What to Wear in Italy: How to Dress Like a Local | Zicasso (2024)

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What to Wear in Italy: How to Dress Like a Local | Zicasso (1)

What to Wear in Italy: How to Dress Like a Local | Zicasso (2)

Handworked leather is an essential material in the production of fine Italian goods

Italian fashion represents the superior craftsmanship and established artisan heritage that becomes an experience when you focus on what to wear in the country.

Fashion is synonymous with quality and locals browse coveted boutiques and iconic labels in search of garments that reflect international style and individual personality. Many famous Italian designers have become household names, with brands like Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, and Gucci inciting ideas of luxury and grandeur

Whether you are wishing to purchase tailored branded garments or wondering how to dress in Italy during your trip, the following information describes fashion there and how to appreciate the Italian aesthetic.

Overview

  1. Women’s Wardrobes
  2. Men’s Attire
  3. The History of Italian Clothing
  4. Timeless Regional Fashion Traditions
  5. The Nuances of the Italian Aesthetic
  6. Follow the Fashion in Italy With Zicasso

Women’s Wardrobes

The Italian look drew on the prestige of fine handmade crafts, from leather goods to quality tailored garments, all crucial to developing luxury fashion around the globe.

It was conceived, in part, to showcase creatively constructed, well-made, and ready-to-wear clothing adopted for a western aesthetic, yet presented in a signature la dolce vita style. You embrace the unique perspectives and aesthetic of Italy’s world-defining fashion when enjoying a Milan vacation.

Women in Italy possess a strong desire for fashionable clothing, representing the importance of style. If you have any garments listed below in your wardrobe, be sure to put them on your packing list or keep your eyes peeled for them.

  1. Robe coats
  2. Booties
  3. Statement earrings
  4. Embellished heels
  5. Miniskirts
  6. Animal-print pieces
  7. Flat-top sunglasses

Styling Tips

Simple eclectic styles with bold statements or neutral colors shape the nature of fashion in Italy and the occasion for which a person dresses. Jeans are often fitted and dressed up with a pair of heels or boots, and sunglasses become a statement unto themselves, with large frames adding a sense of glamor and mystery in any season.

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Men’s Attire

Men in Italy adhere to the same fashion standards as women, adorning timeless garments like a classic overcoat in winter or a lightweight blazer in the warmer months. True fashion in Italy for men consists of simple but well-defined details accentuating personal style.

Ensure you pack the following items if you own them. If not, scan fashionable stores during your Italy trip for those you are missing.

  1. Fitted shirts
  2. Fitted trousers
  3. Luxury watches
  4. Loafers and brogues
  5. Tailored blazers
  6. Dark denim jeans
  7. Accessories like scarves, fedoras, and necklaces

Styling Tips

Aside from the garments worn throughout the day, it’s the style with which Italians wear their clothes that helps make them symbols of the fashion world.

Easy rules for casual fashion in Italy consist of always tucking in your shirt, whether a half- or full-tuck. Leather belts help show your form and keep your pants in their proper place just above the hips. Tucking in the shirt also helps highlight the stylish belt you are wearing.

Tailored and fitted clothing is the ultimate, everlasting trend in Italian fashion, revealing the important attention to detail in the clothing and highlighting the dapper appeal of a properly-fitted jacket, shirt, or pants for men. Find more exciting ways to enjoy Italy’s fashion when discovering the luxury outlets during a Tuscany tour and vacation.

The History of Italian Clothing

The techniques artisans use can be contemporary and modern or centuries-old, passed down through the generations, such as Tuscany’s hand-treated leather in treasured tanneries using methods dating back to the 13th century.

The techniques of the past have given way to new, sustainable ways of crafting garments, inspired by the approaches of famous artisans. They focus on projects such as women’s hats and handmade knitted sweaters, adding new technologies, different interpretations of style, and fascinating creativity to the long-irresistible traditions of Italian fashion and the extraordinary focus on Italian artisan arts and crafts.

Timeless Regional Fashion Traditions

No matter where you visit during your Italy vacation, each region has its own fashion customs in which you can participate.

The artisan ateliers keeping the ancient traditions of Italy alive continue to produce remarkable detail in trending garments within cities like Venice, Naples, and Genoa, the latter of which hosts Finollo, a producer of coveted shirts.

Naples contains the famous Marinella brand of ties, while also hosting cherished, bespoke suit-makers. Artisans are not only skilled craftspeople, but artists who are experienced in crafting unique pieces steered by passion, pride, and an unending commitment to beauty. Find more ideas on fashionable places to explore with our list of the best places to visit in Italy.

The Nuances of the Italian Aesthetic

The artistry and history of making garments in Italy add immeasurable value to the prestige of Italian design that’s famous worldwide. It is easy to imagine an old woman stitching together your leather jacket by hand in one of Italy’s renowned medieval villages, juxtaposing the haute couture on display on the runways and within the galleries of Rome.

Cities like Florence embrace the remarkable history of artisan clothing with excellent leather and footwear industries, presented to the world each year during the Pitti Immagine. You may admire the nuances of the Italian aesthetic as you tour the country’s revered fashion cities.

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Follow the Fashion in Italy With Zicasso

As you travel from Florence to Rome, across the Italian countryside, and to commercial hubs in cities like Milan, you can delve into the rich fashion culture and heritage while browsing designer boutiques for iconic tailored garments.

Follow the fashion by packing your bags full of chic clothing for your trip to Italy, using our sample luxury Italy tours and vacations as a guide to planning your personalized experience. Discover more inspiration for your trip, with new ideas found in our Italy travel guide.

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What to Wear in Italy: How to Dress Like a Local | Zicasso (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear in Italy: How to Dress Like a Local | Zicasso? ›

Avoid bright colors and opt for more neutral or muted tones. Italians generally dress up a bit more than casual tourists, so bring some stylish outfits. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring, but leave the flip-flops for the beach.

How to dress like a local in Italy? ›

If not, scan fashionable stores during your Italy trip for those you are missing.
  1. Fitted shirts.
  2. Fitted trousers.
  3. Luxury watches.
  4. Loafers and brogues.
  5. Tailored blazers.
  6. Dark denim jeans.
  7. Accessories like scarves, fedoras, and necklaces.

How do people typically dress in Italy? ›

Italians dress differently for different times of day, so pack clothes for both day and night and switch outfits when the sun sets. Day fits are usually more casual (casual shirts and blouses, sightseeing sneakers) while night fits are more formal (blazers, dresses).

What to wear in Italy for ladies? ›

Choose light colored clothing to avoid scorching in the blaring heat. Cotton, linen, and rayon fabrics are best. Basilica, it's respectful to follow local traditions. Opt for a midi or maxi dress below your knees and a light wrap that you can place around your shoulders if wearing a sleeveless top.

Do tourists wear jeans in Italy? ›

Italian fashion favors a polished look, even in casual wear, so distressed, baggy, or overly casual jeans are less common. When styled correctly, with a smart shirt or a blazer and quality shoes, jeans can be part of a chic, Italian-inspired outfit.

Can you wear sneakers in Italy? ›

It all depends on the setting and your outfit - here is our advice: Casual Outings: Comfort is paramount for day-to-day activities. Sneakers, loafers, or comfortable sandals pair well with jeans, summer dresses, or even shorts. Business Meetings: Classic pumps or heeled loafers exude professionalism.

Can a woman wear shorts in Italy? ›

Although summer in Italy can be rather hot, you'll rarely see Italian women wearing shorts. The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead. But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up.

How to look classy in Italy? ›

Wear leather.

Leather jackets, pants, skirts, and shoes can all be part of an Italian fashionista's wardrobe. Invest in quality accessories. A great pair of sunglasses, a stylish handbag, and a few pieces of jewelry can take your Italian look to the next level. Incorporate stripes.

What to wear to dinner in Italy? ›

There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals. Unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant, dark jeans or other slacks are acceptable.

What colors to wear in Italy? ›

Italians prefer more neutral colors. Bright, vibrant colors are seen as flashy and over the top. They also wear a lot of pastels in the summer months. I'll be packing a lot of black, white, and olive green items.

When can you wear white in Italy? ›

Meanwhile, the “no white after Labor Day” rule in Italy doesn't exist: Locals love winter white, especially for jeans and sweaters.

What to wear in Rome to not look like a tourist? ›

It's fine to wear casual clothes such as khakis, jeans, tennis shoes, and sandals to many restaurants in Rome. But remember that in Italy, modesty is key. You won't find Romans dining in shorts and tank tops, so keep this in mind for going out to eat, and again, for visiting the sites.

How to travel Italy like a local? ›

Here are 8 tips that will help you travel like a local Italian.
  1. Skip the bacon and eggs. ...
  2. Change your meal times. ...
  3. Steer clear of tourist trap restaurants. ...
  4. For the love of Jupiter, please, don't put ketchup on pizza or pasta. ...
  5. As tempting as it may be, don't go splashing in the fountains. ...
  6. Strut your style. ...
  7. Talk with your hands.

What is the fashion culture of Italy? ›

Italian fashion is linked to the most generalized concept of "Made in Italy", a merchandise brand expressing excellence of creativity and craftsmanship. Italian luxury goods are renowned for the quality of the textiles and the elegance and refinement of their construction.

Where is there a dress code in Italy? ›

There is no dress code in Italy except for churches. Wear what makes you comfortable. Being a tourist or dressing comfortably is not a crime. You will see locals and visitors wearing short and (white) sneakers.

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