In this post: Learn the ABC of style and how to dress like an Italian woman and look put together with minimal effort all year round. If you ever wanted to know how to master the Italian bombshell look and what are the most important aspects of Italian fashion, you’ll love this post.
Be sure to scroll until the very end of the post to get outfit inspirations for all the seasons, from colder months, such as Autumn and Winter to warmer days of Spring and Summer.
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Italian Fashion: Learn How to Dress Like An Italian Woman and Look Elegant All Year Round
Ciao bella, come stai oggi?
Everyone’s heard about Italian fashion and how Italian women are the masters of the timeless, classic style. Indeed, Italian everyday fashion is highly esteemed by fashionistas everywhere around the globe.
It goes to the point where tourists try their best to learn how to dress like a local in Italy, simply because it is elegant and comfortable.
Lovers of quality fabric such as linen in summer and cashmere in winter, Italians know where to spend their money and how to look fantastic with minimal outfits.
‘’Less is more’’ in the Italian dress culture, and I am personally a HUGE fan of all the everyday Italian woman style tricks.
Maybe it is because I date a Roman who loves neutral colors (and who told me the huge faux pas that it is to wear white socks in Italy, or outside for that matter – you will never see Cris wearing white socks).
Or maybe it is because I am surrounded by sexy Italian women all the time and I can’t help myself but copy my friends’ outfits. Or maybe, just maybe, this goes back to my Italian grandfather’s roots.
Be it as it is, I LOVE the Italian classic style
If you wish to learn how do Italian women dress, and how to master the effortless European style, then keep on reading.
RELATED: Italy Survival Guide – All the Do’s and Don’ts of Italy
First things first, what do Italian women wear?
What made me decide this post is because, as aforementioned, since I started dating Cris I really immersed myself in Italian culture. Not only this means eating pasta every day, but also about learning the secrets to the Italian effortlessly elegant style.
Moreover, I’ve seen so many posts talking about Italian women fashion and these authors couldn’t be more wrong.
As an example, I’ve seen people writing that Italians wear bold colors, statement jewelry, flashy colors, high heels, etc. If you have any Italian in your life, you will quickly know that this couldn’t be more wrong.
Quite contrary to these fashion posts, Italians are well-known for being classic and timeless.
You have much higher chances of seeing Italian women wearing neutral colors, clean cuts, minimal accessories and comfortable, elegant shoes (not necessarily with heels).
As a funny example, I was talking to my Italian friends the other day about which was their favorite Spice Girls growing up and they all unanimously said ‘’ Victoria Beckham’’. They all replied loved her clean outfits, all in black.
So when you think Italian, consider investing in high-quality basics. I can bet you a Roman would rather pay 60 euros on a plain, white linen shirt from Unqlo, rather than 15 euros on a blouse with say, flower patterns or neon colors from a fast-fashion label.
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Style Tips to Dress Like an Italian Woman: Quality trumps Quantity, Always.
As previously mentioned in this post, every Italian style-setter knows that the secret to any great outfit is to think quality over quantity. This means: look for well-designed clothes that do not fall apart after a few washes.
What I l particularly love about attempting to dress like an Italian woman is the paradox of being both relaxed and sophisticated. Indeed, Italian fashion always has an edge of comfort and I always wondered how they make such relaxed styles look so elegant.
If you observe any Italian girl, you will notice they use expensive items in their everyday lives. There is no need to wait for special occasions. Every day is an extraordinary circumstance and they just are not afraid to wear what they love.
If you wish to dress like an Italian woman, then you better consider wearing feminine, quality lingerie; they invest in stylish belts, jewelry, earrings, bracelets, and rings.
Their secret is their passion for always dressing chic and elegant, no matter the occasion.
Bombshell Style Definition
What are the tenants of the Italian style? First of all, embrace your femininity. That means emphasizing your figure in a way that makes you comfortable.
Have you ever heard that New Yorkers master the power style and that French girls master the effortless elegance? Then you probably also heard that Italian women are the masters of the bombshell style.
But what is the Bombshell style definition, per se?
In simple words, Italian women somehow manage to look sexy and elegant, all the while boasting a relaxed and easygoing appearance.
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Here are 9 Italian Women Style Tricks to Keep in Mind:
- Start with the right underwear. Invest in matching + quality pieces.
- Think quality over quantity
- Invest in good quality basics in neutral colors
- Look after your clothes
- Don’t expose too much flesh (remember Italian men are known to be jealous)
- Taylor your clothes to suit your body perfectly
- Wear it now! Every day is a special occasion.
- Invest in quality shoes. Always!
- A designer handbag can elevate an otherwise plain outfit
Next, I will cover exactly each of the above-mentioned items one-by-one.
Italian Women Style Tricks
1. Start with the right underwear.
This means to invest in matching + quality pieces.
As a girl who is new to her thirties, this is a little detail recently started paying attention to, but that has made a huge difference in how I feel throughout the day. I would say that as grown-ups it is important we pay attention to match our underwear (and to throw away panties that have holes).
Hands up who doesn’t feel better about themselves when wearing beautiful matching underwear?
A good tip to go on about this is to avoid colorful underwear (which can be hard to match). Aim to invest in high quality, neutral underwear, such as black, beige or even white colors.
2. Invest in good quality basics in neutral colors
Have you ever seen an Italian closet? It tends to be built around pieces that will last for years to come, and perhaps be handed down to their daughters. In fact, it is a big faux-pas to buy something which will last only one season.
Instead, look for pieces that will transcend seasons, in natural materials such as silk, linen, cotton, and cashmere. Invest in basics like crisp white blouses and tailored-fitted pants.
3. Look after your clothes
With all this said, it is now clear that Italian women see the pieces in their closet as an investment This, of course, means that they look after their items accordingly. If they have missing buttons, broken zips or torn seams, fix them immediately. Nothing less than impeccable is acceptable.
4. Don’t expose too much flesh (remember Italian men are known to be jealous)
Have you ever heard about Italian men being jealous?
Even though Italian women like to show the form of their bodies, such as wearing pencil skirts of form-fitting dresses, they never show too much.
That is a big secret why Italian women look classy at all times, rather than vulgar.
5. Taylor your clothes to suit your body perfectly
The good news is that looking stylish in Italy doesn’t have to be complicated. A basic, yet great fitting pair of jeans worn with a white shirt and a slick of red lipstick can g a looooong way.
The secret is to always wear outfits that seem that they were made for you. So next time you buy jeans, or a blouse, or a suit even, be sure to bring them to your tailor for a little adjustment that will make all the difference in your overall appearance.
6. Wear it now! Every day is a special occasion.
And that’s why Italian women always look bombshell and flawless. The best pieces in their closet aren’t stashed away in the back of their wardrobe. They are wearing them on a regular basis (and looking fabulous)!
I say that from experience. As soon as winter approaches, Cris takes out his cashmere sweater, pajamas, socks, etc. That is to me the first sign that winter (ahem, Cashmere season) has started. He wears cashmere regularly, not only for special dates or for unique occasions.
Needless to say, my boyfriend is always looking sharp.
7. Invest in quality shoes. Always!
No wonder Italy is shaped like a boot. Italians are world-renowned for their high-quality shoes.
Buying quality shoes in Italy doesn’t necessarily mean go buying Valentinos or Manolos to walk around Milan. Moreover, I believe new generations wear high heels (on a regular basis) less and less.
We are valuing comfort more and saving high heels towards occasions where we know we will have an opportunity to sit down, as opposed to strolling around town.
Quality shoes mean investing in something that will last many years and that is made from good material, such as breathable leather. If you haven’t added an Italian pair of shoes to your closet yet you don’t know what you’re missing out, girl!
An Italian shoe brand I LOVE Is called Geox. You are guaranteed everything you buy there is comfortable, no matter how tall the heels.
8. A designer handbag can elevate an otherwise plain outfit
Quality leather is not only used for amazing shoes. I will never forget my first-ever designer bag. It was a stunning black and white Prada purchased at Galleria Vittorio Emanuelei in Milan. Such a stunning, high-quality timeless bag, that elevated all my outfits (even when I opted to wear jeans with a white shirt).
If you wish to dress like an Italian woman, opt for a stylish leather tote, a stylish clutch, or a classic handbag.
TIP: If you’re planning on buying your first designer item, or if you don’t plan on buying many more in the future, ALWAYS buy neutral colors (preferably black).
My biggest regret is buying a BLUE Stella McCartney bag last summer in Oslo. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the sky-blue color it has. However, I would wear this bag so much more had I bought it in black.
My latest purchase was a black Balenciaga and OMG, it is my favorite bag ever. It is sporty, classy, wearable (and black). I wear it every day to work, for dinners, brunches, etc. It was a great investment.
9. Quality Over Quantity
One last point on this: The Italian classic style translates into minimalism. This means, having fewer clothes that are individually better quality. This also means skipping out on trendy clothes and choosing timeless pieces that will last you through the years to come. Materials such as cashmere sweaters, designer handbags, and well-tailored shirts are all imperative
10. Wear it now! Every day is a special occasion.
Time for glam? You bet!
Always keep the glam mindset alive! There’s always room for a glammed up look in Italy from day to night. That’s the secret why Italian women always look for flawless. They are actually wearing their best pieces on a daily basis.
ITALY BY SEASON
Below, get inspiration and ideas on what Italians wear all year round.
From winter fashion inspiration, to better understanding the Italian style secrets that makes them always glam, even during sweaty summer months.
AUTUMN + WINTER ITALIAN FASHION
How do Italians manage to look so good during the cold weather? Come get some Fall and winter elegant outfit inspiration from Italians.
If you like any of the pictures, be sure to save them to you Fashion or Outfits Pinterest albums.
High Wasted Pants + Neutral Colors + Ankle Boots
Monochrome Outfits + Stilettos
Be it all black (my Italian boyfriend’s personal favorite style) to cream colors, there is something about dressing up in monochrome that secrams elegance.
Long Classic Coats
Just when I thought the world was lost and everyone was wearing silver bomber jackets to fancy restaurants, I met with my Italian friend for a quick coffee one day. She exuded elegance wearing a stunning long black coat that went to her toes,paired with red sandals and a black dress. I was so impressed with her outfit that I took a mental note to copy it haha
Classic Blazer in Classic Colors
Pair it with shorts and black tights, or pants, with a beautiful handgab. Just be sure to ditch Neon colors.
Casual Outfits
And more trendy options too
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SPRING + SUMMER ITALIAN FASHION
What do Italians wear during summer and spring?
What Beachwear Do Italian Women Wear
Ever wondered how to dress like an Italian woman at the beach?
If you were considering sunbathing topless in Italy, I’d beg you to reconsider. Even though going topless is not illegal, Italians frown upon overexposure, even at the beach.
This goes back to what I said that Italian men are known to be the jealous type, so they’d rather ‘’protect’’ their women and not have other men staring.
Outfit inspiration
JUMPSUIT
Image Source: Pinterest 
Image Source: Pinterest
A feminine jumpsuit for your next Italian boat trip, paired with a see a Panama hat and strapless front cut-out jumpsuit in brocade print with wide-leg pants and a straw tote bag.
Find some cute jumpsuit ideas below. Click the image to be redirected to the store.
JACKETS
Image Source: Lifebylee 
Image Source: Life By Lee
Italians like to keep the layering simple. In the summertime, especially, opt for light pieces, such as a denim jacket, a linen blazer or a scarf to cover up when the sun goes down.
DRESSES
Image Source: Pinterest 
Image Source: Lifebylee
Image Source: Pinterest 
Image Source: Pinterest
Image Source: Pinterest
Oh, dresses. Italian women are seemingly obsessed with beautiful dresses, from casual walks to very special occasions. Be it a figure-hugging dress that flatters your body shape, or a midi skirt, which flows as you walk around the city to your next aperittivo.
ANIMAL PRINTS
Image Source: Pinterest 
Image Source: Pinterest
Sometimes, it is all right to make exceptions to rules, and Italians enjoy wearing statement pieces market by animal prints, like leopard or snakeskin.
SHORTS AND HOT PANTS
A STYLISH COVER-UP (AND A HAT)
Image Source: Pinterest 
Image Source: Pinterest
Image Source: Pinterest 
Image Source: Pinterest
Italian women will wear sheer cover-ups and flattering wedges or sandals, rather than shorts paired with a tank top and flip flops.
SHOP THE POST. START DRESSING LIKE AN ITALIAN WOMAN TODAY!
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TO CONCLUDE
Italian fashion is not about too much layering. It is about choosing a hero piece and wearing it well. This means that your outfit may simply consist of a great dress and shoes, or a wide-legged pair of pants with a plain blouse. If you have a brightly colored coat, aim to keep the rest of your outfit neutral.
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