Top 10 'Aperitivo-Ready' Styling Swaps to style in the Mediterranean this summer - Goh Ling Yong
Ah, the Mediterranean summer. It’s a sensory symphony—the scent of salt and citrus in the air, the gentle warmth of the sun on your skin, and the distant hum of laughter from a seaside piazza. The days are long and languid, melting effortlessly into golden evenings. This magical transition is marked by one of Europe's most cherished rituals: l'aperitivo.
More than just a pre-dinner drink, aperitivo is a cultural moment. It’s a pause, a celebration of the day that was, and a gentle welcome to the night ahead. It’s a time to see and be seen, to gather with friends over a spritz and some light bites, all while soaking in the last rays of sunlight. The dress code? Effortlessly chic. You need an outfit that feels just as right with sun-kissed skin from a day at the beach as it does holding a crystal glass at a sophisticated rooftop bar.
The secret isn't about a complete wardrobe overhaul packed into your suitcase. Instead, it’s about mastering the art of the 'styling swap'—small, strategic changes that instantly elevate your daytime look into something polished, elegant, and perfectly aperitivo-ready. It's about working smarter, not harder, with your vacation wardrobe. Here are my top 10 styling swaps to ensure you’re the epitome of Mediterranean grace this summer.
1. Swap Your Denim Shorts for Flowing Linen Trousers
Denim shorts are a daytime staple, perfect for exploring cobblestone streets or grabbing a gelato. But as the sun begins to dip, they can feel a touch too casual for the sophisticated ambiance of an aperitivo hour. This is where the queen of summer fabrics, linen, makes her grand entrance.
Swapping your denim for a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg linen trousers is perhaps the most transformative trick in the book. The fluid silhouette is instantly elegant and elongating, while the breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable in the balmy evening air. The beauty of linen is its relaxed sophistication; it looks luxurious without ever feeling stuffy or overly formal. It whispers "I've spent the day on a yacht," even if you've just woken up from a nap.
Pro-Tip: Opt for a neutral palette—think ecru, sand, olive, or a classic navy. These shades are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with everything from a simple ribbed tank top to a silk camisole. For a truly seamless transition, simply throw the trousers on over your one-piece swimsuit, add a belt, and you're ready to go.
2. Swap Your Flip-Flops for Leather Slides or Espadrilles
Nothing says "beach day" quite like a pair of rubber flip-flops. While essential for the sand, they are the first thing that should be retired when heading for evening drinks. Your footwear sets the entire tone of your outfit, and upgrading it is a non-negotiable step for achieving that aperitivo-ready polish.
Your new best friends are a beautifully crafted pair of leather slides or classic espadrilles. Leather slides, whether in a simple single-strap style or an intricate woven design, offer an immediate upgrade in structure and sophistication. They are comfortable enough for a post-dinner passeggiata (evening stroll) but chic enough for the most stylish of bars. Alternatively, espadrilles—either flat or with a wedge heel—are the quintessential Mediterranean shoe. They add a touch of rustic, coastal charm that is both timeless and chic.
Pro-Tip: A metallic leather slide in gold or bronze can act as a neutral, catching the golden hour light beautifully. If you opt for espadrilles, choose a pair with ankle ribbons and learn to tie them crisply for a classic, feminine look.
3. Swap Your Cotton Tee for a Silk Camisole
A simple cotton t-shirt is a vacation workhorse, but its casual nature can fall flat in an evening setting. To instantly inject a dose of glamour and elegance, swap it out for a delicate silk or satin camisole. This simple exchange is all about the power of fabric.
The way silk catches the light and drapes over the body is pure, understated luxury. It feels incredible against sun-warmed skin and adds a touch of sensuality to your look without being overt. A camisole is incredibly versatile—tuck it into your linen trousers, pair it with a flowing midi skirt, or even layer it under an open white shirt. It’s a piece that requires minimal space in your luggage but delivers maximum style impact.
Pro-Tip: While black or ivory are timeless choices, consider a jewel tone like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep terracotta. These rich colours pop beautifully against a summer tan and create a memorable, sophisticated look.
4. Swap Your Beach Tote for a Woven Basket Bag
Your oversized canvas beach tote has served you well, carrying your towel, sunscreen, and novel all day. But bringing it to an elegant bar is the style equivalent of wearing hiking boots to a dinner party. Downsizing your bag for the evening is a crucial step in refining your silhouette.
The perfect aperitivo accessory is a structured woven bag. Think of the iconic Jane Birkin with her wicker basket—it's a look that has defined Riviera chic for decades. A smaller rattan clutch, a round straw crossbody, or a miniature woven top-handle bag signals a shift in intention. You're no longer carrying supplies for a day of activities; you're carrying just the essentials for a leisurely evening: your phone, lipstick, and room key.
Pro-Tip: Look for a basket bag that incorporates other materials, like leather handles or a simple cotton lining. These details elevate the piece from a beach accessory to a proper handbag, making it feel more intentional and polished.
5. Swap Your Sun Hat for a Silk Scarf
A wide-brimmed sun hat is your best friend under the harsh midday sun, but it can feel cumbersome and out of place as evening approaches. A far more chic and versatile option for aperitivo hour is a beautiful silk scarf. This single accessory offers a world of styling possibilities.
You can tie it around your head as a headband to keep wispy, sea-salt-textured hair in place. You can wrap it around the base of a low ponytail or bun for a pop of colour and pattern. For a touch of classic Hollywood glamour, tie it around your neck or let it drape elegantly over your shoulders if a breeze picks up. It's an accessory that says you’re thoughtful and put-together.
Pro-Tip: Pack two or three scarves in different prints and colours. A smaller, 50x50cm square (a gavroche) is perfect for tying around your wrist or the handle of your bag, while a larger 90x90cm carré offers more options for hair and neck styling.
6. Swap Your Cotton Cover-Up for a Chic Kaftan or Slip Dress
The terry cloth or simple cotton sarong you wore over your bikini is perfect for the beach club, but the transition to evening calls for something with a bit more grace. Your "cover-up" can, and should, become the star of your outfit.
Enter the elegant kaftan or the simple slip dress. A kaftan made from a lightweight material like cotton voile, silk, or a blend with some viscose will drape beautifully and move with you. Look for versions with subtle embroidery, a chic print, or a flattering V-neckline. Alternatively, a minimalist slip dress is the epitome of 90s-inspired chic and can be easily dressed up. It skims the body, feels divine on the skin, and serves as a perfect canvas for jewelry.
Pro-Tip: Both a kaftan and a slip dress can be worn directly over your dry swimsuit. Cinch a kaftan at the waist with a thin leather belt to give it more shape, or layer delicate gold necklaces over a slip dress to draw the eye upward.
7. Swap Your Sporty Sunglasses for Classic Metal or Tortoiseshell Frames
Sunglasses are an all-day accessory in the Mediterranean, but the style you choose can dramatically alter your vibe. The sporty, brightly-coloured frames that are perfect for an active day might feel jarring in a more relaxed, elegant evening setting.
Swap them for a timeless pair of sunglasses with a classic frame—think tortoiseshell, black, or a delicate gold or silver metal. Shapes like a cat-eye, a classic Wayfarer, or round P3-style frames have an enduring appeal that complements a polished look. It’s a subtle change, but it’s these small details that collectively create an air of effortless sophistication.
Pro-Tip: As the sun sets, don't be afraid to perch your sunglasses on top of your head. It becomes part of your hairstyle—a chic, practical accessory that holds your hair back and keeps them handy should the last rays of sun catch your eye.
8. Swap Your Bare Neck for Layered Gold Jewelry
During the day, you might forgo jewelry to avoid tan lines or the hassle of taking it off before a swim. But as you prepare for your evening spritz, adding a touch of metallic glimmer is the fastest way to look and feel "dressed."
Layering delicate gold jewelry is the perfect solution. It’s not about heavy, statement pieces, but rather the subtle sparkle of a few fine chains, perhaps one with a small coin pendant or a simple charm. Add a pair of small gold hoops or elegant drop earrings. The warm tone of gold is particularly flattering against sun-kissed skin and catches the magical light of the golden hour perfectly. It's a philosophy of refined accessorising we often embrace at Goh Ling Yong—less is often more, but the right details are everything.
Pro-Tip: Don't stop at the neck. A few delicate gold rings or a thin chain bracelet on your wrist can complete the look. The key is for the jewelry to look like a natural, shimmering part of you.
9. Swap Your Practical Watch for a Dainty Bracelet
While a watch is a practical daytime tool, it can feel a bit corporate or rigid for the leisurely pace of a Mediterranean evening. The spirit of aperitivo is about losing track of time, not marking its passage.
A simple swap is to leave the watch in your hotel room and adorn your wrist with a beautiful, delicate bracelet instead. It could be a simple gold chain, a string of tiny pearls, or even a colourful beaded piece you picked up at a local market. This small gesture helps shift your mindset from a schedule-driven day to a relaxed, pleasure-focused evening. It’s a subtle cue that you are officially on vacation time.
Pro-Tip: If you love your watch and feel bare without it, consider a more decorative, jewelry-like style for your trip—one with a smaller face and a bracelet-style band. It can serve both form and function.
10. Swap Your Beach Hair for a Polished Low Bun
Hair that has been in the sea and sun all day has a wonderful texture, but it can also look a little wild and unkempt. A quick and easy way to polish your entire look is to tame your tresses into a chic, intentional style.
The answer is the low bun. It’s effortlessly elegant and takes only a minute to create. Simply pull your hair back—embracing any natural, salty texture—and twist it into a neat bun at the nape of your neck. You can leave a few face-framing tendrils out for a softer look. This style gets your hair off your neck, looks incredibly sophisticated, and showcases your earrings and neckline. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-impact hair trick.
Pro-Tip: Keep a small tube of smoothing serum or a travel-sized hairspray in your bag to tame any major frizz. Running a tiny amount over the top of your hair before twisting it back will give your bun a sleek, polished finish.
Mastering the art of Mediterranean style isn't about packing a different outfit for every occasion. It’s about choosing versatile, high-quality pieces and understanding how small, strategic swaps can completely transform your look. By trading your casual day items for these slightly more elevated alternatives, you embrace the true spirit of aperitivo—a seamless and stylish transition from the sun-drenched day to the magical evening ahead.
Now, we’d love to hear from you. What are your go-to styling tricks for looking chic on a summer holiday? Share your best tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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