The nostalgia of yellow Italian streets after dark and the fresh tomatoes on a bite of bruschetta follow me everywhere. Last summer, I spent five wonderful weeks exploring a country full of loud colors, personalities and flavors through the Kansas State University in Italy – Arts & Culture program.
In just a couple of months, many K-State students will embark on the same journey and settle into Orvieto, a town known for its charming locals, medieval architecture and of course, one-of-a-kind shopping.
If you’re flying across the pond this summer for the KSU in Italy study abroad program or a European vacation, this style diary will inspire your packing and guide you through a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Days in Orvieto started with a quick breakfast at Cafe Del Corso. After a pistachio croissant and a cappuccino, I walked the cobblestone streets in my staple pair of white tennis shoes, the Reebok Club C 85s, to my Digital Anthropology class.
Everyday outfits included white linen pants or my favorite Abercrombie jeans paired with a baby-tee style top. White tennis shoes and a flattering pair of jeans are a staple of Italian style — comfortable yet polished.
After a trip to Montanucci’s for an Aperol spritz and a bowl of pesto pasta, I headed to my second class, Photography and Digital Storytelling.
What followed became my favorite part of the day: getting lost in Orvieto. I’d wander into shops full of unique, vintage or handmade designs, chat with storeowners and breathe in the Italian air, taking it all in until my feet ached.
Trying on silky fabric dresses at E. Marsili or exploring the unique designs at Evisia became a cherished part of my days in Italy. Some of my most beloved purchases came from shops filled with items handmade right in Orvieto.
During one of my first days, I stumbled upon Orvieto’s best real Italian leather shop, Arte del Cuoio, where bags are crafted by hand right before your eyes. Each piece is original and unique; the owner, Maria, even takes custom orders!
Another shop with original designs is Le Maschee Gionelli, a quaint jewelry store located near the Duomo, where the owner crafts jewelry inspired by the cathedral itself. On my last day in Italy, I purchased a ring etched with the Duomo’s pattern, a truly beautiful and special piece.
Long days of wandering around heaven on Earth ended with dinners at my favorite restaurant: Trattoria Da Carlo. First, I would stop by my apartment to drop off my bags and take my outfit from day to night, adding fancier earrings, a fresh swipe of lip gloss and changing into a dressier top.
While Orvieto quickly became home, weekend trips were a chance to explore more of Italy. My first trip was to Florence, a city full of infectious culture and music, where every turn looked like a work of art.
When we arrived, we hit the ground running with an on-foot tour of the city and a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, where we had the opportunity to see the breathtaking statue of David.
Galavanting through Florence, experiencing the beauty of the Boboli Gardens, the rich history of the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge packed with luxury jewelry shops and sipping on Sauvignon Blanc from wine windows calls for a comfortable yet picture-perfect outfit.
I styled the pink “Love Letter Cami” from Free People with a white midi skirt featuring pink floral details, of course, paired with my Reeboks. Breezy, easy to walk around in, yet chic and stylish.
While strolling through the streets, we stopped at Vivoli, not once, not twice, but three times to treat ourselves to an affogato, a mix of creamy gelato and espresso. An absolute must-go!
Shopping in Florence is like nothing else. The streets are lined with booths selling real Italian leather goods. Resisting the high-quality, unique designs is almost impossible, and left me with a suitcase full of leather purses.
Every major Italian city has a Brandy Melville and a Subdued, perfect shops for exclusive European pieces and chic city-branded souvenirs. At Subdued in Florence, I picked up a top that says “sei bella come Firenze,” which means “you are as beautiful as Florence,” in Italian.
During my trip to Florence, a few friends and I took a train up to Venice for a night, a wondrous, yet mysterious, floating city, famous for its Murano Glass.
At a small jewelry store in Venice, the owner custom-made me a pair of pink Murano Glass earrings, along with a matching necklace — a jewelry set as unique as the city.
The following weekend, a few friends and I ventured all the way down to the Amalfi Coast, staying in Positano, a glamorous beach town built into the side of a mountain.
Clear turquoise waters and bright, colorful buildings looked even more stunning from our boat as we toured the coast. I wore a floral swimsuit and a white cover-up, giving perfect Positano vibes.
Dinner in a place like Positano calls for a flowing floral dress. Altar’d State’s “Serena Floral Maxi Dress” was perfect; I had saved it especially for that moment.
Positano’s streets are lined with dreamy, tropical boutiques. My favorite of them all was C.B. Positano, floral dress heaven. I couldn’t leave the store without picking up a one-of-a-kind dress that remains the most showstopping piece in my wardrobe.
My last Italian weekend trip was to the iconically historical city of Rome. When we arrived in Rome, similarly to Florence, we immediately went on a walking tour of the city, which included an in-depth look at the Colosseum, my first wonder of the world!
While enjoying gelato in front of the Trevi fountain, staring at the beautifully painted ceilings of Palazzo Colonna and walking thousands of steps each day, I kept my look comfortable yet chic.
I styled the pink “Long Ruffle Skirt” I purchased at Subdued, during a field trip to Siena, with a white top and my newly worn-out Reeboks. The vastness of Rome can make shopping feel a bit overwhelming, but I wouldn’t skip stopping at the five-story Zara, Brandy Melville and Porta Portese.
Pro tip: visit the Brandy Melville on Via del Corso, it’s the largest location and has the most options. My friends and I all purchased the Trevi Fountain t-shirt, a fun Rome keepsake!
Porta Portese is Rome’s largest flea market and the perfect spot for unique, one-of-a-kind finds. I bought a purple silk tank top embroidered with colorful flowers, and now whenever anyone asks where it’s from, I get to tell them about the mile-long flea market in Rome.
After burning holes in our shoes, we stopped for an aperitivo — pre-dinner drinks that come with free snacks. It’s an Italian tradition I still reminisce about, as we sat at a rooftop bar watching the sun set over the beautifully romantic city of Rome.
While packing for five weeks in Italy seems overwhelming, just make sure you have the basics: blue jeans, white linen pants, a swimsuit, comfortable white shoes and, of course, a digital camera! Also, don’t forget to bring a few statement pieces, even if you look like an American tourist, because at the end of the day, you are.
Study abroad goes by quicker than you think, so buy the dress, jump in the water and grab an extra cup of gelato, you won’t regret it. For more outfit inspiration, check out my Pinterest Board!