Are you going to visit Italy? Keep in mind that Italians pay a lot of attention to fashion. So, there are a few things you need to know about how to dress in Italy. There is no formal dress code, but in Italian culture fashion has an important role, and Italians generally pay attention to what other people are wearing.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dress Italian Style
Step 1. Make sure that the clothes you wear look right and are neatly ironed
Italians love classy looks that accentuate one's best features.
- Capri can be a good choice for women. Italians usually wear shorts in tourist spots. Italian men rarely wear shorts when not on vacation.
- If you're wearing a suit, don't forget to wear a tie. You may have to forgo sweatpants or sweatpants. This type of clothing looks too casual for Italy. For vacation wear, bring a business casual outfit, or something you'll wear to the office..
- Avoid loose clothing. Italians prefer clothes that look fit. So, don't wear a baggy shirt or jeans. Even though Italians wear jeans, but they will combine it with a neat top.
Step 2. Wear good shoes
Italians pay close attention to shoes and they like shoes that are classy, without too much faux embellishment. So just keep your flip flops, tacky sandals and Crocs at home.
- Choose high-quality fabric or leather for the shoes. Make sure the shoes are in good condition. Polish your shoes until they're shiny! However, do not neglect the comfort of shoes, especially if you are going to walk far to visit tourist attractions.
- Italians will recognize designer shoe and clothing brands. However, don't think you have to wear designer clothes to look cool in Italy. As long as you wear classy and clean clothes, you'll be fine. Cheap sneakers and flip-flops are not good footwear and will get you branded a tourist. If you're a woman, try simple ballet shoes or cool classy boots or running shoes (like the PUMA). You can always count on good leather shoes because you can never go wrong.
- Wear high heels in the evening to dinner if you are a woman. Wedge shoes will make it easier for you to walk than pointy heels. If you are far from the city, forget about high heels as you will have to drive through cobblestone streets.
Step 3. Choose a different outfit for the evening
Italians wear different types of clothing for certain periods of time. You should change clothes when the day turns to night. Try wearing trousers in lighter fabrics during the hot months.
- Italian men usually don't wear shorts at night. For tops, don't choose a shirt with buttons on the collar, one pocket on the chest. If you're going out to dinner or at a fancy hotel, wear more sophisticated clothes. For example, don't hang around in tight tops, shorts, and flip-flops.
- If you're wearing jeans, pair them with a nice jacket. Make sure you choose clothes that fit your body and are fashionable, not shabby and tattered. Don't forget to pack your dresses and skirts before leaving.
- Men should not wear short-sleeved shirts to formal events and not combine them with ties, either day or night.
Step 4. Choose a classic color
Sometimes, you'll see Italians wear bright, bold colors, but they rarely do and prefer classic, elegant colors over bustling prints.
- Stick to colors like dark blue, black, beige, white and dark brown. You can choose several pastel colors, such as lavender or salmon for summer.
- You can use white, cream or light brown at any time in Italy. Brighter or lighter colors are very common in spring. Italians like to wear bright colors when the sun is shining because it doesn't absorb too much heat and the sun in Italy can be very hot.
- You need to avoid bold or unnatural colors, such as mustard yellow, neon green or lipstick pink.
Step 5. Wear the right clothes to visit the Vatican
Many people want to visit the Vatican while in Italy. There is a special dress standard for a visit to the Vatican. The same standard of dress applies when you go to church or cathedral.
- Vatican City is the center of the Roman Catholic Church. You must not wear tight tops or sleeveless clothes when entering the Vatican or church.
- Try not to wear clothes that are too revealing as this could be interpreted as disrespectful. Wearing a miniskirt or shorts would invite ridicule in the Vatican. The South is more conservative and you may be asked to wear a scarf or veil there.
- If it's hot and you're wearing sleeveless clothes, try buying a scarf to cover your shoulders. The problem is finished. Men shouldn't wear tight t-shirts or sleeveless tops in church.
Method 2 of 3: Avoid Tourist Appearances
Step 1. Don't wear socks with sandals
Italians rarely wear socks when wearing sandals and don't allow white socks to pop under trousers. On the other hand, they usually wear socks with closed shoes and always mix the color of the socks with the shoes.
When wearing socks, Italians often choose very short socks instead of knee-length or calf-length socks. These socks are sometimes called “fantasmi”, which means invisible
Step 2. Avoid the most common tourist styles
This advice is especially important if you are in a big city and security can be a problem. Showing everyone that you are a tourist can make you a target for crime.
- You want to know the fastest way to look like a tourist? Wear a waist bag. This kit will announce that you are carrying money.
- Carrying a backpack can also get you labeled a tourist. You should keep important documents, and credit cards carefully in your inner or front pocket making it difficult for someone to pick them up.
- A t-shirt, sneakers, and a shirt or sweater with a slogan on it might make you look like a tourist. Get rid of loose or torn clothing and choose clothes that fit well and are neat. Good materials will be very helpful in this regard.
Step 3. Wear different clothes according to geography
Italian fashion varies according to the region you are in. It is a mistake to think that there is only one way of dressing in Italy.
- The main geographical differences can be found between southern and northern Italy. Remember that Milan is located in the north and is a modern city that is considered a major center of the world's fashion industry. The style of dress there can be very sophisticated and rely on designer brands.
- In the south, as in Rome, there may be a greater tendency to adhere to local traditions and trends and rely less on the fashion industry. Wear more formal attire if you're visiting a big city, not a country town.
- Another difference to consider is that the north gets very cold in winter, although temperatures are quite warm during the summer, while in the south it is warmer throughout the year.
- In summer, the temperature in Rome can reach 35 °C. It can be difficult to predict the weather in spring, which can vary from cool to warm, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 °C, while at night temperatures can drop to 10 °C. Pay attention to the weather forecast.
Method 3 of 3: Wearing Accessories Like an Italian
Step 1. Put on sunglasses
One thing you'll notice as soon as you set foot in Italy is that the sun's rays are very sharp and look very close.
- It is important to wear sunglasses. Especially if you are in southern Italy and during the summer. You will find the sun is very bright during the day.
- During spring and summer, you should equip yourself with sunscreen to protect your skin, especially if your skin burns easily.
- A straw hat with a wide brim can be a great way to protect your skin and eyes, while also looking elegant in the eyes of Italians, whether you're dressing for a formal or informal event.
Step 2. Bring a jacket or sweater
You may need this outfit for the evening, when the weather gets cooler and also for going out to a good restaurant. Men must bring a jacket that is specially sewn according to body size.
- A look that looks cool in Italy can be a white shirt, a black or navy blazer, and straight black pants with nice shoes and a silk scarf. Don't forget the sunglasses.
- Long, light coats are often the perfect choice for dealing with unexpected weather changes. If you're in the north in winter, you'll need a warmer coat, such as a thick winter coat, and may also need warm gloves, a scarf and a hat. A down jacket or vest can show that you are a tourist.
- Leather boots can also give you an elegant look and keep your feet warm during the colder months. In addition, this type of shoe is also comfortable for walking.
Step 3. Put on a scarf and carry a nice bag
These two accessories will go a long way in dispelling the tourist impression and enhancing your elegance and classy appeal.
- Add accessories to your look. One accessory that can never go wrong in Italy is a silk scarf. Italians often wear jewelry and Italian women usually apply natural make-up, but don't wear anything flashy if it's a safety hazard.
- Bring a cool bag and an umbrella! Remember that Italians value clothes made of elegant materials and neat cuts. So, avoid clothes with messy designs.
- Men can carry a messenger bag. In America, these bags are sometimes called "men's handbags" or briefcases. Woman cutting her nails and straightening her eyebrows.
Tips
- Understand that not all Italians wear the same clothes or expect you to dress a certain way.
- Choose a more formal outfit if you're not sure what to wear. Choose quality materials, designer brands and complete dress styles.
- Keep in mind that shorts are not suitable for evening events, both for men and women. In general, Italian men don't wear shorts in Italy and don't wear socks with shorts.
