustrates the effective use of neutral staples; remember, these outfits may require a cover-up for sightseeing regulations.
Outfit by Abby Gioffre
Additionally, draw inspiration from various sources to help design your Eurosummer wardrobe. Platforms like Pinterest offer a treasure trove of outfit combinations that embody the sought-after ‘Eurosummer’ vibe. Recently, Amazon storefronts have gained popularity, allowing influencers to showcase their favorite items for others to discover and purchase based on their looks.
These storefronts have been instrumental in helping me find quality items at reasonable prices. In the outfits featured below, I combined pieces from various influencers’ storefronts, which cost no more than $40 for each look. For example, I found an amazon crocheted top priced at $24.99, perfect for beach outings, and a $19.99 amazon silk bow top that I wore during a wine tour in Chianti.
Outfits by Emily Bruck
During our visit to the Piazza del Duomo, we spotted a group of girls who were likely in their late teens or early twenties, each sporting the exact “inspo” look we had envisioned for our closets: white linens, staple colored shoes, and tailored tops with accessories.
As we chatted with them, we discovered they were visiting from Israel. When asked where they found their outfit ideas, their response was immediate.
“I get my outfit ideas primarily from Pinterest, bloggers, and Instagram,” one shared.
The others laid out their outfits and where they’d purchased them: Zara, Puma (for shoes), and various boutiques in Israel. Each shared a common thread—drawing inspiration from outside influences. It’s evident that this Eurosummer strategy is embraced by both American students studying abroad and international travelers alike.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of accessories to enhance every outfit. Accessories are not just easy to find; they can completely transform your look.
From earrings, necklaces, bracelets, to rings, both bold and subtle, accessories infuse personality into our wardrobes. Some may appear expensive or may actually cost a fortune, while others feature a bohemian flair—perfect for summer outfits. An example of a timeless accessory that elevates any look is the Tiffany & Co. Heart Tag Pendant. For more budget-friendly options, I love shopping for Amazon earrings and Etsy necklaces, allowing me to stay trendy without overspending.
In the photo below, a Syracuse University student studying abroad styled a vintage belt with her all-white look for a beach day in Pisa.
Outfit by Londyn Grieve
The belt introduces a fresh element to her outfit, and any accessory can achieve this effect. Such belts can easily be found on Amazon, while jewelry can be purchased at the many shops and boutiques in Florence.
Local Picks:
- Jewelry: Sara Amrhein, Piazza dei Ciompi, 5
- Accessories and Clothing: Flo Concept Store, 30/34R Italy Lungarno Corsini, 30
- Jewelry and Clothing: Nokike, Via dei Serragli, 122 rosso
The pressure to look and feel your best during your time abroad is undeniable; how can you not feel put together in such a stunning location? Yet, there are numerous ways to curate your Eurosummer wardrobe without stretching your budget. The tips above will support you in achieving this goal. Just remember to enjoy the planning process and cherish the memories you create while expressing your unique style.
Feature image credit: Karsten Winegeart
