I’ve been in Florence for a little over a month and wanted to document my experiences and observations in a way that I genuinely enjoyed, so I’m going to start sharing some of my experiences here. I was lucky enough to visit Italy a few times prior so I had a pretty good perspective on the way Europeans dressed, and acted but being here for this amount of time and holding this place as a home as opposed to a vacation spot has given me an entirely new perspective.
Let me take you behind the postcard-perfect scenes and share how Florence is reshaping my style, mindset, and way of life.
1. Effortless Looks
Many Europeans I’ve come across have mastered the art of looking polished without appearing overly styled. Their loose clothing flows effortlessly, creating a relaxed yet refined look. It’s all about balance—combining structured pieces like blazers or tailored pants with softer, more relaxed items like flowing dresses or oversized shirts.
The key here is subtlety: nothing looks forced, yet every detail feels intentional. After noticing this, I tried to incorporate looser, more relaxed clothing into my wardrobe while still trying to look put-together and chic.
Fabrics like linen, cotton, and soft knits really dominate their wardrobes, providing comfort but also add to the effortlessly chic vibe that’s so prevalent here.
After making these observations, I put together this loose linen set that I never loved because I thought it looked too messy and unflattering. I started to appreciate the outfit and fabric of the outfit once I acknowledged the European approach to style.
2. Vibrant Dresses
Although I’ve noticed mostly pastels and neutral tones in European wardrobes, there’s also a love for printed and colorful pieces that make a statement. Florals, geometric patterns, and bold hues are sprinkled throughout their outfits, often standing out against the usual palette of muted neutrals.
These prints and colors are typically found in flowy dresses, scarves, and accessories, bringing energy and a beautiful sense of vibrancy to their outfits.
I’ve never loved vibrant colors or patterns on me, especially in long flowy dresses because again, I never thought it was flattering or suited my personal style. When I see the way Europeans wear their vibrant dresses paired with minimalistic accessories or chic sandals—I’ve started to appreciate how a colorful piece can transform an outfit and bring so much attitude and energy.
I found this playful ruffled maxi dress at a street vendor in Florence, and I instantly fell in love with it because it was colorful but also had dark enough tones to suit my style. The detailing of the pattern and the ruffled neckline felt unique compared to all the other dresses I had seen from the vendors.
3. Sheer fabrics and sparkle
Visiting beach towns in Italy, Greece, and Ibiza I noticed the common boutiques with sparkly sets, dresses, blouses as well as prints and sheer fabrics. These items give off a beachy, yet upscale, aesthetic perfect for evening outings or seaside parties. Sparkly fabrics and sheer materials fit well with the vibrant nightlife and laid-back but stylish atmosphere of beach destinations. The prints add an extra touch of fun, making each outfit feel unique and reflective of the vibrant surroundings.
It’s inspiring to see how fashion can change based on location and atmosphere, and it’s made me think about incorporating more of these styles into my wardrobe—even if it’s just for special occasions or trips. It feels like these pieces really capture the carefree, yet polished vibe that I’ve been experiencing here.
I wore this gold and black sheer dress in a small beach town in Greece, from a boutique selling multiple pieces similar to this.
4. Fun Accessories
A common topic on this blog, I’ve noticed subtle but eye-catching statement accessories here in Europe. Many of them are large glasses, either sunglasses or eyeglasses. I’ve seen people wearing them with everything from chic blazers to flowy sundresses, showcasing how they can complement a variety of styles. Another I’ve noticed is a large piece of jewelry, such as a standout necklace that can elevate even the most basic outfits.
Left Image: I elevated my black dress with a brown belt and a fun layered necklace, embracing the laid back look but adding my own flair.
Middle Image: I bought the beaded necklace at a vintage market in Florence, pairing it with my C&B bag, elevating my outfit and keeping it unique to me.
Right Image: I opted for an all black outfit in Ibiza but added some flair with eye catching jewelry, sparkle micro shorts and rounded sunglasses.
In just over a month, Florence and traveling in Europe has subtly but powerfully reshaped the way I see fashion, adding layers of ease, vibrancy, and intention to my style. From trying looser silhouettes to experimenting with bold colors and different kinds of statement accessories, I’ve started to see how these elements can elevate my everyday wardrobe. Living here has taught me that fashion doesn’t have to be forced—it can be effortless and still look perfectly crafted. As I continue to settle into this new lifestyle, I’m writing this from my local café, now observing the shift in winter fashion. Oversized blazers, chunky scarves, and layered looks are making their way into the streets, and I can’t wait to incorporate them into my daily looks.
Stay tuned for the winter continuation of this piece!! xoxox