What I’d Wear in Santorini, Amalfi, and Mykonos: A Summer Style Guide for Each

Three destinations. One summer. An infinite number of reasons to think carefully about what you pack.

Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and Mykonos are three of the most photographed places on earth — and three of the most stylistically distinct. Santorini is all white walls and volcanic drama. The Amalfi Coast is lemon groves and Dolce Vita. Mykonos is windmills and cosmopolitan edge. Each one calls for a slightly different wardrobe. Each one rewards the woman who arrived prepared.

This is the She Travels Chic summer style guide for all three: what to wear, how to wear it, what to pack, and — because these destinations live on Pinterest and Instagram as much as they do in real life — how to look your absolute best against the backdrop of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful scenery.

Before You Pack: The Mediterranean Summer Dressing Rules

Three rules apply to all three destinations before we get into the specifics:

Rule 1: Linen is your best friend Mediterranean summers are genuinely hot. July and August in Santorini and Mykonos regularly exceed 30°C; the Amalfi Coast can be equally intense. Linen breathes better than any other fabric, softens with wear, and looks more expensive the more you wear it. Build your Mediterranean wardrobe around linen.

Rule 2: Flat shoes will save your trip The Amalfi Coast has steps carved into cliffsides. Santorini’s Oia has cobblestone paths that wind steeply uphill. Mykonos Town’s Little Venice is beautiful ancient stone underfoot. All three are actively hostile to heels during the day. Flat sandals are not a compromise — they are the correct choice, and in the right style, they are entirely chic.

Rule 3: One great cover-up does everything The journey from beach to lunch to exploring a hilltop village requires one transitional piece that works across all three contexts. A great linen kimono, an oversized linen shirt, or a lightweight kaftan is the most useful item you can pack for a Mediterranean trip. It covers you for cultural sites, elevates a swimsuit for a beach club lunch, and works as a layer on a cooler evening boat trip.

With those rules established, here is exactly what to wear at each destination.

SANTORINI: Volcanic Drama, White Walls, and the Most Photographed Sunsets in the World

The Santorini Aesthetic

Santorini dressing has its own visual language: white against white, flowing silhouettes against the caldera, the blue of the Aegean behind everything. The island rewards minimalism above all else — loud prints compete with the scenery; clean, simple pieces become part of it.

The Santorini palette is white, cream, dusty blue, terracotta, and gold. Everything else is noise.

What to Wear in Santorini: 5 Outfits

Outfit 1 — Oia at Sunset (the photograph everyone comes for)

This is the outfit. The one that will be on your camera roll for years. Plan it deliberately.

The look: A white or cream flowing maxi dress — linen, cotton gauze, or a fluid viscose — with thin straps or a simple neckline. Flat gold sandals. Gold hoop earrings. Nothing else.

Why it works: White against the white-washed walls of Oia creates a tonal, almost ethereal photograph. The flowing silhouette moves in the evening breeze. The gold sandals and earrings catch the last light of sunset. This is the Santorini photograph. It requires almost no styling — the location does everything.

What to look for: A white maxi dress with some movement in the fabric — gauze, linen, or a lightweight cotton. Avoid structured or stiff styles; you want the fabric to move. A simple wrap or one-shoulder style photographs most beautifully against the caldera backdrop.

Outfit 2 — Exploring Fira and the Caldera Path

The path between Fira and Oia is one of the most beautiful walks in the Mediterranean — and one of the more demanding. It is rocky, steep in places, and takes two to three hours.

The look: Relaxed wide-leg linen trousers in cream or white + a simple white linen tank + flat leather sandals with a secure strap + a lightweight linen shirt worn open as a layer + a crossbody bag worn across the body

Why it works: Linen in the heat, secure sandals for the terrain, the open shirt as sun protection. The all-white or cream palette photographs beautifully against the volcanic landscape.

Outfit 3 — Lunch at a Caldera Restaurant

Santorini’s restaurants range from relaxed tavernas to genuinely upscale caldera-view dining. The lunch outfit needs to straddle both.

The look: A linen midi dress in white, cream, or a dusty terracotta + flat strappy sandals + a small woven or raffia bag + gold jewellery + sunglasses

Why it works: A linen midi dress is smart enough for a good restaurant and relaxed enough for a casual taverna. The terracotta option photographs spectacularly against both the white architecture and the blue caldera.

Outfit 4 — Beach Club Day at Perissa or Red Beach

Santorini’s beaches are dramatic — black volcanic sand at Perissa, rust-red cliffs at Red Beach. The beach club culture is relaxed but stylish.

The look: A simple swimsuit or bikini in a solid colour (white, terracotta, or black against the black sand is extraordinary) + an oversized linen shirt as a cover-up + flat slider sandals + a woven tote + gold jewellery left on

Why it works: The contrast of a white or cream linen cover-up against the black sand is one of the most striking travel photographs you can take. Keep the swimsuit simple — the beach itself is the statement.

Outfit 5 — Wine Tasting at a Santorini Vineyard

Santorini’s Assyrtiko wine is world-class and the vineyard settings are extraordinary — low basket-woven vines against the volcanic landscape.

The look: A white or cream linen co-ord (relaxed wide-leg trouser + matching shirt or blazer) + flat leather sandals + a small structured bag + simple gold jewellery

Why it works: A linen co-ord reads as effortlessly pulled-together without being overdressed for an outdoor vineyard setting. The cream or white against the dark volcanic soil photographs beautifully.

Santorini Packing Essentials

• 2–3 white or cream linen pieces (maxi dress, midi dress, wide-leg trousers)
• 1 terracotta or dusty blue accent piece
• Flat leather sandals (strappy for evenings, slider or comfortable flat for daytime)
• A woven or raffia tote for beach days
• A small structured crossbody for exploring
• Gold jewellery only — silver reads less warmly against a Mediterranean tan
• A wide-brim hat for sun protection and photographs

AMALFI COAST: Lemon Groves, Cliff Roads, and the Original Dolce Vita

The Amalfi Coast Aesthetic

If Santorini is minimalist and ethereal, the Amalfi Coast is maximalist and joyful. This is the home of the Italian Riviera aesthetic — the lemon prints, the flowing kaftans, the Positano sundresses that hang in every boutique on Via dei Mulini. The Amalfi Coast not only tolerates colour and print; it demands it.

The Amalfi palette is lemon yellow, cobalt blue, white, terracotta, and the deep green of the coastline itself. This is the one destination on this list where a bold print is not only acceptable but actively encouraged.

What to Wear on the Amalfi Coast: 5 Outfits

Outfit 1 — Positano Harbour and the Steps Down to the Beach

Positano is built on a cliff. Everything is steps. The harbour outfit needs to be beautiful for photographs and practical for the descent.

The look: A flowing printed midi dress — the Positano sundress, traditionally a wrap or tiered style in a lemon, floral, or majolica print — + flat leather sandals in tan or gold + a small woven bag + large sunglasses + gold jewellery

Why it works: The Positano sundress is iconic for a reason. A flowing printed midi against the colourful stacked houses of Positano harbour is one of the most immediately recognisable travel photographs in the world. This is the one occasion on this entire guide to commit to the print.

What to look for: A tiered or wrap midi in a lemon print, bold floral, or classic Italian ceramic print. The Positano boutiques sell them; so does Zimmermann, Faithfull the Brand, and Farm Rio for the high-end versions; Zara and H&M for excellent accessible alternatives.

Outfit 2 — The Amalfi Drive and Village Exploring

The Amalfi Coast road is one of the most dramatic drives in the world. Stopping in Ravello, Atrani, or Amalfi town itself requires an outfit that works for both the car and the cobblestones.

The look: Wide-leg linen trousers in white or cobalt + a simple fitted linen top or cotton tee + flat comfortable sandals + a crossbody bag + a linen shirt as a layer for cultural sites

Why it works: Cobalt wide-leg linen trousers against the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea is one of the great Mediterranean travel photographs. The linen shirt covers shoulders for entry to churches and cathedrals — essential on the Amalfi Coast.

Outfit 3 — Lunch at a Cliffside Restaurant in Ravello

Ravello sits 350 metres above the sea and contains some of the finest restaurants on the Amalfi Coast — including the legendary Villa Cimbrone gardens. The lunch outfit here earns a little more polish.

The look: A silk or satin-look slip midi dress in white, yellow, or a soft floral + kitten heel mules or heeled leather sandals + a small structured bag + gold jewellery + a light blazer or linen jacket for the journey

Why it works: Ravello is slightly cooler and significantly more refined than the beach towns below. A slip dress with kitten heels reads as elegantly appropriate without being overdressed for the terrace lunch culture.

Outfit 4 — Beach Day at the Li Galli Islands or Marina Grande

Amalfi Coast beach clubs are among the most stylish in the world — sunbeds, fresh seafood, and the kind of effortless Italian glamour that makes every photograph look like a film still.

The look: A one-piece swimsuit in a bold colour (cobalt, lemon yellow, or classic black) + a linen kaftan or oversized linen shirt as a cover-up + flat slider sandals + a large woven tote + gold earrings and a simple chain

Why it works: The Amalfi Coast beach aesthetic is Italian Riviera glamour: bold, colourful, confident. A bright swimsuit beneath a flowing linen cover-up against the turquoise water is the Amalfi photograph.

Outfit 5 — Evening Aperitivo in Amalfi Town

Aperitivo on the Amalfi Coast is an event. The towns come alive at early evening, the terraces fill, and the light on the water is extraordinary.

The look: A white linen or cotton midi dress (simple, elegant) OR a bright printed maxi dress + heeled leather sandals + a small clutch or evening bag + statement gold earrings + a silk scarf draped over the shoulders as the evening cools

Why it works: Two versions for two moods — the white linen dress is quietly elegant; the bold printed maxi is full Italian Riviera. Both are correct for Amalfi evening culture. Choose based on which one makes you feel most like yourself.

Amalfi Coast Packing Essentials

• 1–2 printed midi or maxi dresses (this is the one destination that earns them)
• Wide-leg linen trousers in white and one colour (cobalt or lemon)
• Simple fitted linen tops and tanks
• A linen kaftan or oversized shirt for beach-to-lunch transitions
• A bold one-piece swimsuit
• Flat leather sandals for daytime (secure straps — the steps are steep)
• Heeled leather sandals or kitten mules for evenings
• A linen shirt for cultural site visits
• A wide-brim hat

MYKONOS: Cosmopolitan Edge, Windmills, and the Most Stylish Beach Clubs in the World

The Mykonos Aesthetic

Mykonos is the most fashion-forward destination on this list. Where Santorini is ethereal and the Amalfi Coast is joyfully Italian, Mykonos is cosmopolitan, knowing, and genuinely stylish in a way that rewards effort. The crowd at Scorpios beach club or Nammos is not interested in your linen trousers. The crowd at Little Venice at sunset, however, will absolutely notice your outfit.

Mykonos dressing operates on two registers: the beach (where the standard is high-fashion swimwear and the best cover-up you own) and the town (where the evenings are genuinely glamorous and the outfit expectations rise accordingly).

The Mykonos palette is white, gold, black, and whatever makes you feel most like yourself at full volume.

What to Wear in Mykonos: 5 Outfits

Outfit 1 — Little Venice at Sunset

Little Venice in Mykonos Town — the row of houses built directly over the water — is the most photographed spot on the island. The evening crowd here is stylish, international, and dressed with obvious intention.

The look: A white or cream flowing maxi dress OR a sleek black midi dress + heeled strappy sandals + gold statement earrings + a small clutch + a silk scarf in the hair or tied on the bag

Why it works: Two options for two personalities — the flowing white maxi is romantic and ethereal against the water; the sleek black midi is cosmopolitan and confident. Both are correct for Little Venice. The heeled sandal is justified here — Little Venice is flat and the occasion earns it.

Outfit 2 — Scorpios or Nammos Beach Club

Mykonos beach clubs are world-famous and genuinely fashion-forward. The standard at Scorpios and Nammos is significantly higher than a typical beach day — people arrive dressed and stay dressed for lunch.

The look: A high-fashion one-piece swimsuit or bikini set in white, black, or a bold print + the best cover-up you own (a silk or satin kimono, a structured linen blazer worn over a swimsuit, or a flowing linen maxi dress) + flat gold sandals + oversized designer-look sunglasses + gold jewellery stacked

Why it works: Mykonos beach clubs reward the woman who looks like she thought about it. A white swimsuit with a flowing white linen cover-up and stacked gold jewellery against the Aegean blue is the Mykonos photograph.

Outfit 3 — Exploring Mykonos Town (Chora)

The narrow whitewashed streets of Chora are a photographer’s dream — and a flat-shoe destination. The cobblestones are ancient and entirely beautiful.

The look: Relaxed white linen wide-leg trousers + a fitted white linen tank or breton stripe top + flat leather sandals + a small woven crossbody + gold hoop earrings + oversized sunglasses

Why it works: The all-white or white-and-navy palette disappears into the Mykonos architecture in the best possible way — you become part of the scenery rather than competing with it.

Outfit 4 — The Windmills of Kato Mili

The iconic Mykonos windmills overlooking the harbour are the island’s most recognisable landmark — and the most photographed backdrop after Little Venice.

The look: A flowing white or cream midi dress (linen, cotton gauze, or a lightweight viscose) + flat strappy gold sandals + a wide-brim hat + simple gold jewellery + a small woven bag

Why it works: White on white against the windmills is the defining Mykonos image. A flowing dress in the Aegean breeze photographs magnificently. This is the outfit to plan for the late afternoon, when the light is soft and the cruise ship crowds have thinned.

Outfit 5 — Dinner at a Mykonos Town Restaurant

Mykonos evenings are genuinely glamorous — more so than either Santorini or the Amalfi Coast. The restaurants in Chora have a level of polish that rewards dressing up slightly more than you might elsewhere.

The look: A sleek slip dress in white, gold, or a bold print + strappy heeled sandals + statement earrings + a small evening bag + stacked gold bracelets

Why it works: Mykonos dinner dressing is the most fashion-forward moment on this entire guide. A slip dress in a bold colour or metallic, with heels and statement jewellery, is entirely appropriate and actively celebrated. This is the one occasion to wear the most glamorous thing you packed.

Mykonos Packing Essentials

• 2 white or cream dresses (one flowing maxi, one sleek midi or slip)
• White wide-leg linen trousers and a fitted white tank
• Your best cover-up — this is Mykonos; it matters here more than anywhere
• A high-fashion swimsuit or bikini set
• Flat leather sandals for exploring
• Strappy heeled sandals for evenings (Mykonos earns them)
• Oversized sunglasses in a bold frame
• Stacked gold jewellery
• A wide-brim hat

The Three-Destination Capsule: What to Pack for All Three

If your trip covers all three destinations — a ferry from Santorini to Mykonos, a drive along the Amalfi Coast — here is the capsule wardrobe that covers every occasion across all three:

That is a 13-piece capsule wardrobe that covers three distinct destinations, every occasion from beach to dinner, and carries in a single carry-on.

How to Photograph Your Outfits at Each Destination

Because these three destinations are as much about the photographs as they are about being there:

Santorini: Shoot in the hour before sunset (the famous Oia sunset crowds are largest at the actual sunset — arrive 90 minutes early for the best light and the least competition for space). White outfits, blue doors, and the caldera view. Always shoot with your back to the sun.

Amalfi Coast: The morning light in Positano — before 9am — is extraordinary and the streets are nearly empty. The stairways down to the harbour are the best backdrop for a full-length outfit photograph. The colourful houses behind you, the sea below.

Mykonos: The windmills from the harbour in late afternoon. Little Venice at the 30 minutes before sunset — the sky turns extraordinary colours and the reflection on the water is unlike anywhere else. White outfits glow in this light.

Final Thoughts

Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and Mykonos are three of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. They deserve to be dressed for — not with effort or stress, but with the quiet pleasure of choosing pieces that feel right for where you are going.

Pack the white maxi dress. Pack the linen trousers. Pack the one printed dress you have been saving for somewhere worthy of it.

These destinations are worthy of it.

Pin this post to your Mediterranean travel board — it is the only summer style guide you will need for all three.

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