Wanted: Style tips for an American traveling in Italy?

Question

I am a 20-year old chick going to Florence for year (studying) and I want to blend in as much as possible with the locals. I know they will know I am an American as soon as I walk by, and certainly when I open my mouth, but I want to fool them for at least a half second. I speak a lot of Italian and I want them to think I put as much effort into blending in physically as I did when learning their language.

I also know the Italians are big on making good impressions, especially those that are most easily made: appearance. Bella figura, right?

The question is tough, because I am not looking for what you see in fashion magazines, or what people wear on the streets of Milan. I am from a small town near Seattle and I just want to look like the slightly-out-of-city 20-something Italian girls.

My style in the US is somewhat casual (poor college student) and my budget incredibly limited. What I'm looking for is tips like these:

1. Italians don't wear flip flops unless they're actually on the beach. It's really poor dressing if you do.

2. Err on the "dark side." White athletic shoes are few and far between; Europeans wear darker shoes. The same goes for anything else you are unsure of.

Anything else?

Answer 1

I prefer not to act like I'm ashamed of who I am. If you like wearing cowboy boots and a baseball hat then that's who you are. I think you realize that you aren't going to "fool" anyone really and you aren't going to make yourself happy stressing out about what to wear.

I toured Italy with an orchestra from the US. Although Italian opera is wonderful but do you think the Italians want to see an American orchestra play Italian music? No, they want to hear American music.

Likewise with you, you are a cultural ambassador. You are ripping them off if you are not sharing your cultural identity. You are expected to be polite, but that does not mean acting like you are ashamed of your country.

Answer 2

Bella figura, right!

So... a big problem of american is that they wear bright color, that an Italian doen't wear together... for example: Purple and Yellow or Blue and Red! Orrible. or Hawaiian clothes... bit weird...

Dark clothes is always cool...

You're right flip flops if you're not on the beach is quite unpolite.

Jeans, t-shirt and in winter sweaters... in this way you'll not seem pacchiano (a person with a very weird and unpleasant style, and you'll look like an italian)

Answer 3

Stay away from really bright colors and very fancy clothes. Off white is O.K. just not bright yellow. The biggest tip is to not act like an american. Most americans on vacation or in the military act like we are better than everyone else on the planet. Also, watch your language. Most italians don't walk around cussing and swearing. The type of music you listen to is also important. Hope this helps, and good luck.  

Answer 4

This is a really difficult question because Italy and Italians are so big on fashion.  Plus, a lot of the things that are fashionable in Italy at the moment can't even be found in the stores in the US.  You have to remember that something becomes fashionable first in Italy, then in France, then the rest of Europe...then in the US (I'm talking about a 3-5 year difference).  I worked in the clothing-textile industry for a few years.  

I can give you some tips though.  

1. Don't wear white socks with black or dark colored pants.  You would be surprised to how many Americans do this.

2.  Don't wear "mom or grandma" style jeans.  Italians were jeans, but they are  very fashionable.  

3.  Italians don't really go around carrying backpacks unless they are high school students or on vacation.

4.  Italians don't really wear flip flops in the city...only on the beach.  They might wear sandals, but not flip flops.  Flips flops are for the beach.

5.  If you stay in a hotel, don't walk around the lobby barefoot.  I've seen a few American girls do this.  No one wants to see your dirty and smelly feet.  A friend of mine told me he was in a coffee shop, and an American girl took off her shoes and put them on the counter.  Italians find this gross and tacky....or as they say, "very American".  

6.  Don't wear a lot of walmart-style t-shirts.  

7.  Grandma-style jeans and a sweatshirt is very American.

8.  The lenth of your pants is also very important. Italians think Americans wear high-waters.  The pants should touch the top part of the shoe....I can't really explain it, but I hope you understood.

9. American business men usually wear black or dark business suits with starch-white shirts.  Italians don't have this look.  You'll see Italian business guys with light blue, yellowish, and yes even pink shirts on....Trust me, they are gorgeous!  

Okay, I can't think of anything else...it's early and I'm tired.  LOL.  

I hope all of this helped.  I live in Italy.  

P.S.  Although you want to blend in, they'll know you are a foreigner.  Have a good time in Italia.

Answer 5

Hey!

I want to help you making "una bella figura" in Italy. It's not that hard...if you follow this simple tips:

Just remember

1-dont wear too much colours at the same time;no more than 3,trying to match them. Pay attention to the different shades.

2- casual dressing is never a mistake for a young student who needs to feel comfortable all day long : a nice t-shirt, tight jeans and sneakers.

3-in summer,avoid dressing "total white" if you dont want to look like an ice-cream seller.

4-dont overdo with accessories and jewels.

5-the essence of good taste lies in simplicity : small quantities of leather clothes, loud colours and silver or golden fabric.

6-never forget a beautiful bag......

And you're ready to go! Buona Fortuna!

Answer 6

keep it causal

scarf accessory when needed

nice jeans

collared shirts

belt

boots

solid colors, dark colors

Answer 7

1st off Florence is tourist central in Italy. In the summer their are more tourists than locals in Fiorenza.

Flip flops are out.

Athletic shoes are out.

Italians dress well, but they don't all wear Gucci and Armani.

Dress "smart". Nothing baggy, don't wear layers. Beiges and blacks.

Answer 8

wear light clothing in not too bright colors. and yes wear nice shoes unless you are on the beach.