Sicilian style, Capri chic, and refined Rome; Italian fashion is among the best in the world. If you are looking to elevate your own style, how about taking some tips from Italian women who exude a sense of la moda?

Italian style is quite unmistakable, helped along, no doubt, by Italy’s rich design history. This is a country where brands such as Gucci, Mui Mui, Versace, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana have grown up and flourished.

It’s a country which gave birth to some of the most legendary style icons in the world. Think about Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci and Isabella Rossellini.

Italians take great pride in the way they look and dress. While Londoners are famed for eclectic style and French women are noted for their elegance, Italian women are renowned for a bombshell way of dressing.

They somehow manage to look sexy and elegant, yet relaxed and easygoing all at the same time.

But, their impossibly chic style doesn’t have to be impossible to achieve. Let’s break down Italian style so you can incorporate some of the same elements into your own everyday looks.

Scroll down and you’ll also find a capsule wardrobe so you can get even more inspiration on how to put together your outfits, just like the chicest Italian women.

1. Start with the right underwear

Italian women tend to prefer quite form-fitting looks. It’s unusual to see loose garments, for example, on the streets of Rome.

So, just like the Roman Colosseum, it’s important to get the structure of your look right first when thinking about how to emulate Italian style.

Plus, it’s not all about making your body look good with the right undergarments, it’s about making you feel good. Hands up who doesn’t feel better about themselves if they’re wearing beautiful matching underwear?

You could try one of the sets below, or choose shapewear if you feel it would help with a confidence boost.

Italian Fashion - Underwear | 40plusstyle.com

MakeMeChic Lingerie Set

Commando Mini Cami Slip | 40plusstyle.com

Commando Mini Cami Slip

TC Cooling High Waist Thigh Slimmer | 40plusstyle.com

TC Cooling High Waist Thigh Slimmer

DOBREVA Lace Push Up Sheer Balconette | 40plusstyle.com

DOBREVA Lace Push Up Sheer Balconette

ITAYAX Silk Lace Seamless Panties | 40plusstyle.com

ITAYAX Silk Lace Seamless Panties

2. Think quality over quantity

Italian style ideas - Suzie in leather pants and a blazer | 40plusstyle.com

You won’t find as many of the pile ’em high, sell ’em cheap kind of stores in Italy. The Italians love quality clothes. But when it comes to Italian fashion, you don’t have to go for high fashion.

But, do look for pieces which are well-made, and which won’t fall apart after a few wears. There are plenty of outlet stores in Italy as, if shopping on a budget, Italians would rather opt for timeless pieces which are well constructed rather than going for fast fashion, trendy pieces which won’t last.

Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for leather pants and a classic blazer.

Steal her look with this similar top, tweed jacket, leather pants and pumps.

Cinq à Sept Taylee Silk Satin Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Taylee Silk Satin Blouse

3. Be body confident

Be Body Confident | 40plusstyle.com

I’m generalizing here, I know. But, Italian women tend to be proud of being womanly. They like to show their curves. Embrace yours!

Think about which parts of your body you are happy with and show those off, whether you have a great pair of legs, a lovely hourglass figure or a curvaceous bust.

While you may not have a Dolce & Gabbana budget, think about the Italian fashion designer’s silhouettes when it comes to dressing. They love to show off a woman’s figure rather than using very thin models on their runways.

4. Invest in good quality basics in natural materials

An Italian closet tends to be built around pieces which will last for years and years, and perhaps be handed down to your daughter or granddaughter.

It’s a big no-no to buy something which will last only one season.

Instead, look for pieces which will transcend seasons, in natural materials such as silk, linen, cotton and cashmere. Invest in basics like crisp white shirts and tailored pants.

COS Regular-Fit Linen Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Regular-Fit Linen Shirt

Also, take a look at my wardrobe essentials

5. Don’t expose too much flesh

I know you probably won’t want to be wearing hot pants anyway, but Italian women would rather show off their curves than their skin. So, while you will see plenty of form-fitting pencil skirts and dresses, you won’t see many teeny shorts or tiny vest tops.

Even though Italian women like to show the form of their bodies, they never show too much. That’s why they look classy at all times, rather than vulgar.

6. show off your waist

Italian style - Patricia wears a summer dress | 40plusstyle.com

Italian women generally embrace their curves and like to show off their silhouette. Try a belted dress for summer.

Patricia @madamechicbcn (read her style interview here) matches the belt on her summer dress to her shoes and accessories for a style that manages to look elegant and carefree at the same time.

Check out these dresses from PAIGE, Lucky Brand, Madewell and Lavish Alice that you can wear with these similar sandals, handbag, belt, sunglasses and headband.

Vince Belted Square Neck Midi Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Belted Square Neck Midi Dress

7. Think about fit when it comes to italian fashion

Looking stylish doesn’t have to be complicated in Italy. If you find something which fits you like a glove, you will automatically feel more confident. A great fitting pair of jeans worn with a white shirt and a slick of red lipstick can look fabulous.

8. Look after your clothes

Italian women see the pieces in their closet as an investment, and look after their clothing accordingly. If you have missing buttons, broken zips or torn seams, either fix them, or take them to a seamstress to do it for you. Nothing less than impeccable will do.

Sewing KIT Premium Repair Set | 40plusstyle.com

Sewing KIT Premium Repair Set

9. A little bit of glitz goes a long way

Choose one standout piece if you’re adding some shine to your outfit, whether it’s a sequin skirt, a silver jacket or a pair of chandelier earrings, and let your hero piece do the talking.

What Italian women do well is to build their outfit around one piece. So, if you are wearing a sequin or tassel skirt, for example, team it with a white shirt.

AOMEI Fringe Tiered Pencil Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

AOMEI Fringe Tiered Pencil Midi Skirt

10. Wear heels

Italian style - Wendy in a print skirt and mules | 40plusstyle.com

Italian women tend to find heels more flattering than flats.

If you aren’t keen on adding too many inches to your shoes and, let’s face it, who fancies wearing heels 24-7, you could always opt for a kitten heel, which gives the same kind of look without the same discomfort.

Somehow, Italian women manage to walk confidently in heels, even on cobblestones.

Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above opts for a pair of neutral mules.

Get her look with this similar top, skirt, mules, belt, tote and sunglasses.

Calvin Klein Gabrianna Pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Calvin Klein Gabrianna Pumps

11. Wear it now!

Don’t save the pieces you love for a special occasion. Make every day a special occasion. That’s why Italian women always look for flawless – because the best pieces in their closet aren’t squirreled away in the back of their wardrobe. They are wearing them!

12. Keep your look streamlined

Italian fashion isn’t about too much layering. It is about choosing a hero piece and wearing it well. So, your outfit may simply consist of a great dress and heels, or a wide-legged pair of pants with a blouse. If you have a brightly colored coat, you could keep the rest of your outfit neutral.

A sleeveless trench coat like the Karen Millen coat (below) could help to keep your look streamlined even when it’s not warm enough for a full coat.

Italian style - keep it streamlined | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Luxe Tailored Sleeveless Trench Belted CoatPrettySoul Printed BlouseEileen Fisher High Waist Wide Leg PantsMarc Fisher LTD Jarli BootieSalvatore Ferragamo Mini Amy Leather ToteMTMY Hoop Earrings

13. Invest in a long, sleek coat

Italian fashion: How to style yourself like Italian women | 40lusstyle.com

Rita @ritapalazzi above (read her style interview here) chooses a timeless trench that will be on trend year after year.

Check out this similar top (another option here), coat, pants (another option here), booties, handbag and earrings.

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Contrast Belted Coat | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Contrast Belted Coat

14. Don’t forget your handbag

Italian craftsmanship is among the best in the world, so it’s no wonder that Italian women always carry a timeless handbag. Opt for a stylish leather tote and slip it over the crook of your elbow.

Salvatore Ferragamo Mini Amy Leather Tote | 40plusstyle.com

Salvatore Ferragamo Mini Amy Leather Tote

OVER EARTH Leather Hobo Bag | 40plusstyle.com

OVER EARTH Leather Hobo Bag

15. Be inspired by Italian designers

Italian fashion designers | 40plusstyle.com

Prada – Giorgio Armani – Versace

Even if you don’t have a Versace budget, you can still take note of the trends on display on the catwalk shows of Italian designers and then shop the high street or your own closet.

16. Invest in a beautiful beach cover-up

Even when they are on the beach or beside the pool, Italian women don’t like to look pared down. Opt for a classic one-piece swimsuit and pair it with a stylish cover-up.

Not only do you look more glamorous, but you can also hide any parts of your body you aren’t so confident about. The beach cover-up below comes in a huge choice of colors and has more than 22,000 reviews. Women who have worn it say it’s lightweight, soft and the fabric feels better than expected.

Wander Agio Cover-up | 40plusstyle.com

Wander Agio Cover-up

17. Don’t forget your sunglasses

Italian fashion tips - don't forget your sunglasses | 40plusstyle.com

The final touch of any Italian woman’s look is a pair of sunglasses, no matter what the season. For an authentic Italian look, you could opt for an Italian brand such as Prada, Gucci or Armani.

Wear them whether the sun is in or out; the bigger the better.

Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here) looks lovely in her blue skirt and her stylish sunglasses.

Recreate her outfit with this similar tee, skirt, sandals, clutch and sunglasses.

Prada 54mm Oval Cat Eye Sunglasses | 40plusstyle.com

Prada 54mm Oval Cat Eye Sunglasses

18. Have a manicure

Italian dressing is often in the detail. Make sure your look is finished from your fingernails to your toenails. Treat yourself to a pedicure in the summer months.

DIOR Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer | 40plusstyle.com

DIOR Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer

Italian style capsule

Now let’s look at some clothes, shoes and accessories you could choose – and how to put them together.

Italian style tops

Italian inspired outfit: blazer, silk top, slim pants and loafers | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerCareste Madison Sleeveless Silk Toprag & bone Simone Slim Ankle PantsSteve Madden Feather Loafer Flat

For your tops, think about classy, subtle glamour. Choose drapes, twists and luxurious fabrics like satin and silk.

Italian style tops | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq á Sept Andrea Sleeveless TopVince Flutter Sleeve Drape Silk TopCareste Madison Sleeveless Silk TopCinq á Sept Mckenna Knot Waist Shirt

coats and jackets

Italian inspired outfit: cape, silk top, flare pants and heels | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Italian Wool Belted Cape CoatVince Flutter Sleeve Drape Silk TopKaren Millen Compact Stretch Split Hem Flare PantsClarks Illeana Tulip PumpCOACH Gallery ToteSterling Forever Ezra Chain Necklace

The coats and jackets you choose are important to putting together a chic Italian look. Choose long, dramatic styles as well as classic blazer or tuxedo jackets, and capes.

Italian style jackets and coats | 40plusstyle.com

Urban CoCo Open Front BlazerCinq á Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve BlazerKaren Millen Italian Wool Belted Cape CoatKaren Millen Logo Jacquard Belt Trench Coat

jeans and pants

Italian inspired outfit: ruched blazer, wide leg jeans, sandals and scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq á Sept Khloe Ruched Sleeve BlazerCinq á Sept Andrea Sleeveless TopCinq á Sept Maisie Embellished High Waist Wide Leg Denim PantsPutu Braided Kitten HeelsCOACH Gallery ToteGivenchy 4G Logo Silk Scarf

While Italian women love their glamorous dresses, they also love the drama of wide leg pants.

Italian style pants | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq á Sept Maisie Embellished High Waist Wide Leg Denim Pantsrag & bone Simone Slim Ankle PantsKaren Millen Compact Stretch Split Hem Flare PantsKaren Millen Leather Crop Kick Flare Pants

dresses and skirts

Italian inspired outfit: coat, midi dress and pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Logo Jacquard Belt Trench CoatCinq á Sept Jacey Tie Waist Silk ShirtdressClarks Illeana Tulip PumpSaint Laurent Monogram Quilted Zip PouchBony Levy Katharine 14K Gold Twisted Hoop EarringsSterling Forever Ezra Chain Necklace

Moving onto dresses and skirts, Italian women are unlikely to choose shift styles that don’t show off their figure. Instead, look for belts and waist-cinching styles as well as asymmetry. You could add drama with your skirt. But, if you do choose a statement skirt, keep the rest of your look relatively simple – perhaps with a white shirt and gold jewelry.

Italian style dresses and skirts | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Belted Square Neck Midi DressCinq á Sept Jacey Tie Waist Silk ShirtdressRiver Island Wrap Blazer DressAOMEI Fringe Tiered Midi Skirt

shoes and boots

Italian inspired outfit: blazer dress, slim pants and knee high boots | 40plusstyle.com

River Island Wrap Blazer Dressrag & bone Simone Slim Ankle PantsSam Edelman Sulema Suede Knee-High BootSaint Laurent Monogram Quilted Zip PouchBony Levy Katharine 14K Gold Twisted Hoop Earrings

For your shoes and boots, a pair of heels will always add glamour. But, while Italian women do love their heels, if you prefer a lower style, you can either opt for smaller heels, or choose a pair of pointed flats.

Italian style shoes and boots | 40plusstyle.com

Steve Madden Feather Loafer FlatPutu Braided Kitten HeelsClarks Illeana Tulip PumpSam Edelman Sulema Suede Knee-High Boot

accessories

Italian inspired outfit: coat, knot twist top, flare pants, loafers and scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Logo Jacquard Belt Trench CoatCinq á Sept Mckenna Knot Waist ShirtKaren Millen Compact Stretch Split Hem Flare PantsSteve Madden Feather Loafer FlatCOACH Gallery TotePrada 53mm Butterfly SunglassesAchillea Pashmina Scarf

Don’t forget your accessories to finish off your Italian style outfits. Choose classic, timeless, quality handbags that you can use year after year. Also, look out for stylish silk scarves, gold jewelry, and big sunglasses.

Italian style accessories | 40plusstyle.com

COACH Gallery ToteSTAUD Bean Leather ClutchSaint Laurent Monogram Quilted Zip PouchBony Levy Katharine 14K Gold Twisted Hoop EarringsSterling Forever Ezra Chain NecklacePrada 53mm Butterfly SunglassesGivenchy 4G Logo Silk ScarfAchillea Pashmina Scarf

Your Italian style outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the clothes, shoes and accessories from above put together in one capsule. Do you have a favorite outfit?

Italian capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

shop SOME OF THE items above here:

What do you think about Italian style? Which country, apart from your own, of course, do you think has the most stylish women in the world? 

Continue reading:

  1. French Fashion: 14 French Style Secrets To Steal
  2. The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 33 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet?
  3. A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality

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Italian fashion: How to style yourself like Italian women | 40lusstyle.com

Feature image by Rita @ritapalazzi

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