Tuscany is known for its lush green landscapes, religious and cultural traditions, artistic legacy and its influence on ‘high culture’. Regarded as the founder of the ‘Italian Renaissance’ , this Central Italian region has long been lauded for its contributions to the ‘art’ and ‘fashion’ world, where the two merge to create a spectacular ‘fashion orientated economy’. The fashion and textile industry are the pillars of the Florentine economy, with a turnover of 25 billion euros, with 60 % of its profit intake deriving from abroad.From Tuscany’s plethora of unique boutiques, markets and malls to its historic fashion houses (Pucci, Gucci, Cavalli), Tuscany’s identity as being the founder of ‘modern fashion’ is by no means exaggerated. After all modern fashion powerhouses like Gucci -founded by Guccio Gucci, Florence 1921-, Roberto Cavalli- founded in 1970 and Emilio Pucci- founded in 1947- were all born in Florence, Tuscany’s most popular Italian province.
When it comes to fashion, Tuscany is the creative director and driver of ‘summer fashion trends’. After all, nothing screams summer elegance or casual beachwear style more than Tuscan’s fun yet minimal aesthetic. While the aforementioned three Florentine designers are known for their maximalist approach to colour, prints and texture i.e. Cavalli and his leather printed gowns, true Tuscan aesthetic is often more pared back and simplistic. Take ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ a 2003 American Romantic Comedy Drama film, set in Tuscany as a prime example. Frances Mayes played by Diane Lane presents ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ as a normcore mood board, where prints are non-existent and instead neutral colours like white and loose fitting silhouettes become the main staple of her ‘definition’ of Tuscan-esque fashion. Below I have presented numerous ways that you too can capture ‘Tuscan Style’ ; from Emilio esque geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colours to bohemian linen dresses that are a romanticized version of Diane Lane’s normcore wardrobe, inspiration can be found in the most unlikeliest of places.
To Dress Like Diane Lane as Frances Maye’s in ‘Under The Tuscan Sun’
A ‘romanticized version’ of Diane Lane’s Normcore Wardrobe featuring a simple embroidered smock linen midi dress
While most fashion critics would determine true ‘Tuscan style’ as being ‘maximalist’, full of psychotropical prints as made famous by Roberto Cavalli’s debut collection (circa 1970) and a plethora of ‘lush colours’, in many cases Tuscan’s locals like to keep their style to a miminum, to buy into the notion of ‘effortless chic’. Linen remains a popular ‘normcore wardrobe’ staple in Tuscan homes, while a popular canvas base of ‘crisp white’ with minimal blue embroidered stitching, ensures that the look is not too ‘normcore’ and has an element of individuality. Normcore might present itself as homogeneous but in reality, like Diane Lane shows not everyone can pull off a ‘ready to wear, pared back look’. After all as a self-confessed ‘over-dressed for every occasion’ type gal, attempting to nail the ‘normcore look’ led to me embracing the romanticized version, which best suits my own personal aesthetic.
Shop ‘Normcore’ Tuscany Inspired Pieces Below
Dos and Dont’s Of Normcore Tuscan Style
DO wear lightweight materials. Average temperatures vary between 23-27 degrees and while that might not seem ‘hot’ it is certainly warm. Materials like linen and cotton feel cool on the skin and are less likely to kick up a sweat than heavier materials like brocade and denim.
Do wear neutral hues. Greys and whites are common staple hues in a normcore Tuscan wardrobe and act as a ‘neutral canvas’ that will not detract from the brilliance of the Tuscan sun. In other words, the key to creating a normcore look is not to necessarily fade into the background but to create an aesthetic that is connected to Tuscan climate. I.e wearing blue and white, with white as focal point colour links to Tuscan’s brilliant blue skies, with a dash of scattered clouds.
A look at the full romanticized normcore ‘Tuscan aesthetic’
Don’t Wear Colour (unless its blue!)
Unlike the maximalist Emilio Pucci or Roberto Cavalli approach, normcore is purely named on its ability to perpetuate ‘neutrality’ whether that be through its traditions, customs or style aesthetic. While many might see a lack of colour as boring, normcore prides itself on its ability to look classic, refined and in more formal occasions elegant. While the majority of a normcore wardrobe is colourless, in Tuscany, blue, specifically electric or striped blue is popular because it again represents the changing nature of the Tuscan climate, which though mild, will occasionally give way to blazing sun.
The main difference between Normcore and Maximalism-in terms of Tuscan style- is that one is best suited to beachwear (normcore) whereas the maximalism favored by fashion brands like Emilio Puccio is commonly associated with more formal occasions like red carpet events, balls and more.
Shop The Tuscan Romanticized Normcore Look Below
To Dress Like You Are Inspired By Emilio Pucci
Synonymous with geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colours, Pucci revolutionized the scope of ‘high fashion’ Tuscan style. While normcore is fashion for the every day masses, Pucci’s version of Tuscan style is ‘distilled psychedelic colours and prints’ in refined designs. Many might confuse Pucci’s psychedelic designs with the modern incarnation of ‘psychotropicalism’, but Pucci’s line is in fact rooted in 60’s psychedelia, an era defined by social, musical and artistic change. The key to embodying the ‘psychedelic aesthetic’ and transforming it into modern Tuscan style is shown below.
Shop Emilio Pucci Inspired Pieces Below
The 60’s were famed for spawning iconic fashion trends like mini skirts, space age couture and psychedllic prints and no-one knew more than Pucci about the psychedelic movement. From silk scarves tied around necks to abstract geometric swirls, Tuscan’s became enamored with Pucci’s high fashion, quirky, dare I say eccentric designs. For modern day however, the geometric print can be a tricky one to master, thus it becomes important that we can create a look that is inspired by Pucci but relevant to modern day fashion.
Take the look below, while traditionally a winter look, by pairing the abstract colourful, paint splattered t-shirt dress with bright red gladiator sandals, a matching red purse and some classic tinted sunglasses (and getting rid of the denim jeans and boots shown in the picture) you can create a refined, Pucci worthy look that is wearable and current. Alternatively pairing it with red heeled sandals and a moto red faux leather jacket is also a clear epitome of Tuscan style.
While the Emilio Pucci inspired look above is best suited to A/W, read above to read my tips on how to style the abstract a-Line shift dress for a summer in Tuscany
Shop The Emilio Pucci Inspired Look Below
To Tap Into The Nouveau-Bohemia Trend Circa 2013
Bohemianism has always been the poster child for rebellion and what once started as a movement against austerity and materialism has evolved into a relaxed ‘hippy orientated’ fashion trend that fluctuates on the border of ‘boho chic’ and embroidered flower child. While modern bohemianism was often centered around ‘peasant smock’ tops, shift dresses and palazzo pants, the Nouveau Bohemia trend is tapping into the ‘ethnic embroidery trend’ as demonstrated below.
The ‘Traditional Ethnic Embroidery Look’ AKA the UK’s version of Nouveau-Bohemia
Shop The Traditional Ethnic Embroidery Trend Below
That being said the most popular trend derived from Nouveau Bohemianism would be the ‘relaxed 70’s style jumpsuit, which while does not include the ‘ethnic embroidery print’ that characterizes traditional bohemianism, is more suited to a traditional ‘Tuscan boho’ look. Notice the pale blue focal colour with a sweetheart bodice, with heeled black peep toe boots to elongate the leg. Tuscany is famed for its refined silhouette and while slouchy like its bohemian aesthetic demands, the fitted ‘upper- half tailoring’ captures the true essence of Tuscan styling. After all a fitted upper half with a more slouchy but nevertheless streamlined bottom half is a winning Tuscan combination.
The fitted upper half juxtaposed against a slouchy lower half is signature Tuscan style
Shop The Nouveau Bohemia Inspired Jumpsuit Look Below
Go Nautical Or Go Home
It goes without saying that a common way of capturing the true essence of Tuscan Style is to tap into the ‘nautical trend’. From striped bardot maxi dresses to asymmetrical mini dresses, the key to wearing nautical pieces and making them ‘Tuscan inspired’ is to accessorize with coloured accents or pops of colour. For example below a simple asymmetrical one shoulder mini dress is given the Tuscan treatment through a cinched belt to create an illusion of a smaller waist, while bright sandals and the patent belt add interest to a nautical look.
The modern ‘mini’ version of the ‘nautical trend’
Shop The Nautical Mini Dress Look Below
The midi or maxi version of the nautical trend is equally as impressive and best suited to long summer walks across the Tuscan countryside. What makes it infinitely Tuscan is its floppy bohemian straw beach hat and small clutch bag for practical means. The Tuscan woman is sophisticated yet relaxed, a true feature of nautical fashion trends.
The ‘Maxi Version’ of the nautical trend, is given that ‘Tuscan Flair’ with a floppy straw hat
Shop The Nauticial Maxi Dress Version Below
Get Psychedelic With The Psychotropic Trend
Fashion is fickle and while the boho and nautical trend might seem like the most wearable out of all the ‘Tuscan Trends’ mentioned, it is not the most fashion forward. Queue 2017’s answer to Pucci’s 60’s psychedelia, otherwise known as the micro-trend psychotropical. Common features of the psychotropical trend include blending natural flora and fauna prints with surreal pattern compositions i.e. a leopard vs peacock hybrid , rainbow-saturated palettes, and technical fabrics.While these pattern compositions might seem a ‘little out there’ when it comes to capturing Tuscan style what you have to bear in mind is that Tuscany can be split into two style tribes; the maximalists and the minimalists/normcore-wearers.
Shop Maximalist Psychotropical Pieces Below
My own personal interpretation of the Psychotropical trend tends to lean more heavily towards ‘muted tropical digital blooms and ‘faded but vibrant water-colour prints ‘, which can be both formal and informal. For example for a visit to Marina Di Pisa, (a Tuscan beach) , a watercolour kimono, gladiator sandals and a Psychotropical bikini will not only tap into the ‘psychotropical trend’ but is the perfect mix of ‘casual-glam’ that is so favored by Tuscan locals.
A close up of the ‘Psychotropical Beach Look’
Kimono’s Are The Perfect Beach Cover Up For Psychedelic Tuscany
Shop The Psychotropical Tuscan Beach Look Below
For formal occasions however a muted psychotropical version of the digital bloom trend, is ideal for events like parties or function balls like prom. For a psychotropical look to go shopping in Tuscany, a digital bloom mesh midi skirt is balanced out by a chic bell sleeved lace top, while a ‘psychotropical’ formal but wearable look can be seen through the stunning digital bloom midi dress, which is ideal for red carpet events.
Perfect to go shopping in Tuscany and still be psychotropic
Shop The Shopping In Tuscany Psychotropical Look Below
Shop The Psychotropical Digital Bloom Look Below
A Muted Version of the Psychotropic Trend, ideal for formal occasions like weddings in Tuscany
Learning how to capture the true essence of Tuscan Style can appear intimidating but I hope my guide has shown how versatile and varied Tuscany’s approach to fashion can be. From minimalism to bohemianism, Tuscany has a style tribe just for you, question is who will you choose?
What Was Your Favourite Tuscan Inspired Look?
*Disclaimer
I was not compensated for this post, this is a competition entry whereby if chosen I will win a holiday to Tuscany. As I have not been abroad in nearly 5 years, it would be a dream come true to win. This does not affect my opinion and all research is my own. Fingers crossed!
I love the nautical look, I could wear this all year round!
Some beautiful looks there, but have to say I am loving the bohemian look #MMBC x
Some gorgeous looks here! You look great! Best of luck for the competition. A holiday to Tuscany sounds amazing!
Love all these styles. Gorgeous as always!
I love the linen midi dress at the top as to me this is the most Tuscan as the lightweight materials and colours are typical of the region x
I love your style! Some create ideas for me for holiday this year, best of luck in the competition!
That white dress is gorgeous! You’re honestly one of my biggest style crushes! 🙂 xx
These are some gorgeous outfits. I love the ones that are full And flowy they looks so comfortable to wear .
I loved all of these, but perhaps my most favorite was the one inspired by Emilio Pucci! Such a modern, street-take on Tuscan style. I loved it! xx
Kit | THINGS SHE LOVES
I absolutely love this style!!! I’ve got to start shopping for some new items now!
Your hat is so pretty in that first outfit and I love the floaty dress! It’ s perfect for hot days!
Your style is so on point!
Vivian | LIVE . IN . LOVE
IG | @VIVIYUNN_
~
You pulled off all the looks so well. I love the effortless chic too! I have just learned some now about the Tuscany style and that it has to be blue and going by what you put together, boring is the last word that would come to mind.
I’ve written a piece for this too and focused on Diane’s look, I love that film so much.
Haha yes! I actually read your post which inspired me to watch Under the Tuscan sun again and it was even better the second time round x
I am loving all of these styles on you and of course you rock them all. Oh, and that watermelon bag is AWESOME!!
I am actually moving to Tuscany for a month, in October, in a beautiful village surrounded by wineries, in the countryside around Florence. I will definitely keep in mind the minimalist style and pack in my luggage white and blue dresses (which are actually my current obsession, I must have bought 3 in the past few weeks). Under the Tuscan Sun is actually one of my favorite movies as well 🙂
I love your style here . You’re always on top of things and work so hard, hope you win! xx 🙂
the emilio pucci style is the pic of the bunch for me – a very versatile selection ana u do have a way with fashion, your like a chameleon – every style suits you so well
These are great tips and as always, you look incredible! I love the white dress with the blue embroidery, so cute!xxx
Absolutely love your style! I’m completely in love with that kimono, and the colors of the bikini underneath!
Tuscany is so beautiful. I have family live out there and I am in awe of their lifestyle.
Beautiful clothes, as ever, but I am probably most taken with the psychotropic trend, particularly the formal outfits, very elegant.
These are all such beautiful looks! I love how you have captured Tuscan style with such amazing prints and different cuts. I think my favorite is the eyelet style top with the flower print skirt! So fun and such a great pair up.
That mock linen midi dress is to DIE for! Seriously love the cut and color! Of course, you can rock just about anything but I’d definitely give it a try myself!
I like all these outfits but I really love the light blue one piece! And that watermelon bag is too cute! You always have the best outfits posted on your page!
Helloooo hats! I love that hats are IN again, don’t you? They just make any outfit look super cute and chic.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
I have never visited Tuscany myself but know I would just love the style so much! I tend to get hot very easily so the lightweight materials would definitely be my go-to!
You look absolutely gorgeous! I really love that first dress, the long flowy light-colored one. Perfect for summer!
I LOVE THE BLUE OUTFITS
BUT YOU DEF LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL WITH THE
PANT AND HIGH BOOTS
You have the cuttest clothes! So european and chic! I love how you wear the Emilio Pucci inspired look , looks super high fashion yet perfect for any occasion.
I am obsessed with these looks !! As someone who lived in Tuscany I can 100% say you got the look down girl !!
These are some gorgeous ideas on how to capture Tuscan style. They seem to have so a lovely way which goes from day to night.
I’m not an expert on Tuscan Style, but you look lovely in these outfits! I love that blue jumpsuit!
You look so amazing in anything you wear, you are beautiful. My favourite one is the paint splattered t-shirt style!! Great post to read!!
Omg! You cannot beat true Italian style and I am loving all the facets of it, especially the nautical look! Good luck with your entry 😃
Thanks for sharing!
Leigh at Fashion Du Jour LDN x
The Emilio Pucci Look was my fav! Love all the backgrounds to your pics to! Fit perfectly with the clothes
I love your modern approach to a vintage style. That blue purse is to die for!
Such varied styles! I love the black embroidered dress, it looks stunning on you <3 Good luck with the competition!
It’s true that when I think of Tuscany I think art and and fashion, although I’ve never truly considered what “Tuscan-style” really is. Thank you for sharing and as always your outfits look amazing!
I love all your looks, but think the ots dress a la Diane Lane captures the Tuscan vibe the most. BtW I love that movie. It made me want to visit Italy so bad. With a blog post like this I absolutely think you deserve to win that trip. Crossing my fingers for you gal!
Im not a woman 😂 I don’t know the first thing about dresses 😂 But if I was, I would find this very useful, you tap into several occasions and give an example dress accordingly. Women are very lucky to have you!
I like this style! You look fabulous in everything. I’m all about things with bright colors.
Wishing you would will this competition. After all you deserve a Tuscany summer. 🙂
I love these looks. The last one might be my favorite. You have a great knack for putting these outfits together.
I would struggle big time to match the style. I am totally illiterate when it comes to fitting in a specific style. I would probably pull off the neutrals at best. You would look totally natural there though 🙂
There are some AMAZING looks here, those knee high boots are outta this world! 🙂
I need you to take me shopping, your fashion knowledge is incredible. Also, that jumpsuit looks incredible on you! So much wardrobe envy.
I think the Emilio Pucci style would really suit me. Loved all the outfits, and the write up leading to them was beautiful. Best of luck in your competition…
Those outfits all look amazing however I love the spots you’ve chosen to take the pictures, the street art behind you would keep me occupied all day. I used to sell holidays to Tuscany and would love to go there one day 😀 –
Another fabulously written post. I’m loving all the style ideas on this blog post, I would pretty much love to wear it all 🙂
You are totally nailing every look you wear. I personally love the fitted upper half and slouchy lower half 😀 It looks stylish.
These are such amazing outfits! I certainly will be trying some of these pieces.
That watermelon bag is amazing. I love each and every outfit here. Looking super stylish and trendy too!
I love all of your looks here Ana, especially the jumpsuit. Tuscany is such a beautiful place, I love that they have their own fashions too.
I would LOVE to visit Tuscany…no, wait…Italy some day. Believe it or not it’s the annoying tap in the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” that fixed the fancy. I really like the last look. Boldly elegant
Such a cool post anna. I’ve always loved a nautical look so that’s my fave of the lot x
You look sophisticated on those dresses. ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ is the movie that makes me want to visit Tuscany. Love reading this post and learn a bit about Italian fashion designers and their historic contribution in fashion.
I think the Tuscan style is simple and classic and really promotes the details, its beautiful and light fabrics.
What stunning outfits! I really like all the styles but my favorite has to be the Tuscan Flair. It looks so pretty on you with the straw hat.
You always look great! Love the different style looks and totally digging the knee high boots!
Your fashion makes me want to visit Tuscany like right now. They are all gorgeous. I like that you added where to shop for the looks very convenient!
These are all looks good styles and loving that outfits for my sister by the way you really looks beautiful on that dresses.
Really nice outfits and an overall nice feel to this post. I absolutely loved the last dress, so chic and beautiful – and suits you so good!
Such beautiful looks! I really like the nautical look best, it looks beautiful on you. Your makeup is amazing too. Good luck with the competition!
I love the last photo. The blue dress with the floral print and cream colored heels are so simple yet fashionably elegant. I would need a dress like that for an upcoming wedding in our family.
I love the white, romantic flowing dresses in you. They are soft and elegant. I love Pucci and all his psychedelic explosion of color and then, I love solids; all depends on my mood.
That was meant to say on you not in…. argh. Smartphone typos!
Good luck on your entry for the Tuscany vacation! I really hope you win. Out of all the looks mentioned, my favorites were the collection of Emilio Pucci Inspired Pieces. While I don’t typically wear a lot of color, pretty dresses like these are definitely something I’d buy. My favorite of your looks above? The Nouveau Bohemia trend. x
I’m LOVING the Tuscan style, Ana! I’m not sure I could pull it off myself, but it looks good on others 🙂
Louise x
Don’t wear color unless it’s blue! Haha love that. I’m one for light, breezy fabrics, the temperatures you mentioned are actually the kinds I’m used to in our Summer in South Africa so I think this Tuscan style is for me! Xx
These are all great Tuscan styles. I love the Emilio Pucci inspired styles which are brighten in my opinion. You look amazing in all these outfits and I will be checking a few of these out for sure. Thanks for sharing the information.
This is why I love this girl! She can never do any wrong! Be it her flawless writing skills to her amazing dress sense! My favourite Tuscan style must be the embroidered smock linen dress xxx
I am totally clueless when it comes to any sort of fashion, so am totally in awe of anyone who knows anything!I do like the Tuscan Boho look, which I think is very elegant, and the muted version of the psychotropic trend is something I would happily wear too.
Thank you for linking up with the #MMBC.D
That was great that you provided the insights of the culture! The dresses are really good and the suggestions of Neutral hues is also nice!
The white dress with the blue embroidery is my favorite!
So interesting, happy to learn about the Tuscan style by reading this post! My favorite ootd was the look by Emilio Pucci and the traditional embroidery one! Super colorful and bold. http://www.clairebearblogs.com
My friends and sisters would surely love your beautiful pieces. You look gorgeous in them.
You have such great style, I genuinely can’t pick a favourite here! Good luck with the competition 🙂
What a lovely look. I really don’t think that you can go wrong with a long floaty white dress.
What a great post! so inspiring! Loved all these styles, they all look good! And that watermelon bag! Oh God! I really want one!
i love the first look ana, i think i am a fan of normcore now!
nice collection of booties and outfit ana, you have done good here again on the mixup. you look fab.
I love that the tuscan style is very light weight. I love light weight clothes. That’s why I wear a lot of chiffon and lace (also because it feels care free). The blue floral dress is the most gorgeous of them all even though I’m also loving the full skirt paired with the black top!
The Pucci look is my favourite, such lovely bright colours for spring
It’s crazy how warm it gets in Tuscany so light fabrics and covering spots like your shoulders which are prone to burn are great ideas x
All the blues are gorgeous. I love the floaty dresses and that everything is lightweight.
I just love your style and all these looks! I have just come back from a holiday in Italy and loved it! Kaz
Oh how I would love to spend a few weeks under the Tuscany sun this summer. I love each and everyone of these looks, so stylish and chic and fantastic use of prints and accessories – you certainly capture the essence
Laura x
Ana, I couldn’t pick between an outfit even if I had to! Love them all and as usual you rock them like the Queen B you are x
You’ve captured the Tuscan style effortlessly well. I love the looks you’ve put together. Hope you’re doing well hun xxx
You really seem to have captured the essence, Ana. Love your outfits.
I love your interpretation of Tuscan style and the idea behind this post! My favourites are the more neutral looks and I particularly love the asymmetrical neckline shirt dress! I’m going to Florence in a few weeks so will definitely apply some of your ideas there x