Fashion

5 Films to Watch for Italian Summer Style Inspiration

An outfit that channels these nostalgia-infused movies is bound to give your summer style the perfect European touch. 

A woman and man riding a motor scooter on the streets of Italy.
"The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999)

Summer is here, and in the sunny season, it's always a good idea to dress like we are due for a boat ride around the Italian coast (even if we're staying put). With the arrival of warm weather, there is no better time to break out your linens, sun dresses, and cut-off shorts—no lavish travels required. If you are in need of some style inspiration, a summer film might be the perfect destination. However, the average beachy flick will not suffice. For the ultimate summer fashion films, look to those set in the epicenter of classic, sun-drenched style: Italy. From The Talented Mr. Ripley to Call Me By Your Name, these movies will imbue your closet with that nostalgic-feeling, but timelessly chic looks that will make waves in the city and the Riviera. 

Audrey Hepburn in a white blouse and grey midi skirt holding hands with a man in a grey suit.
'Roman Holiday' (1953)

Roman Holiday is a quintessential Italian summer film. Starring Audrey Hepburn as a princess who wants to live normally for a day and Gregory Peck as a journalist who becomes her guide, the movie follows the duo as they travel through Rome and fall in love. The iconic costume designer Edith Head, was responsible for the many stunning looks that grace both actors. From opulent gowns to elegant a-line skirts, this film is perfect if you're looking to achieve a '50s-chic summertime ensemble. 

'Stealing Beauty' (1996)

Stealing Beauty follows Lucy Harmon (Liv Tyler) as she returns to a Tuscan town where her mother once captivated the entirety of the local male population. The young actress explores love and intimacy while similarly enchanting many men along the way. She wears floral sun dresses and often appears barefoot, making her the archetype for the care-free enamoring traveler. 

A woman in a floral dress against a brick wall.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, and Matt Damon sitting in front of the Italian coast.
'The Talented Mr. Ripley' (1999)

The Talented Mr. Ripley is an excellent film to watch if you're planning a mental (or physical) trip to the Italian coast. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, and Matt Damon appear in breezy linens, bright patterns, and perfect tans to match. The trio embodies the light-hearted way of dressing that accompanies a coastal lifestyle—that is, until the end of the movie. 

'A Bigger Splash' (2015)

Luca Guadagnino's film A Bigger Splash is named after the well-known 1967 David Hockney painting and based on Jacques Deray's movie La Piscine, which was released in August of 1970. The film is a psychological drama that stars Tilda Swinton, Dakota Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Matthias Schoenaerts. It is the second installment in Guadagnino's Desire trilogy which also includes I Am Love (2009) and Call Me By Your Name (2017). A Bigger Splash takes place on the small Italian island of Pantelleria and showcases enough floppy hats, woven totes, and funky prints to inspire the perfect Italian summer-inspired look. 

person human clothing apparel
person human shorts clothing apparel barefoot
'Call Me By Your Name' (2017)

Call Me By Your Name remains one of the most-loved movies of the 21st century. Starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, the film follows a budding summer romance set in the rolling hills of Northern Italy. The beautifully shot film is accompanied by relaxed clothing that oozes effortless style. The attractive duo appears in double denim, marinière stripes, short shorts, and pastel hues. This intersection of '80s dressing and summer fashion produced countless looks ready for recreation. 

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