Quick Facts
- Packing Secret Weapon: Use compression packing cubes to save space and always bring one empty carry-on to fill with Italian treasures like Florence leather and ceramics.
- The Fabric Rule: With Southern Italian temperatures hitting 42°C (107.6°F), 100% lightweight cotton and linen are the non-negotiable gold standards.
- The Shoe Strategy: Ditch the stilettos. Navigating 20,000 daily steps on historic cobblestones requires stylish sneakers, low-block heels, or chic kitten heels.
- Cultural Etiquette: Regardless of the heat, visiting Italian churches like St. Peter’s Basilica requires covering both shoulders and knees.
- Daily Outfit Formula: Paige recommends planning three distinct looks per day: one for the beach/pool, one for daytime exploring, and one for a glamorous "La Dolce Vita" dinner.
Introduction: The Secret to Living 'La Dolce Vita' in Style
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a fashion-obsessed New Yorker with deep Italian roots touches down in Rome. If you’ve followed Paige DeSorbo’s journey from the hallways of Bravo to her sold-out Giggly Squad tours, you know she doesn't just "pack"—she curates. Packing for a Mediterranean getaway requires the forethought of an experienced, well-dressed traveler, and as we look ahead to the summer of 2026, Paige’s annual pilgrimage to Italy has become the ultimate blueprint for "Cool-Girl" travel.
"I don't believe in packing light; I believe in packing right," Paige famously quips. Her strategy for 2026 is a masterful blend of aesthetic perfection and brutal practicality. To survive the heat and the stairs while looking like a local, Paige relies on two foundational hacks: compression packing cubes to maximize every square inch of her suitcase, and a strictly enforced "one empty carry-on" rule. The latter is essential for the handmade leather bags from Florence and the intricate ceramics from the Amalfi Coast that inevitably find their way into her heart (and her home).
Pro-Tip from Paige: "If you aren't using compression cubes, you're living in the past. They turn a messy suitcase into a filing cabinet for your wardrobe. It’s the only way I can fit my three-outfit-a-day lifestyle into a single trip."
The Luggage Strategy: Packing for a Two-Week Itinerary
For a multi-city Italian tour—perhaps starting in the fashion capital of Milan, winding through the Tuscan hills, and ending with a lemon-spritz-fueled week in Positano—your gear matters. Paige leans heavily on the reliability of Away. Her go-to setup involves the Away Large Checked Suitcase for her main wardrobe and a Medium Checked Suitcase for her shoes and accessories.
But the real genius lies in the stowaway strategy. Paige packs a foldable duffle or a nested empty carry-on inside her larger bags. This isn't just optimism; it's a planned mission for souvenirs. Italy is a shopping mecca, and whether it’s a vintage find in a Roman market or a custom pair of sandals from Capri, you will need the extra room.
Shop Away’s Durable Travel Collection →
2026 Weather Alert: Surviving the Mediterranean Heatwave
If 2024 and 2025 were any indication, Summer 2026 in Italy is poised to be record-breaking. Statistics show that summer temperatures in Southern Italy can peak at a staggering 42°C (107.6°F). In this kind of heat, fashion becomes a matter of survival.
Paige’s "Gold Standard" for fabric is simple: 100% lightweight cotton and linen. Synthetics are the enemy of the Italian summer; they don't breathe, they trap heat, and they don't photograph nearly as well as the natural crinkle of a high-quality linen set. From breakfast by the pool to limoncello-sipping at sunset, your skin will thank you for choosing fibers that allow for maximum airflow.
Style Inspiration: From 'The White Lotus' to Milan Street Style
While Paige often references the cinematic glamor of The White Lotus, her 2026 aesthetic is leaning toward a more refined, "Quiet Luxury" with a pop of personality. Think monochrome sets, clean lines, and the "minimal accessory" power move.
The Paige DeSorbo Daily Formula:
- The Bathing Suit Look: A high-cut bikini paired with an oversized linen button-down and a silk headscarf.
- The Daytime Look: A breathable cotton midi dress or a matching vest-and-trouser set in cream or sage green.
- The Nighttime Look: A sleek, floor-length jersey dress or the iconic Jacquemus-inspired pink look that remains a staple of her Mediterranean wardrobe.
The 2026 trend is all about effortless polish. Instead of over-accessorizing, Paige focuses on one statement piece—usually a pair of vintage-inspired sunglasses or a bold gold earring—to tie the look together.
The Footwear Debate: To Heel or Not to Heel?
It’s the mistake every first-time visitor makes: packing a suitcase full of four-inch stilettos. Italy is a land built on ancient stone. In cities like Rome, Florence, and the cliffside villages of Capri, travelers average approximately 20,000 steps per day. Those historic cobblestones are unforgiving, and a twisted ankle is the quickest way to ruin a vacation.
Paige’s expert advice? Skip the high heels. Instead, she opts for a more versatile footwear rotation:
- The Stylish Sneaker: A clean, white leather sneaker for heavy walking days in Rome.
- The Low-Block Heel: Perfect for dinner when you want height without the hazard.
- The Kitten Heel: Paige’s personal favorite for a "polished" look that still allows for a short walk to the trattoria.
- The Tony Bianco Sandal: A strappy, flat sandal that works from beach to bistro.
Respectful Sightseeing: The Church Dress Code
Beyond the aesthetic, there are practical Italian rules to follow, especially when it comes to the country's religious heritage. Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican or even a small village chapel in Tuscany comes with a strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
The heat might tempt you to wear a mini dress or a tank top, but the "fashion police" at the cathedral doors are very real. Paige’s solution is the "Pashmina Hack". Always keep a lightweight, high-quality silk or cotton pashmina in your crossbody bag. When it’s time to enter a church, simply wrap it around your shoulders or waist. It’s respectful, stylish, and takes up zero room.
Beauty & In-Flight Uniform: The Minimalist Approach
For Paige, the journey to Italy is just as important as the destination. Her in-flight uniform is the epitome of "airport chic": a cashmere cardigan, matching knit pants, and leather ballet flats. "You want to look like you’re arriving in Italy, not like you just rolled out of bed," she says.
Once on the ground, Paige adopts a "less is more" beauty philosophy. She leaves the heavy hot tools at home, opting to let her hair breathe in the salty Mediterranean ocean air. Her focus shifts to skincare that maintains a "glowy" look despite the 42°C heat:
- Hydrating sheet masks for the flight.
- Argan oil body butter for post-sun skin.
- High-SPF facial mist for easy reapplication over makeup.
Browse Summer Skincare Essentials →
2026 Italy Packing Checklist
| Category | Must-Have Items | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | 3 Linen Sets, 2 Cotton Midi Dresses, 1 Silk Scarf | Stick to a neutral palette for easy mixing. |
| Footwear | 1 Pair Sneakers, 1 Pair Kitten Heels, 2 Pairs Flat Sandals | Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane. |
| Accessories | Oversized Sunnies, 1 Pashmina, Gold Hoops | Use a crossbody bag with a zipper for safety. |
| Toiletries | SPF 50+, Hydrating Mist, Argan Oil | Decant liquids into reusable travel bottles. |
| Tech/Misc | Universal Adapter, Compression Cubes, Power Bank | Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs. |
FAQ
Q: Can I wear denim in Italy during the summer? A: While you can, Paige recommends avoiding heavy denim. It takes up too much room in your suitcase and is far too hot for 40°C weather. Opt for lightweight denim "chambray" or linen trousers instead.
Q: How many pairs of shoes should I actually bring? A: Paige suggests a maximum of four: one for heavy walking (sneakers), one for the beach (sandals), one for daytime (flat chic sandals), and one for evening (kitten or block heels).
Q: Do I really need an empty suitcase? A: If you plan on visiting Florence or any artisanal markets, yes. You will find incredible leather goods, ceramics, and textiles that you simply won't be able to fit in a pre-packed bag.
Conclusion
Packing like Paige DeSorbo isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about the mindset. It’s the confidence of knowing you’re prepared for a 20,000-step day in the Roman Forum, the respect shown when entering a sacred cathedral, and the effortless glamor of a sunset dinner in Positano. By prioritizing breathable fabrics, smart luggage strategies, and sensible (yet chic) footwear, you’re not just packing a suitcase; you’re preparing for an unforgettable Italian experience.
Ready to start your own Italian adventure? Start with the right foundation and let the "La Dolce Vita" spirit guide the rest. Buon viaggio!
