How is it that Italian women always look so put together?! What’s their secret? I wanted to know so that I could make dressing (and looking good) easy but also so that I could create a wardrobe so that I’d always have something stylish to wear when I’m hosting ….or just doing life in general 🙂
Today’s blog post has a special guest contributor: my good friend and AMAZING stylist, Mena from Style Me Mena (pictured below). She’s sharing her tips for “how to dress like an Italian ” And if you want more fashion tips and advice be sure to check out Mena’s Instagram page!
Italians are known for many fabulous things — pizza, pasta, gelato. But in addition to deliciously scrumptious foods, the Italians are world-renowned for their unique fashion and style.
Indeed, Italian everyday fashion is highly esteemed by fashionistas everywhere around the globe.
Lovers of quality fabric such as linen in summer and cashmere in winter, Italians know where to spend their money (and how to look FANTASTIC with minimal outfits).
‘’Less is more’’ in the Italian dress culture.
There’s a sense of mystery in the styles Italian girls personify, and it makes us want to copy their looks even more. Each girl’s style is so personal, meaning Italian fashion can’t be easily summed up,
If you wish to learn how do Italian women dress, and how to master the effortless European style, then keep reading
HARMONY
No matter how much print, loud colour or bold silhouettes are incorporated into an outfit, there is always an undercurrent of harmony. Somehow it works. This comes from thoughtfully chosen pieces that are still timeless and classic with quality fabrics, and/or a common colour scheme, and timeless accessories to pull it all together. Ultimately, it is a balancing act between drama and sophistication. Which brings me to…..
BALANCE
Italian women style their outfits with balance. If there is drama somewhere, it will be balanced out with elegance. Short hems with long sleeves, bold accessories with a minimal ensemble, I could go on. The point is, there is never too much of one thing.
QUALITY BASICS
Italians know the value behind a timeless, high-quality basic piece, and they wear them often. Italian women also understand the importance of luxurious fabrics like linen, merino, and cashmere and taking good care of these basics.
STATEMENT PIECE
In every Italian woman’s outfit, you will find a statement or elevated piece. It could be something small, like an heirloom broach, or something with more of a wow factor like a statement coat. In all cases, it is beautiful, and adds the right touch of personality, making every Italian woman’s look “special”.
EMPHASIS
Italian women are not afraid to show off what they love best about themselves, and I think this is a beautiful thing that more women need to incorporate in their daily dressing. Did you ever see Sophia Loren look ashamed of flaunting her gorgeous figure? Or Claudia Cardinale? I think it’s this strong sense of self that Italian women pose which adds to their elegant confidence and sex appeal.
SHOES
This has changed in recent years, with sensible but stylish flats being the norm, but I do think a comfortable and stylish pair of heels can be seen in many Italian women’s outfits. Heels don’t need to be sky-high to elevate an outfit (excuse the pun). The fact that my 70+-year-old aunt always wears heels out is a testament to this!
QUALITY ACCESSORIES
Handbag, shoes, and sunnies: This trifecta of style is always included in any Italian woman’s outfit. And they don’t have to be designer or incredibly expensive. The criteria here is well made, timeless and uber stylish.
DRAMA
Italians are known for their flair for the dramatic and this extends to their style too. However, rather than depending on trendy items to do the work for them, Italian women know that drama can be added by playing around with silhouettes and garment proportions.
From fringe to sequins to rhinestones, they’re inspiring new waves of chic, personal style. The biggest trend Italians have been spotted in? Colours! Everything from neons to pastels. They’re not one to shy away from bold colours and prints, either, and have endless iterations of ways to style them — and I’m so here for every bit of it!
Photo credit: Banana Republic
What are you sipping with your new Italian look? If you need some inspo – check out these classics, the Aperol Spritz and the Negroni.
