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.
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.
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?
Natori Cherry Blossom Convertible Underwire Bra – Chantelle Lingerie Rive Gauche Full Coverage Underwire Bra – Wacoal Embrace Lace Deep-V Bralette – Natori Bliss Perfection Thong – SPANX Undie-tectable Lace Hi-Hipster Panties – SPANX OnCore Mid Thigh Shaper Bodysuit – Commando Fitted Slip
2. Think quality over quantity
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.
Rita @ritapalazzi above (read her style interview here) opts to make her pants the star of her outfit.
Check out this similar silk shirt, palazzo pants, cardigan, booties, clutch and sunglasses.
3. Be body confident
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.
Also, take a look at my wardrobe essentials
5. 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.
6. 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.
Wendy @fashionoverfifty.wendy above opts for an outfit which has definite allure. But notice that only her ankles are on show.
Steal her look with this similar top, midi skirt, jacket, sandals and sunglasses.
7. show off your waist
Italian women generally embrace their curves and like to show off their silhouette. Try a belted dress for summer.
Ted Baker London Puff Sleeve Belted Dress
8. 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.
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 skirt, for example, team it with a white shirt.
Patricia @madamechicbcn above (read her style interview here) chooses a statement skirt.
Check out this similar sweater, skirt, pumps, clutch, belt, sunglasses and headband.
10. 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!
11. Wear heels
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.
Suzie @suzie_richetti above opts for heels with her cropped pants.
Steal her look with this similar top, jacket, pants, pumps, belt, sunglasses, necklace and earrings.
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Demas Sandal
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.
13. 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.
CPOKRTWSO Tassel Swimsuit Cover Up
14. Don’t forget your sunglasses
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 stripe top, skirt, sandals, clutch and sunglasses.
Prada 54mm Gradient Rectangular Sunglasses
15. 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
16. 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.
Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote
shop italian style 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:
- French Fashion: 14 French Style Secrets To Steal
- The Ultimate Checklist Of Wardrobe Essentials: Which 33 Essential Pieces Do You Need In Your Closet?
- A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
like this post on italian style? share it on pinterest!
Feature image by Rita @ritapalazzi
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
That’s it! I loved a lot from different styles you present in your blog, but no one speaks to me soul like this one. I am looking forward to see staple wardrobe in Italian way.
I love the Italian style!
I am a Brit living in Holland.
During a visit to Rome, I fell in love with the look – it was lunchtime and
I was amazed at the super, simple elegance of the people.
Simple, chique style and colors, quality you could spot a mile away!
Matching shoes and bag. Sunglasses, shiny hair.
Since then, I try my best!
On my first trip to Rome 10 years ago, I was amazed by how many well-dressed middle-aged women there were. They looked so well-groomed and self-assured, I’ve been interested in Italian style ever since. I don’t like tight-fitting clothes, but I can adopt other points mentioned here, like wearing my best clothes more often, choosing a hero piece for an outfit and highlighting the curves I like. I also love Rita Palazzi’s style – what about a Rita Palazzi/Italian style capsule wardrobe article some time?
That’s a great idea!
I liked this article; it had some really good tips that aren’t difficult to follow. I agree about better quality clothes that should not only last longer, but may fit better as well. Unfortunately, I see a lot of synthetic clothing that may be expensive, but may not hold up very well, or feel very comfortable in the long run. I think there is this thought about having a lot of clothes. However we probably only wear a fraction of what we actually have. To B.Richards, your comment to Marilyn was really unkind. She is retired and why can’t she be interested in fashion. Better to not comment at all if you can’t be nice.
I spent three months in Florence Italy last year, some things I noticed: women wore more dresses, and skirts, than I see in California. Women seemed ok being women, not sure how to explain that… They seemed to like natural fibers more. They seemed to like classic style more than trends. I saw more wedges, than heels.
No matter what our size, shape, weight we can be fashionable in a way that is appropriate with our lifestyle. I agree that Italian women seem to be very fashionable. Never compared the style of the different countries, but find your thoughts very informative and fun to think about. Loved your photos and thoughts posted here.
Italian is not my style. I’m a 72 yr old retired priest and I want to look nice but not be a standout in a group of people. I’m a ‘soft’ summer color-wise so things are okay in that area; it’s shape that bothers me. At 5’1″ and 177 lbs. clothes that are designed for the tall and slim just aren’t right. Also, no heels because of a back injury. And, oh, I’m a cancer survivor who had a left mastectomy which leaves a bit of a problem with some jewelry. Any help is appreciated.
If Italian is not your style, why are you reading this article and as a PRIEST, I do not think it would be appropriate to even care about any type of fashion other than what’s appropriate for your 24/7 position and representation. If you can’t wear heels because of a back injury, then there you go, flats it is. Wear what you feel comfortable in. How can having a mastectomy leave a problem with jewelry?
B RICHARDS, now that you are retired you have the opportunity to think about fashion and how you can adapt it to suit you and your body shape. I am retired and carry more weight than I should. And I’m limited to flat shoes. I find these challenges limiting, but find I can still dress with style. I look at it as a challenge and love it when I get unsolicited compliments.
I think the Italian women are the best dressed women in the world. Almost all design and style of all things in Italy is just so good. Love that country.
I very much agree with your article.
Greetje