I did a little shopping before going to fashionable Florence Italy to update my look – just a few things I thought would travel well.
I would never go to Florence without these fashion travel essentials. Make sure not to forget to pack the items that follow when you plan your next trip to Italy. You’ll find what you need, below.

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Fashion Travel Essentials
Some of the most important things in my Florence wardrobe were some trendy jeans, clean walking shoes, and a selection of tailored cotton shirts.
I also brought a lightweight packable Puffer Jacket that squished down into a carrying bag should the weather turn, which came in so handy! After all, I couldn’t go to the “Cradle of the Renaissance” looking disheveled.
I targeted a “neat” look because, on most occasions, I’m more of a functional, practically-dressed girl.
But I also wanted to be fashionable in this chic Italian metropolis.
Beautiful Italian Women
When I got to Florence, there was something about the Italian women that truly inspired me.
Many of them were so beautiful! I watched in awe as they passed me by.
Their sunglasses glinted in the sun.
They tossed their shiny dark hair.
They had big leather bags slung over their shoulders.
Beautiful leather boots clicked on the city’s ancient cobblestone.
They even smelled good!
What was it that made them so alluring?
After a while, I noticed it wasn’t that the women’s physical characteristics were so striking (although I did envy their high cheekbones, big dark eyes, and olive skin).
They held themselves with such an air of confidence.
What is it they say? “Confidence is the sexiest attribute a woman can have.”
Well, I saw it for myself in Florence. It’s 100% true.
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy (Interactive Map)
If you’ll be exploring fashionable Florence, consider booking convenient accommodations. Compare popular hotel booking platforms, like booking.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com to get the best deals.
Or, you can use this full-featured interactive map to hone in on your preferences.
Tip: You can adjust the dates, budget, and filters, as well as zoom in/zoom out to narrow down your options. Adjust the filters to explore tours, restaurants, and other attractions here, too!
5 Quintessential Fashion Accessories Inspired by Fashionable Florence, Italy
Now, I know you can’t buy confidence.
But I knew it didn’t hurt that they were sporting beautiful pashmina scarves and jewelry from the shops at Ponte Vecchio.
Shopping in Florence was so tempting that even I could not help but pick up a few must-haves as gifts as souvenirs.
I narrowed it down to five quintessential fashion accessories one must bring to (or buy in) Florence to look more like a local. I was ready for the transformation.
Here’s what they are.
1. A Stylish Italian Wrap
There is something so artistic about wrapping yourself in a fine poncho wrap and tossing one side asymmetrically over your shoulder. T
I so saw many beautiful, woven styles in natural fibers, it was hard to choose which to take home. The prices were so affordable!
So, I settled on a black plaid one that makes a tasteful statement at work or play. It completes an outfit and can also serve at outerwear.
In fact, I get compliments whenever I wear it. It’s truly one of my prized possessions from Florence!
2. A Print Pashmina Scarf
You can find gorgeous pashmina scarves inexpensively at street vendors in and around Florence.
Look to the Piazza de Santa Croce, a famous and bustling square in Florence.
You’ll find soft and colorful pashmina scarves with intricately woven patterns. These beauties can be worn looped around your neck or gracefully draped over your shoulders like a shawl.
Everyone in Italy wears scarves. Even the guys wrap them smartly around their necks.
3. Leather Boots
You’ll find stylish, soft leather ankle boots in many of the store windows in Florence.
You will be even more surprised at their affordability.
A comfortable low heel makes a great finish to jeans while still looking classy. And you can’t beat the Italian leather!
Regrettably, I didn’t splurge on the leather boots while in Florence. (What was I thinking?!)
Therefore, knock-off boots were the first thing I bought when I returned home.
4. A Leather Purse
The rich smell of leather will likely draw you into more than one leather shop in Florence.
Fine stitching, classic styling, and super soft leather make it hard to leave the shops without taking a genuine leather purse with you.
I expected to pay a lot more for the quality of the bag I bought on Via dell’Oriuolo.
But the one I got is big enough and so well-made that I even use it to carry my laptop and paper notebooks on short trips. It was 60 Euros!
5. Sunglasses
What woman’s mystique isn’t improved by a pair of great sunglasses?
Whether you chose something Sophia Lauren might wear, or some amazing Gucci sunglasses, a chic woman’s look is not complete without them.
I negotiated a good price on some cheap sunglasses (10 Euro!) with a little bling on each side and wear them year round.
Even when it’s not sunny, they are still my go-to hair accessory.
The “New” Me

To feel truly transformed by fashionable Florence, I discovered one must embrace fashion.
As I tossed my wrap around me, zipped my boots, threw my big bag over my shoulder, and slipped on dark my dark sunglasses for mystique, there I was.
Finally, perfectly confident and ready to take on the world.
I still love this new look many months after returning home.
Do you have certain accessories or fashion looks that make you feel your most confident? Tell me about it in the comments below.
Next Steps: Read More Articles About Italy
To learn more about planning your Italian getaway, read these articles about Italy next:
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- Monteriggioni Italy: Step Back in Time at This Medieval Fortress Near Siena
- The Best Place to See the Sunset Over Florence [Fiesole Italy]
- Where to Find Tuscan Comfort Food in Fiesole: Il Fiesolano Ristorante
- Why Youโll Never Forget the 14 Soaring San Gimignano Towers of Tuscany
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- Florence Festival Guide: Best Festivals in Florence By Month
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- Rome for Foodies: What Are the 25 Best Food Experiences in Rome, Italy?
- What to Buy in Milan, Italy with 5 Best Places for Milan Shopping
- 5 Stunning Must-Haves for Fashionable Florence, Italy
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- Positively Positano: 48 Hours on the Amalfi Coast
- Breakfast in Positano, Italy: An Assortment of Goodness
I’m in Italy often, in the north in fact, and yes, the women all look so elegant! The sunglasses are a must, even in winter, as is the pashmina scarf! However, confidence is something you just can’t buy!
You are lucky to be in Italy often, Followingthe rivera. I can’t wait to go back. I totally agree, you can not buy confidence. I’m a beach girl at heart, and a minimalist at best. But, I did enjoy a little fashion update while in Florence. I was happy to take a bit of that vibe home. 8)