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In the elegant locale of Portofino, a different shoe color other than black is deemed more stylish when paired with dresses.

For a stylish summer vacation in Italy, emulate Tessa Thompson's aesthetic by opting for dresses paired with red sandals over conventional black ones.

In the fashion-oriented town of Portofino, a more stylish footwear hue is preferred for pairs with...
In the fashion-oriented town of Portofino, a more stylish footwear hue is preferred for pairs with dresses: not black, but a different color.

In the elegant locale of Portofino, a different shoe color other than black is deemed more stylish when paired with dresses.

In the picturesque Italian village of Portofino, summer fashion is all about elegance, sophistication, and a dash of unexpected style. This year, red heels are making a bold statement, as evidenced by Tessa Thompson's recent vacation outfit.

Tessa Thompson, the acclaimed actress, was spotted strolling around Portofino in a cream-colored sundress, black sunglasses, a camo-print bag, and a pair of The Row's red Vika leather sandals. Her choice of red heels, instead of the more traditional black heeled sandals, provided an unexpected twist to her classic summer dress-and-sandals ensemble, making headlines and setting a trend for the season.

The Row's Vika leather sandals, near-sold-out, are part of the current style trend for red heels in Portofino. These handmade leather heels, with their vintage-inspired shapes such as slingbacks or pumps, boast rich red hues that fit into a palette of reds and burgundies. They are designed to be elegant yet comfortable enough for Mediterranean summer wear, perfect for pairing with light, breathable fabrics such as linen or silk dresses to maintain an effortless, chic look.

This fashion direction harmonizes artisanal Italian craftsmanship with a timeless, summery elegance characteristic of Portofino’s seaside glamour. It aligns with the broader Italian Beauty trend seen in Dolce & Gabbana’s Summer 2025 collection, which features high-quality leather shoes crafted with traditional techniques and a color palette including rich tones like burgundy and vibrant reds.

Eliza Huber, the NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion, has been reporting on this development. Huber joined the platform in 2021 from Refinery29 and has profiled celebrities such as Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter. She watches WNBA games in her free time and scours The RealReal for discounted Prada. In her spare time, she researches F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits.

Recently, Huber launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear, providing insightful fashion advice and styling tips for the summer season. She has also reported on various fashion topics, including the relationship between Formula One and fashion, and top runway trends each season.

For those looking to emulate Tessa Thompson's style, here's a list of dresses and red heels to shop for summer 2025:

  1. Cream-colored sundress (similar to Tessa Thompson's dress)
  2. Red leather slingback sandals
  3. Camo-print bag (similar to Tessa Thompson's bag)
  4. Black sunglasses

Portofino, known for its interesting characters and elite street style, continues to be a hub for luxury pop-ups and a glamorous vacation destination. As the summer unfolds, keep an eye out for more red heels on the streets of Portofino, as this trend is expected to continue to make waves in the fashion world.

[1] Dolce & Gabbana Summer 2025 Collection: https://www.dolcegabbana.com/en-us/women/collections/summer-2025 [2] Portofino Fashion Trends: A Guide for Summer 2025: https://www.portofinoguide.com/fashion/summer-2025-fashion-trends/ [3] The Row Vika Leather Sandals: https://www.therow.com/product/5/Vika-Leather-Sandals/1000016379 [4] Italian Beauty Trend in Summer 2025 Fashion: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2025-ready-to-wear/dolce-gabbana/slideshow/trend-report-italian-beauty-trend-in-summer-2025-fashion

Street style in Portofino for the summer season is characterized by a blend of elegance, sophistication, and a dash of unexpected style, as shown by Tessa Thompson's recent vacation outfit. This fashion-and-beauty trend harmonizes artisanal Italian craftsmanship with a timeless, summery elegance, and aligns with the broader Italian Beauty trend seen in Dolce & Gabbana's Summer 2025 collection.

Food and drink in Portofino, alongside its home-and-garden offerings, complement the luxurious lifestyle associated with the picturesque village. From casual seafood restaurants to high-end wine bars, Portofino's food-and-drink scene provides an immersive experience that enhances the overall vacation experience.

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