Ever since the second season of The White Lotus had its stars swanning around Sicily in their ‘Monica Vitti’ finest, we’ve been a little obsessed with the flowing, romantic aesthetics synonymous with Italian style.
By definition, the type of fashion you’ll see around the Mediterranean coast is always bold, eye-catching and overflowing with glamour.
If you’re headed to Europe for your next summer vacay, there’s no doubt you’re already mentally (or literally) writing your packing list. When planning outfits for a Euro summer, you’ll not only want to think about style but also comfort.
By day, your holiday clothing should be airy and flowing to allow for maximum comfort in the scorching heat. By night, however, is where you can let your inner-fashionista fly.
To help you get the look ahead of your next European adventure, we sat down with Shona Joy Thatcher, the founder of Australian label Shona Joy. The brand’s newest Palazzo collection is a celebration of retro, 70s travel style, capturing the warmth, elegance and sophistication of a sunbathed trip to the coast. These are her tips to capture the style spirit of an endless summer.
Effortless Elegance During the Day
“Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton blend that effortlessly drape and move with the body, allowing you to stay comfortable and chic under the sun,” Shona encourages.
Elevate your laidback attire with some go-to matching sets.
Rico Shirt Tie Mini Dress, $320
Rico Bias Cut Flared Pant, $295
Incorporate Pops Of Colour
Layer in pops of colour, whether via select pieces of clothing or your accessories. Hats and sunglasses will be a must-have during a trip to the coast, as will light layers that can been worn to keep your shoulders and arms out of the sun.
Milenna Silk Bias Tie Max Skirt in Chilli Red, $360
Play With Prints
Don’t be afraid of being bold and vibrant. Shona’s latest collection has incorporated prints inspired by the southern European coast.
“Think florals, geometric prints and patterns, paired with light-weight fabrics,” she says.
Flora Silk Short Sleeve Relaxed Shirt with Ties, $360
Flora Silk Bias Cut Pant, $395
Don’t Forget Swimwear
Of course you wouldn’t forget to pack your swimmers, but if you need some assistance stocking up on the latest styles before you go, Shona offers this advice:
“I like to look for designs that can be worn beyond the beach that can seamlessly transition from swim to street with the addition of cover-ups or sarongs. Our latest swim capsule features a chic black and white print design made from our signature ECONYL® Nylon fabrication and cotton sarong.”
Cosmo Balconette Top, $120
Cosmo High Waisted Ruched Bottom, $110
Merkala Sarong, $120