Wet Hot Italian Summer

We should all get dressed like we’re living a little la dolce vita this summer

Though we’re technically still very much in spring, in my mind, and I imagine in many others' minds, we’re already in the throes of summer. When it comes to the “summer look,” per se, I find that it really comes into full view when we’re entering the great crescendo of the season. We are, of course, still a ways away from that point, so these early days are really about laying the groundwork to get there. It’s about throwing a lot of stuff at the wall and seeing what truly sticks. Case in point: putting together looks that carry a certain “lost and found” quality.

I know there’s a certain discomfort in not having it all figured out at the start of the season. What are you supposed to do with so many options, especially when each one sounds just as good as the last? But I don’t think you need to choose, at least not yet. Maybe it’s worth having your cake and eating it too, just to figure out what actually feels right and what’s just a passing crush. By the time we get to peak summer, somewhere between mid and late July and moving into August, the answers usually start to reveal themselves.

Which brings me to my own recent infatuation, one that builds on that first investigation into what feels right at this moment. I was looking back at some of the outfits from that earlier newsletter and thinking about Parthenope (2024), which I mentioned on Sunday. It’s a terrible movie, but visually it’s hauntingly chic. You can tell that the look of the film mattered more than the story. And while the movie doesn’t offer much in terms of plot, it did plant a few things in my mind. It helped confirm that perhaps the mood for this summer is a little chaotic, a little gaudy, and honestly, that feels right. After being hit over the head with “quiet luxury” for what feels like forever, this feels like the natural response. It’s the quiet collapse of good taste politicking and faux-bourgeois signaling. It's time to get weird and fall into desire headfirst.

Which leads me to the theme of today: WET HOT ITALIAN SUMMER!!!!

The sequin bodysuit that I quite literally wear once a week. Banana Republic linen shirt, With Nothing Underneath linen suit pants, and Ancient Greek Sandals jellies from last summer, which are still available.

I’ve never been to Italy. I’ve always wanted to go, and hopefully that happens soon. My astrologer told me recently I had a past life connection to northern Italy, so in my mind the trip feels inevitable. Until then, my sense of the country and the energy it carries has been shaped mostly by film, fashion, and that one episode of Mad Men. Films like Summertime, A Bigger Splash, Call Me By Your Name, La Dolce Vita and The Talented Mr. Ripley have all contributed to this idea of Italy in my mind.

That same spirit has long been present in the work of Italian designers. Whether it’s in tailoring that feels louche and lived-in, or in colors that lean just a touch too rich in the best possible way, their work reflects a kind of ease and pleasure that feels distinctly their own.

CVFF finalist Don’t Let Disco collar, and you can see it peeking out from behind, the bag is from Hunting Season.

There’s something about the way Italian dressing is captured in these films, and by extension through the fashion exported by the country, that truly embodies the sense of la dolce vita. The clothes feel slightly undone, yet carry a sense of intention in their very undoneness. It’s sensual without trying too hard. There’s a confidence to it that doesn’t ask for permission. It can be bold, sometimes even a little tacky, but always undeniably charming.

What follows is a handful of looks that chase that same heat and passion, something that feels distinctly Italian. I’ve always said that the point of summer dressing is, first and foremost, ease. But this summer I’m adding to that notion: the summer look, or even just the idea of it, isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about feeling something.

I’ve found my summer bucket hat to replace the ones I wore all winter (though there may be another bucket hat perfect for summer on the way that’s just as good.), this one is from Banana Republic.

The linen blazer also happens to be from good old BR, Tom Ford silk pleated shirt, With Nothing Underneath sarong.

Birkenstocks (but if you wanted something less crunchy than the Birk, I think something like this would work.). Mana x Carina Nicklas tassel necklace.

The Miu Miu effect in full force! The speedo is CDLP.

A linen henley that I admittedly shrunk because I wanted something more fitted and 70s to match the feel of the corduroy pants, which are from Husbands (here’s a more local corduroy option if you don’t find yourself in Paris anytime soon). Charvet belt (but you all know I’ve been partial to this one lately). Parker Thatch camo bag, Jamie Haller strappy gladiator sandals, and Le Sundial necklace.

J.Crew anorak from ages ago—but since I’m the anorak aficionado, I present you with this one. Eleph ombre sequin top I bought on sale (it’s no longer available, but here’s the silver version in an XS. I’m also kind of into this as an alt). Doen lace skirt. Margaux open-woven loafers, though this or this could also work here. I didn’t realize until I was looking through my photos that my underwear is fully visible (lol!). I thought the anorak would cover it, but while I’m here—they’re Hanes.

Starling hoops with a diamond band, which for the most part have become my everyday earrings, Tory Burch bag.

I decided to double up on my shirts here. The first one is from J.Crew (alt), and the white jersey is the Attersee “Beach” tee (alt). Bottega Veneta skirt from the Matthieu Blazy era (alt), The Row sunglasses (alt), Cesta Collective “Taco” tote, and Larroude “Yves” wedges (this is the 2025 summer version).

Renata Q. necklace and a stickpin from Matthew Swope, which I picked up at a showroom last week.

Sarah Eisman Studio bracelet (this version isn’t available on her site, but the all-gold version is, and both use the same mechanism and movement).

Sweater, pants, the skirt is from the Dries Van Noten SS23 collection, which I bought after seeing Steff Yotka in it. That collection had some of the best summer pieces, especially the section of the show with those chaotic, super-saturated floral prints. If you come across anything from it, buy it immediately. I got the shoes at the same time as the skirt. They’re Manolo Blahnik (summer 2025 alt). The hat is by Jenny Walton, but try this, or if you don’t mind spending $$$, this.

Olympia Le-Tan book clutch, At Present x Moi bangle (there’s also a silver version), Year of the Flood chai, and a Silvia Furmanovich onyx scarab beetle.

Another double top situation. This is the bottom layer, and the mirrored one is, of course, from J.Crew. Veronica Beard metallic shorts, Polo Ralph Lauren suede loafers from last summer (alt), and a suede belt to match.

Eliou shell necklace and a suede Aesther Ekme crossbody to tie together all the notes of brown suede.

I quite literally wear this halter at least once a week. It comes in a taupe color, but the black is the best. I also feel like I keep reaching for these (do you remember this more affordable alt?).

The heels are from Le Monde Beryl and were one of my last purchases from Matches (RIP). I would go for this if you want a heel, and this if you want a flat.

Let’s start with what’s truly the star of the show: The Row skirt, which is surprisingly lighter than I expected. I got it from The Row private sale (you can find additional sizing here and here)The top is actually a racerback bodysuit, a boater hat and the foil to this outfit, these red flip flops, which are the affordable alternative to these.

Here are the flip flops worn again, once more acting as the foil to the severe sophistication of the look. Another bodysuit, this time from Fleur du Mal. Dodiee sequin and fringe dress worn with the top and straps down (something like this would be a good option), and hidden behind all the fringe are these Donni silk pants.

See you all Sunday!

xx

JJ

Photos shot by Martin Romero

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