How To

How to Dress Like an Italian

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(40 Ratings)

Italy is a fashion-conscious nation and most Italians take their clothing very seriously. While Americans like to wear comfy old sneakers, ratty jeans and old t-shirts while on vacation, Italians feel that style and elegance trumps comfort. If you want to blend in during a trip to Italy, or just want to dress more stylishly every day, here are some tips to dress like an Italian.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Wear high-quality shoes, preferably in leather. Most women in Italy wear high heeled, pointed-toe shoes – even when walking on cobblestone streets. Men typically wear loafers. Most Italians wouldn't be caught dead in sneakers and consider flip-flops to be beach attire.

  2. Step 2

    Build your wardrobe around a few key pieces like a designer blazer, well-fitting linen pants and a silk blouse. Italians will save for 6 months to buy a designer clothing item rather than spend that money on a larger quantity of cheaper items.

  3. Step 3

    Avoid clothing with logos, emblems, patches, embroidery and other distracting designs. Italians feel that large logos on clothing make people look like billboards.

  4. Step 4

    Focus on well-tailored, minimalist outfits in neutral colors like black, white, beige and navy.

  5. Step 5

    Steer clear of shorts, especially if you're a woman. Many Italians find shorts to be distasteful, and if you're visiting churches in Italy, you may find yourself unable to get in dressed as you are. Knee-length skirts are more appropriate.

  6. Step 6

    Choose natural fabrics such as cotton, silk and linen rather than synthetics.

  7. Step 7

    Look for accessories with understated elegance. Avoid loud scarves, large hoop earrings, and costume jewelry. Less is more – don't load yourself down with accessories.

Comments  

soosie said

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on 5/11/2009 nice tips but we need more information aboat north italy pls thanks

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