A Celebrity Stylist Spilled Everything She Wore for Her Italy Vacation

While you’re shopping for clothes and accessories to wear on your summer vacation, the multitude of options can seem overwhelming. Whether you’re planning on sightseeing, sunbathing, attending a wedding, or all of the above, it can be hard to plan outfits around new pieces. That’s why I asked content creator and celebrity fashion stylist Diva Dhawan for advice on her go-to summer vacation essentials, and how she styled them on a recent trip to Italy, where she spent a month traveling around the country. 

Dhawan put together a list of her favorite pieces she wore, along with others she recommends to clients this summer, from an evening dress that doesn’t need ironing to a colorful bucket hat. The best part? Everything is under $100, and most of the items are under $50. All of Dhawan’s picks can easily be paired with each other or with items you already have in your closet, so you can wear them to brunch or dinner dates long after your vacay ends.   

Summer Vacation Fashion Must-Haves

Anrabess Crochet Cover-Up

A knitted cover-up like this option from Amazon is always going to be stylish, but the crochet design makes it a statement piece. Dhawan says this is the “easiest beach day cover-up,” and she liked being able to throw it on for a casual sea-side lunch with denim shorts. At just $34, the dress features a striped pattern that makes it more visually interesting. Dhawan likes the cream white option, but it comes in 27 colorways, from neutral tones to bold, multi-colored prints. 

Mango Long Skirt with Adjustable Bow

Speaking of bold colors, Dhawan loves pieces like Mango’s vibrant green maxi skirt that offers a fun pop color for summer. “I love the outfit I get when I pair this with a neutral top,” she says. The skirt also has an adjustable tie at the waist and is made with a lightweight blend of linen, cotton, and viscose. The breathable fabric is perfect for touring Tuscan vineyards all day, but it’s versatile enough to be paired with sneakers for any daytime activity or bold accessories for the evening. 

Multicolor Floral Crochet Bucket Hat

The bucket hat trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon. “Everyone needs a colorful crochet hat on vacation,” Dhawan says. Best of all? This cheery floral-printed one is just $26. Available in seven color options, it’s made with 100 percent natural paper straw and features a hidden adjustable drawstring on the inside. The handwoven hat is lightweight, breathable, and folds up into any tote or suitcase with ease. She suggests pairing it with a monochromatic all-white look, like this two-piece set, but she wore hers with a bathing suit for a day by the pool.  

Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress

“This is an easy travel piece since it doesn’t need much ironing,” says Dhawan of Mango’s one-shoulder dress, adding that it’s “brightly colored and can easily be worn on repeat.” Wear the pleated piece for any formal dinner or wedding you’re going to this summer. As for the finishing touches? Pair the dress with kitten heels and some chunky earrings, then pull your hair back to show off the knot detail at the strap (along with your beautiful collarbones). 

Rui Vtron Chiffon Shawl

No matter how cute an outfit looks, Dhawan says you won’t feel good if you’re “shivering in the air conditioning after a day out at the beach.” She suggests carrying a shawl to add warmth and personality to any outfit. Luckily, you can get the look for just $10 thanks to this chiffon shawl from Amazon, which Dhawan says you can “throw over any dress for dinner.” It’ll look molto elegante wrapped around you while sipping on a spritz at sunset, but it’ll be a cozy piece to keep on-hand for your Amalfi Coast road trip, too.

Anrabess Two-Piece Linen Pant Set

When you have a long day of shoe shopping or a coastal road trip ahead of you, nothing’s easier than a two-piece set. “It’s the perfect daytime outfit to roam around in,” says Dhawan. She suggests pairing this white linen set with a brightly-hued accessory, like the aforementioned crochet bucket hat. At just $45, it’s the one-and-done outfit you’ll reach for when you want to look like you put tons of effort into your outfit.

Anthropologie the Bennet Button-Down Shirt by Maeve

Button-down shirts are the ideal layering piece, and this one from Anthropologie is great because it has unique pastel-hued stripes. Dhawan says it pairs well with some baggy white denim shorts and black strappy sandals. Don’t be afraid to size up on the shirt for a more breezy, casual look. On travel days, pair this with her favorite linen pants to stay comfortable on your flight.