How to Get Italian-Girl Style at Forever 21

last updated 29 June 2020

We all have style icons, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, if you don't have a style icon, I recommend you find one ASAP. The reason I'm so keen on such fashion role models is so that whenever you find yourself in a wardrobe slump, you have a handful of girls you admire to turn to for inspiration. You know what they say—imitation is the best form of flattery, and this summer, I'm imitating as many Italian girls as possible.

Since most Italian-girl style can ring in at a pretty penny, I've done some research to see what I can find that's a bit more within my price range. Where do I typically sprint to when I want to shop but don't want to break the bank? Forever 21, of course. After collecting a few of my Italian-girl summer inspo pics, I dug through the endless pages of products at Forever 21 and came out with a wardrobe I think you'll be pretty pleased with. Shop the Italian-girl looks I'm trying to re-create this summer within the confines of the affordable retailer.

Printed Dresses and Flat Sandals

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Re-creating this exact scene would be ideal, but in the meantime, I'll be buying as many printed dress–and–flat sandal combinations as humanly possible. Maybe I'll even throw a few lemons into an Instagram of the outfit to fully fake my Italian-girl lifestyle.

Get the look

Forever 21

Polka Dot Smocked Dress

Available in sizes S to L.

Forever 21

Braided Strappy Sandals

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Forever 21

Sunflower Print Dress

Available in sizes 0X to 3X.

Forever 21

Lace-Up Tassel Gladiator Sandals

Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.

Naked Swimsuits

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The naked swimsuit trend is one we Who What Wear editors can't get enough of. Once I saw my Italian-girl idol, Giorgia, sporting one, my obsession was further confirmed. Luckily, Forever 21 has tons of great options that ring in at a fraction of the price.

Get the look

Forever 21

High-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit

Available in sizes S to L.

Forever 21

Shadow-Stripe One-Piece Swimsuit

Available in sizes 0X to 3X.

Forever 21

Overall-Inspired One-Piece Swimsuit

Available in sizes S to XL.

Forever 21

Crisscross One-Piece Swimsuit

Available in sizes M to L.

Earthy Tones

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Italian girls have taught me that when in doubt, go tonal. There's nothing quite as chic as a white cotton tee or tank, beige trousers, and simple accessories.

Forever 21

Ruffle-Trim Cropped Cami

Available in sizes 1X to 3X.

Melt

Rectangular Sunglasses

Forever 21

Wide-Leg Paperbag Pants

Available in sizes S to L.

Forever 21

Faux Leather Toe-Ring Wraparound Heels

Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.

Sporty Separates

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Patricia Manfield is a style icon if I've ever seen one. She constantly pushes boundaries when it comes to fashion, and that's how I want to live too. It might take me a little longer, but her sportier looks are some of my favorites, and it's time I start re-creating my favorite looks.

Get the look

Forever 21

Ribbed Crop Top

Available in sizes S to L.

Forever 21

Sync Footwear Knit Sneakers

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Forever 21

Contrast Stripe Tearaway Pants

Available in sizes S to L.

Forever 21

Hooded Windbreaker

Available in sizes 0X to 3X.

Want more naked swimsuits? Check out all the ones under $30 hiding at Forever 21 right now.

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Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.