On the last day of my experiment, I tried to emulate classic, European street style.
After flicking through some magazines and scrolling through Instagram, I decided to go for timeless items of clothing that wouldn’t look out of place in a café in Milan: loose-fitting pale jeans, a tailored blazer, loafers and structured shoulder bag.
True, I probably looked a bit out of place in my local greasy spoon, but as I sat outside with my sunglasses on, sipping a double espresso, my self-consciousness evaporated.
I felt pretty confident and – dare I say it – sophisticated.
Now, as I reflect on my week of embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle, I realise I enjoyed literally every aspect. The al-fresco dining, the café culture, the leisurely lunches, it all felt so refreshing.
I even found I could pull off an entirely different sense of style.
Yes, I will miss the spectacular vistas of a foreign landscape this year, and I’d still rather ride my bike through a Tuscan vineyard than down my own street, but by adopting a different mindset, I actually felt just as relaxed as I would on holiday on my own front lawn.
Dining and Cooking