People love to say Italians “just throw on a linen dress and look chic.” Ah, if only you knew how many mirrors, steamers, and quiet muttered prayers go into that “effortless” look before stepping out the door.

If you’ve ever wondered why Italians look so good in summer, let me tell you: it’s not magic. It’s not luck. It’s not even the linen. It’s intention, pride, a pinch of practicality, and a sprinkle of va bene, let’s live today beautifully.

And yes, it’s also a refusal to let the Mediterranean heat reduce us to sweaty, shapeless blobs in neon sports shorts.