Styled for Puglia

What I Wear in Puglia: Summer Outfit Tips from a Former Local

All my exes live in…Puglia. Yup, I did just reference a George Straight song. That being said, I’ve spent a considerable about of time in this southern region over the past 5 years. From Bari to Lecce, I was fortunate to experience the authentic Puglisi lifestyle. This allowed me to really lean into southern Italian style and has inspired a lot of my summer wardrobe.

If you’ve read my article on capsule wardrobes, you know I never tell you what not to wear (other than flip flips) however, I will always provide my favorites. Sharing what I typically wear in Puglia to help put your packing at ease.

On the Heel

Puglia is one of the southern most regions in Italy and makes up the “heel” of this boot shaped country. It’s become more popular in recent years as the location for top fashion shows such as Gucci and Dior, celebrity vacations (hello, Beckham family) and especially for dreamy destination weddings. Known for famous beaches such as Polignano a Mare, the white city of Ostuni and arguably most well known as home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello.

There are no real rules for dressing in Puglia. Other than the obvious blanket statement of being respectful. When visiting churches, you will need to cover your shoulders, similar to the Vatican dress code.

Puglia has that typical Medeterrain climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. July is considered the warmest month of the year with temperatures reaching ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Springtime offers probably the most pleasant weather with an average of low sixties (Fahrenheit) and easy winter weather compared to the eastern coast of the United States.

An Italian summer is the most popular vacation plan and Puglia is often at the top of the list. June, July and August are considered high season and the most crowded time of year. However, if you’re needing a beachy, sun kissed vacation, this is it.

During these months, I’m living in light fabrics, white and soft colors and more often than not, a bathing suit. Sharing with you some of my outfit staples for the warmer half of the year down south:

Maxi Dresses

These are the ultimate wardrobe essential for anywhere in Italy. They are timeless and can be styled from city life to a day by the beach. These can even act as a bathing suit coverup or styled with a belt for a cinched look. I often wear a maxi to dinners or when going out after the sun goes down as it tends to get slightly colder at night.

My favorites are made of linen. These are perfect to withstand the heat or poplin options that provide a lightweight, polished look. Check out these two examples in my Looks tab from Florence and Ravello.

Mini Skirts & Shorts

It gets real hot down here. Last summer, I packed a thick midi skirt for a day in Albarello, amateur move. When you’re doing a heavy walking day filled with tours far from the sea breeze, you want to opt for a pair of shorts or mini skirts and dresses. Using the nifty hair tie hack, I gathered my skirt and fashioned it into a mini for the day.

Linen Pants

I will say this to my dying day: linen is your friend. In the summer when the heat is almost unbearable, it’s the only sensible fabric – other than a swimsuit. If you are not a shorts person and need lightweight pants these are a great option. I’ve often paired a bikini top with linen trousers for a flirty, beachy look. I opt for a natural color, but white and bold colored shades are becoming increasingly popular too.

Crochet

Crochet has always been in style for me. I feel its timeless, depending on the cut of course. I love a tank or short sleeve top with a nice trouser, or even linen pant. Check out my most recent Puglia look here.

Straw Hat

I can hear my mom’s taunting, “I told you so” as I type this. With the southern heat, you want to cover your head. A hat is always a great option and with so many styles you really can’t go wrong. I sometimes tie a thin, summer scarf around my head too for more of a dramatic look.

For more fashion tips and trick or to work together this summer please feel free to reach me here for a free style consultation.