"As an Italian girl, nothing made me happier than the resurgence of leopard print and fur coats (faux, of course) this year courtesy of the trending mob wife aesthetic. But with summer on the horizon, it’s time to pivot toward another style aesthetic inspired by an iconic Italian film star: Sophia Loren summer.
Coined by TikTok user The Sweet Paisana, this vibe is all about embodying the sultry style the Italian actress is known for. I’m talking printed midi dresses that hug and highlight the curves, gold jewelry, corset dresses with sweetheart necklines and A-line skirts to snatch the waist, cat eye sunglasses, and silk head scarves. No print or color is off limits, either. With Sophia Loren summer, the bigger, the better. Drenching yourself in floral or fruit-adorned prints and hues of pink, orange, red, and blue is key here.
Perhaps the best part about this trend, though, is that it’s fun, flirty and universally flattering. Plus, it encourages embracing your feminine energy by rocking silhouette-enhancing dresses circa 1950s Italy. Regardless of what your summer style vibe is, this trend is super versatile and can be worn day and night, no matter the occasion.
As a self-proclaimed sundress lover who opts for them more than any other attire in the summer, what I love most about this trend is that it breaks away from plain prints and muted and neutral colors. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t rock a plain print with this trend—because you absolutely can if that’s your personal vibe—but you can go as big or small as you want.
That being said, if you’re like me and ready to live la dolce vita, these are the pieces I have in my cart right now that are going to help me have a Sophia Loren summer:
