I am in Italy and there is no other place to dress up as far as street style goes. I have plenty of competition and therefore don’t need to feel I am overdressing. Do you feel that you are underdressing in Italy?

Michele Del Fine Algoats orange leather venice bag

What maxi dress can you take that will look fabulous during the summer heat? What maxi dress can you also wear at night?

Stetson Red Cowboy hat Gracie Opulanza 2020 Venice (2)

The last thing you want is to take too many dresses in this heat whilst travelling.

White Polka Dot Maxi Dress Indonesia Bali

I was given this dress by a designer called LuLu Yasmin way back in 2016. After all these years this maxi dress still looks like I bought it last week.

When buying clothes buy quality fabrics that will last years, it is also a good sustainable message.

In Venice, I was at the Gondola festival called Fest Del Redentore.

Festa del Redentore - Venice's Beautiful Gondola Race MENsTYLEFashion 2020 Italy summer (10)

I wanted to feel cool in the heat but also dress up. On this occasion I wore it with white trainers I bought a few years ago.

PUMA trainers limited Edition 2020 gracie opulanza Venice italy 2020 (3)

I can’t say it looks that flattering, to be honest. But I was walking a lot so I needed to be comfortable. What do you think? It does look better with super high heels. This dress is long with lots of fabric so opting for heels give you more height.

LuLu Yasmin Maxi dress bali 2020 venice italy gracie Opulanza

Day Turns Into Night

After spending the day walking around. I then opted to have some rooftop bar which was not an issue when walking into the fabulous Hilton Molino Stucky.

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice - Flour Factory Preserving Italian History (26) Hilton Molino Stucky Venice - Flour Factory Preserving Italian History (26)

Competing with a view like this is important to dress up but also be very comfortable.

Ca' Sagredo Hotel Ballroom venice

Maxi dresses are very forgiving when you have a bulging stomach thanks to lockdown in Europe.

LuLu Yasmin Maxi dress bali 2020 venice italy gracie Opulanza

Accessories

On this occasion, I decided to team it with my Amasa Vitafelt Stetson 2020 summer hat. I teamed it with my handcrafted Indonesian cotton coin clutch bag.

Indonesian coin cotton clutch bag gracie opulanza

How To Choose Your Maxi Dress

If you are tall the dresses are endless. If you are small try opt for a more tailored look. For 2021 go with white as it’s timeless and brilliant in the heat.

This maxi dress has tiny flower patterns to break up the white which is very chic indeed.

Ca Sagredo Hotel Venice Grand Canal (3)

Ca Sagredo Grand Canal Gracie Opulanza Venice

Belmond San Michele

I was reviewing the Belmond San Michele in Florence this five-star hotel now owned by the LVMH group. Is all about fashion and lifestyle. So as I was at breakfast or in their beautiful garden and pool. it was the perfect dress to wear on this occasion with my Birkenstock.

Maxi White dress Belmond San Michele Florence Italy Gracie Opulanza 2020 (2)

Polka dot maxi dresses are great for summer.

Maxi White dress Belmond San Michele Florence Italy Gracie Opulanza 2020 (2)