Entertaining and Parties

Styling My Versatile Italian Market Dress: Two Chic Looks

During my recent trip to Italy, I stumbled upon the most charming versatile Italian market dress at an open-air flea market. The moment I saw it, I knew it had to be mine! Made from soft cotton, this dress features a stunning cream and red all-over print. It buttons down the front, and pockets (a definite win in my book!). With a mandarin collar and long sleeves that can be rolled up and buttoned. It’s the perfect combination of style and comfort. What I love most about this dress is its versatility—today, I’m sharing two different ways to style it.

Look 1: Look 1: Elevating the Versatile Italian Market Dress with a Chic Belt and Blazer

When I first laid eyes on this dress, it was styled with a belt. I knew right away that this would be the first look I’d recreate.

The belt is made of a black stretchy fabric with a chic gold buckle. It features two round parts with a black center. The stretchy material makes it flattering for any waist size. It instantly elevates the dress to a more sophisticated level.

To complete this polished look, I added my black double-breasted blazer, which further enhances the dressed-up vibe.

For shoes, I chose my low-heeled black strappy pumps, which are both stylish and comfortable. My black purse with a gold chain and closure ties in perfectly with the gold accents on the belt.

Gold-copper colored-shaped floral earrings add a fun yet elegant touch, and my red reading glasses bring a pop of color that complements the dress beautifully.

Look 2: Casual and Breezy Beach Style with My Italian Market Dress

Now, let’s switch things up by removing the belt, blazer, black pumps, and purse. With these elements gone, the dress takes on a completely different, more relaxed vibe—perfect for a day at the beach or casual shopping trip.

I paired it with a fun straw hat and a matching straw bag, giving the outfit a laid-back, beachy feel. My white Flojo flip-flops are ideal for strolling along the sand or exploring cute Italian beach shops.

Other Fun Looks

This dress is incredibly versatile; it works well with sandals, white sneakers, or even a jean jacket if it gets a bit chilly. I can already tell that this dress will be a staple in my wardrobe throughout my travels in Italy, back home, and even into the fall. I’m also excited to try pairing it with cute ankle booties for a different look.

I made a fun little video showing the two changes of the dress.

Which outfit do you like best? Leave me a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Karins Kottage

Welcome to Karins Kottage! There is always something fun going on! You would think after becoming an empty nester couple that our nest would be very quiet and empty but our Kottage nest is usually more full than what we started out with! You might find me hosting a birthday party or graduation party and a baby shower on the same weekend or a big outdoor get together with 25 of our friends and family in the backyard or maybe I might be in the kitchen trying out a new recipe for my hubby and I to grill on the BBQ for a quiet night for the two of us. I am passionate about entertaining and setting a beautiful table! I may or may not have an addiction to cloth napkins and fun salad plates oh and goblets too! I think I will always have a home decorating DIY project in the works as long as my hubby is on board with me haha. We have painted A LOT in the 6 homes we have owned in the 35 years that we have been married as well as re-done multiple pieces of furniture, added wall and ceiling treatments, replaced lights, bathroom fixtures and even tiled floors! I have sewn what seems like a million window treatments for our home as well as for family, made slipcovers, and duvets and even a formal dress or two!

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