If you'd told me that granny style would be summer's biggest trend a few years ago, I'd have pointed to the hyper-girly Y2K revival and said two words: “No way.” And yet here we are, in the great year of 2026, looking to our elders for style inspiration. About time. From orthopaedic sandals to vintage jewellery, nearly every single hero piece of the season looks like it was borrowed from your nan's wardrobe. And although I am loath to pit women against of each other, there is one particular type of grandma that's dominating Pinterest mood boards this summer: the Italian nonna.

The internet has been obsessed with nonnamaxxing for the past few months, of course. But the initial wave of nonna-fever was more preoccupied with emulating the lifestyle of Italian elders – you know, eating well, aging naturally, caring for others, walking everywhere and embracing some dolce far niente (translation: “the sweetness of doing nothing”). Don't get me wrong, these are all worthy pursuits. But if you're doing all that while sleeping on their style, you're missing one hell of a trick.

Nonna fashion is basically the sartorial embodiment of the nonnamaxxing ethos. It prioritises comfort, joy and practicality, which is also exactly what you should be thinking about when you pack for your euro summer getaway. But this isn't just a TikTok fad. Miu Miu's SS26 collection was basically an ode to nonna style, as Miuccia Prada turned one of their most-worn items – the humble pinafore – into a high fashion moment. Since then, a slew of the world's most stylish celebs have hopped on the trend, including (but not limited to) Alexa Chung, Paloma Elsesser and Chloë Sevigny. The takeaway is simple: if you want to be on trend this summer, try to look like you've just whipped up a massive pot of ragu.

Don't fancy wearing a pinny all summer long? Don't worry. There are more ways to inject a little dolce vita into your wardrobe – and I'm here to walk you through each one. Just remember: nonnamaxxing is first and foremost a lifestyle. The first step to nailing the trend is to slow down and enjoy summer. Looking good while doing it is just a bonus.

Let's start with the foundations. When you think of peak nonna style, the image that probably comes to mind is a a woman in a floral dress, apron or pinafore – typically bright, boxy and incredibly easy to wear. These are the kind of pieces Miu Miu referenced in its SS26 runway, so if you want to splash some cash and go all in on nonnamaxxing, I suggest you start there. For the less committed, there are also loads of other options that give more subtle vibes. Look for babydoll or A-line cuts, and retro prints like gingham, florals and checks – all of which conveniently tap into the rest of summer's biggest trends.

Step away from the Crocs. Even though comfort is key when selecting the perfect granny shoe, that doesn't mean you have to succumb to the siren calls of plastic slippers. Instead, opt for a chunky sandal with ankle support, or a vintage-style fisherman sandal. Don't want to get your toes out? Loafers and espadrilles are also great shouts. The best thing about granny shoes is that they're they're the perfect way to soft launch your nonna summer without going full cosplay. Pair with jeans in the city and your Miu Miu dress in Sorrento.

READ MORE: Granny trainers are this season's most controversial shoe trend.

OK, so we don't all have precious jewels passed down from our relatives to whip out for this one. But you know what? That's the perfect excuse to invest in some special pieces of your own that your own kids can inherit one day. The key here is to choose classic jewellery that looks like it belongs in your grandma's jewellery box, even if you just ordered it online. Think: pearls, emerald-cut gemstones, timeless tennis bracelets and lots of gold.

There's no concrete evidence to suggest that nonni are the original source of inspiration of 2026's great silk scarf revival. But my hunch is that they played a petty hand in bringing them back. Once again, you'll want to make sure your scarf of choice comes in a classic print – paisley, gingham or subtle embroidery, for example. There are, of course, a gazillion different ways to style a scarf, but to the most authentic way to pull off the look is to tie it underneath your chin à la Audrey Hepburn. If that's a little too on the nose for you, the next best option is to tie it at the nape of your neck for a traditional bandana look.

You need something reliable to carry all those fresh tomatoes and lemons home from market, right? Get a no-fuss shopping bag. Whether you're a raffia girl or prefer an old-school net bag while you're running errands, an elevated bag-for-life will look chic and effortless, all while euromaxxing your vibe in Tesco.

READ MORE: Granny blouses to add to your summer wardrobe.