Italian style: How to style yourself like Italian women

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, Miu Miu, Versace, Giorgio 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.

MakeMeChic Lingerie Set

Commando Mini Cami Slip

Honeylove SuperPower Briefs

DOBREVA Lace Push Up Sheer Balconette

ITAYAX Silk Lace Seamless Panties

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.

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.

Look for clothes in quality fabrics like silk, satin, linen, cashmere and wool.

Chelsea28 Surplice V-Neck Satin Midi Dress

3. Be body confident

We’re generalizing here, we 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.

Reiss Aubrey Silk Button-Up Shirt

Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias above (read her style interview here) cinches her waist with a Valentino belt and wears her blazer over her shoulders.

Check out this similar sweater, blazer, pants, pumps, belt, necklace, earrings, sunglasses and headband.

5. Don’t expose too much flesh

We 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 women generally embrace their curves and like to show off their silhouette. Try a belted dress for summer. Or, wear a belted blazer. The TAHARI ASL suit (below) comes as a set. You could create different looks by wearing it as separates too.

TAHARI ASL Belted Jacket and Pants

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. Invest in a long, sleek coat

Italian women often wear their form-fitting clothes with a long coat over the top. Look out for long trench styles or belted wool coats.

Karen Millen Button Detail Belted Maxi Trench Coat

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

Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), coat, pants, booties, handbag and earrings.

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. Wear the sequin pants (below) with a white shirt, blazer and pointed flats.

L’AGENCE Kimia Sequin Straight Leg Pants

10. Wear it now!

Don’t save the pieces you love for a special occasion. Make every day a special occasion. The best pieces in Italian women’s closets 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. Or choose pointed-toe flats.

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

Sam Edelman Vienna Pointed Toe Pump

Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for a neutral outfit with classic pumps.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, jacket, trousers, pumps, belt and bag.

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.

But you can layer a long vest over your outfit for a flattering, streamlined look.

Karen Millen Wool Blend Boucle Belted Sleeveless Coatigan – Cinq à Sept Marta Zebra Print Silk Camisole – AG Farrah Raw Hem High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Sam Edelman Vienna Pointed Toe Pump – Brahmin Melbourne Mini Asher Bag – Barzel 18K Gold Plated Flat Marina Chain With Italian Horn Necklace Cornicello – Bony Levy 14K Gold Textured Hoop Earrings

13. if you do wear a print

Look out for scarf style prints and chain prints, inspired by Versace, or a little bit of leopard print inspired by Dolce & Gabbana.

You could wear the shirtdress (below) for lunch or dinner, or over your swimsuit as a cover-up.

Alice + Olivia Chassidy Scarf Print Long Sleeve Shirtdress

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.

You don’t have to stick to Italian brands, but do choose quality materials and craftsmanship.

Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Leather Carryall Bag

OVER EARTH Leather Hobo Bag

15. Be inspired by Italian designers

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.

Versace – Giorgio Armani – Prada

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

17. 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.

Prada 52mm Butterfly Polarized Sunglasses

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

Get her look with this similar top (another option here), skirt (another option here), sandals, clutch and sunglasses.

18. 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.

VelloStar Sewing Kit

Make sure you look after your clothes. Choose quality hangers that will ensure they keep their shape.

StorageWorks Wooden Coat Hangers

19. 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

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

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

Vince Band Collar Silk Blouse – KOBI HALPERIN Mila Sleeveless Stretch Silk Blouse – Reformation Ronda Asymmetric Neck Silk Top – Cinq à Sept Marta Zebra Print Silk Camisole

coats and jackets

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.

J.Crew Willa Blazer – Halogen Oversize Double Breasted Linen Blend Blazer – & Other Stories Relaxed Wool-Blend Pile Coat – MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Ruana

J.Crew Willa Blazer – Reformation Ronda Asymmetric Neck Silk Top – Halogen High Waist Wide Leg Trousers – Sam Edelman Vienna Pointed Toe Pump – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Leather Carryall Bag – Bony Levy 14K Gold Textured Hoop Earrings – Versace Barocco Silk Scarf

jeans and pants

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

AG Farrah Raw Hem High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Halogen High Waist Wide Leg Trousers – Alice + Olivia Jessie Satin Slim Tapered Leg Pants – Favorite Daughter The Mischa High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

dresses and jumpsuit

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.

Also look out for glamorous, wide-leg jumpsuits that show off your waistline.

Maggy London Twist Neck Midi Sheath Dress – Black Halo Kezia Ruched Dress – STAUD Hazel Bustier Long Sleeve Wool Blend Dress – Black Halo Estella Short Sleeve Jumpsuit

STAUD Hazel Bustier Long Sleeve Wool Blend Dress – Sam Edelman Vienna Pointed Toe Pump – STAUD Sebastian Crossbody Bag – Bony Levy 14K Gold Textured Hoop Earrings

shoes and boots

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 women also love mules, which can be trickier to walk in because there’s nothing securing your heel, so you need to make sure they fit well.

Franco Sarto Hadley Pointed Toe d’Orsay Flat – Marc Fisher LTD Zala Block Heel Pump – Kenneth Cole New York Ellis Half d’Orsay Wedge Pump – Manolo Blahnik Maysalebi Buckle Pointed Toe Mule

jewelry

As a general rule, Italian women prefer gold jewelry, which suits warm skintones and looks more glamorous. If you really want a slice of Italian culture, then choose an Italian horn necklace. The Italian horn is a symbol of good luck and is usually given to Italian women as a gift.

Barzel 18K Gold Plated Flat Marina Chain With Italian Horn Necklace Cornicello

Hoop earrings are also incredibly popular to finish off outfits for Italian women. Wear with everything from your jeans to dresses.

Bony Levy 14K Gold Textured Hoop Earrings

accessories

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.

Brahmin Melbourne Mini Asher Bag – STAUD Sebastian Crossbody Bag – Dolce&Gabbana x Kim Kardashian Leopard Print Square Silk Scarf – Versace Barocco Silk Scarf

& Other Stories Relaxed Wool-Blend Pile Coat – Vince Band Collar Silk Blouse – AG Farrah Raw Hem High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Manolo Blahnik Maysalebi Buckle Pointed Toe Mule – Brahmin Melbourne Mini Asher Bag – Dolce&Gabbana x Kim Kardashian Leopard Print Square Silk Scarf

Brands to look for if you love an Italian look

1. Black Halo
2. Mango
3. STAUD
4. Karen Millen
5. Betsy & Adam
6. Alice + Olivia 
7. Kurt Geiger London
8. Brahmin

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?

Mix and match the separates, jackets and accessories to create different looks.

shop THE italian style capsule wardrobe below:

Below is a past season Italian style capsule for more outfit inspiration.

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. A Capsule Wardrobe And Style Guide For The EUROCHIC Style Personality
3. A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality

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Feature image by Patricia @patriciaafricaiglesias

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