
Italy has so much to offer and anyone who has been there will find that they can’t get enough of it and want to keep on going back. The whole Country has an allure that gets under your skin, from the beauty of the countryside and architecture, the art that is found in even the remotest and plainest of churches, the food, the music, the clothes, to the very special people who live there.

And probably, if you have visited – even if it just in your imagination – you will be dreaming of owning a house there and living the famous dolce vita.
Something else you might be dreaming about, is to be able to dress with the effortless style that Italian women are renowned for. Italian style is a way of life. The much used phrase of “bella figura” is about making a good impression, exuding confidence and respect for oneself and for others around you.
They seem to have an innate sense of elegance and I am often asked what their secret is and can anyone do it?

My answer? Yes you can and I am here to help you find out how!
My first question to you would be -
Why Do You Want To Dress Like An Italian Woman?
What is it that you love about how Italians dress? Is it the monochrome outfits? The way they just add a pair of sunglasses to lift any outfit? The classic way they match their shoes and bags? Or just how every outfit they wear seems to be elevated somehow?
Or maybe you have noticed how they are not ashamed of their femininity, even in a masculine environment and they use it to their advantage.
Once you understand the elements you admire, the easier it is to incorporate them into your own style.

Step 1
Grooming is an all-important part of any Italian’s style. Their hair is well looked after and styled, their makeup is immaculate and well applied and they pay special attention to their nails, even if they don’t have a professional manicure. Shoes and other accessories are always well looked after, clean and mended.

Step 2
Prepare to go bold!
Italians differ from the French in the fact that where the French prefer a minimalist look, Italians go all out maximalist! The Romans and the Milanese do differ in this (more of that in a separate blog) – the Romans preferring a more streamlined, classic look and the Milanese are much more exuberant. But whatever look it is, they always go bold with at least one piece of clothing or accessory. Italians never shout designer in their clothes and are always mixing up designer items with high street items to keep their look unique to them.

Step 3
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!
Statement necklaces and lots of bangles or cuffs will immediately upgrade your outfit to an Italian look. Belts are a must and scarves are often used to bring the whole outfit together.
And of course, don’t forget the large, over-the-top sunglasses which permanently adorn an Italian’s face!

Step 4
Remain feminine but dress appropriately.
I don’t mean for your age here, but for the occasion. Always respect the place or event you are going to, by dressing appropriately for it. Never wear shorts to a church, or casual outfits to an Italian’s house for supper.
An Italian women will embrace her femininity, but never show off too much skin. A glimpse of a shoulder is far more sexy than a really low neckline, or a slit showing some leg is much more attractive than a really short skirt or shorts.

Dress with intent.
Italians will always dress to please themselves and dress with intent. By that I mean that whatever they wear matters. They won’t just throw on an old coat over a smart outfit, or slip on a pair of shoes just because they are comfy. Everything will be worn for a reason, to elevate the outfit or to tone an outfit down. They plan what they are going to wear and make sure that it all works, even down to the underwear.

There is an Italian word, sprezzatura
There is an Italian word, sprezzatura – which translates to a kind of effortless grace and this epitomises Italian style – the art of making something difficult look easy, or maintaining a nonchalant demeanour.

So, by pinpointing what exactly draws you to Italian women’s style, you can begin to incorporate these elements into your own wardrobe in a way that feels authentic to your personal taste.
You may not feel confident enough at the moment to go for show stopping pieces, but by following the above steps and by really thinking, planning and caring about what you put on, will really start you on the road to la bella figura!
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