Business Clothing Etiquette in Italy
When doing business in Italy, it's important to be aware of the etiquette associated with professional dress. Italian professionals dress particularly fashionably and expect international colleagues to wear name brand, stylish clothing as well. First impressions are very important in Italy, so businessmen and women from other countries should be sure to wear tailored clothing, expensive shoes, and quality accessories made of the best materials in order to establish a favorable reputation.
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Attire for Men
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It is acceptable for professional men to wear formal business suits that are professionally tailored. Dark colors, such as black and navy blue are most appropriate, but dark gray suits are acceptable as well. A stylish tie with a professional yet fashionable design, such as paisley or stripes, is preferred, and men may wear brightly-colored shirts with their suits to match their ties.
Attire for Women
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Women should wear business suits in professional settings as well. The suits should be dark in color, and worn with a blouse. A shirt and skirt of quality material may also be worn to the office, or a dress that is appropriate for a professional setting--no backless or strapless dresses. While clothes for women must always be tailored so it fits correctly, some instances allow for more revealing clothing, such as a meeting with fashion consultants.
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Shoes
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Shoes should be just as presentable as clothing in Italy. Women are expected to wear high heels in most business settings; and while a heel that is no more than 2 inches is usually standard in the office, Italian women often wear higher heels of 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Men should wear pointed-toe or square-toed formal shoes with business suits, in a color that coordinates with the color scheme of the suit, shirt and tie--black or brown shoes are usually best. Shoes should always look clean and polished.
Accessories
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It is not appropriate for Italian women to wear an abundance of accessories in the workplace, but quality pieces should be chosen when putting an outfit together. Diamond stud earrings are appropriate, as well as a designer watch and wedding ring. In some cases, it is also OK to wear an additional ring and bracelet(s) or a necklace--the key is to look elegant without being gaudy. Men should also wear designer watches, their wedding bands and leather accessories that will enhance their outfit, such as a leather belt to match their shoes. Both men and women should also bring fine leather briefcases and business card holders with them, as these are also accessories that make a stellar first impression.
How to Wear Clothing
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Clothing for both genders should always be neat and presentable. When wearing a business suit, the shirt should be tucked into the skirt or pants, and jackets should be tailored properly so that they can be worn open or closed. Clothes with ripped seams or tattered sections should be avoided and taking professional outfits to the cleaners for pressing is recommended. Shoes should be in their best condition as well-worn or scuffed shoes do not give a favorable impression at the office.
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References
- Photo Credit italian flag image by smn from Fotolia.com
