Among Florence’s Renaissance splendours, the style is both elegant and effortless. Here’s how the fashion crowd dresses —and how to follow suit
In the hush of winter, summer exists only in the mind, a shimmering projection of golden light and long, leisurely afternoons. And when it finally arrives, few places embrace it as tenderly as Florence. The air is filled with the scent of irises, the Garden of Roses near Piazzale Michelangelo offers a quiet refuge for an afternoon spent with a book, and the light—golden and heavy—clings to the façades of Renaissance palaces.
But Florence is not a city to explore unprepared. To blend in seamlessly and avoid standing out as a wide-eyed tourist, one must strike a careful sartorial balance: polished yet relaxed, cool but never forced. The street style of Florence is an artful fusion of timeless elegance and modern innovation. Here’s a guide to the city’s captivating on-the-go elegance, along with essential insights on how to wear it with ease.
Ankle Breakage Is Non-Negotiable: Opt for Flats or Regret It
Florence, with its medieval origins, shapes not only its architecture but also its approach to fashion. The city’s winding streets—often narrow enough to challenge even a scooter—are paved with uneven stone slabs rather than instead of smooth asphalt. This unique terrain demands practicality, making it quite a challenge to wear high heels daily. For those brave enough to embrace stilettos, particularly on special occasions, having a backup pair of ballet flats or the classic Friulane is essential.
Florence's unique terrain makes it a challenge to wear high heels daily, so Friulane has become a beloved staple. Illustration by Constanza Coscia
Friulane, a flat-soled velvet shoe that combines elements of loafers, ballet flats, and slippers, has become a beloved staple. While not originally from Florence—hailing instead from Friuli Venezia Giulia—these shoes capture a Renaissance elegance that resonates deeply with Florence’s cultural identity. Often seen in classic burgundy, they’ve also gained traction in bolder hues like acid green and violet, making them a perfect match for spring and summer outfits.
The Silky Slip Dress and the Tailored Blazer: Vintage Market Essentials
Florentine fashion enthusiasts have a knack for treasure hunting, and second-hand or vintage shopping is almost a ritual here. The city features a vast array of vintage boutiques brimming with sartorial gems from decades past, each piece telling its own unique story. Masculine-cut velvet or wool blazers pair beautifully with silk dresses, reflecting Florence’s rich textile heritage.
Silk is a cornerstone of Florentine craftsmanship. Illustration by Constanza Coscia
Silk, in particular, is a cornerstone of Florentine craftsmanship, with the Antico Setificio Fiorentino serving as a historical hub for weaving since the Renaissance. Whether sourced from the iconic Sunday market in Santo Spirito—a post-brunch pilgrimage for all fashionistas—or from boutiques like Recollection by Albrici, silk is an essential element of Florence’s street style. The lingerie-inspired details seen in blouses or dresses add a seductive undertone to their wardrobes. For a truly romantic flair, pieces from Loretta Caponi, renowned for retro-style lingerie, evoke the spirit of the Dolce Vita, emphasising indulgence and leisure.
Don’t Let the Wind Wreck Your Hair: Tie on a Scarf
No Florentine wardrobe is complete without a colourful scarf. Be it for practical purposes—such as shielding oneself from the persistent breezes of the Arno—or as a stylish embellishment tied to a handbag, scarves are a staple accessory. Florence’s sartorial legacy is reflected in the iconic scarf designs of Pucci and Gucci, with prints like Pucci’s Marmo and Gucci’s Flora standing as timeless symbols of elegance.
No Florentine wardrobe is complete without a colorful scarf, like the iconic ones of Pucci and Gucci. Illustration by Constanza Coscia
A Touch of the Past: Elevate Your Look with Eclectic Jewellery
Florentine fashionistas understand the power of accessories to transform everyday outfits into aperitivo-ready ensembles. The city’s rich jewellery heritage, steeped in Renaissance refinement, is reflected in every carefully selected piece. Brooches, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are essential items, with vintage stores offering endless options.
Florence's rich jewellery heritage is reflected in every carefully selected piece. Illustration by Constanza Coscia
For something truly unique, consider Arlo Haisek’s jewellery. As a master jeweller and micro-sculptor of the Florentine tradition, he established his atelier on Via dei Bardi in Florence. His creations strike a perfect balance between medieval influences and edgy, organic forms, catering to those who want to shine while embracing a distinctive aesthetic.
Sparkle and Shine: How to Capture the Glow of Florence’s Golden Hour in a Look
Florence may not be as renowned as Rome, the Eternal City, but its golden hour is truly unmatched, making aperitivo a daily ritual. Accessories play a key role in the transition from day to evening, and among these, the metal mesh handbag stands out as a timeless favourite. Often found in second-hand shops like Il Cancello, these bags carry a nostalgic connection to Florence’s post-war fashion heyday, when Gian Battista Giorgini’s Sala Bianca shows placed the city on the global style map.
More than just a functional accessory, a metal mesh bag becomes a bijoux-like treasure. Compact enough to hold keys, coins, and lipstick, it’s the ideal companion for any fashionista looking to blend seamlessly into Florence’s street style.
Giulia Piceni
MA Curating Art & Fashion student, Florence