Italian Style

Italian style is so iconic, that for a young American it seems completely out of reach and out of budget. 

Yet, Italian style transcends brand names and luxury. In university areas especially, you can see sweats, baggy jackets, and dirty sneakers. But all those Italians still look so good, and so cool. 

How, and why?

The key to Italian fashion lies in one's attitude. I observed a pride in self-presentation, so deeply ingrained in the Italian imagination that it has become as easy as breathing. "Fare bella figura", or roughly translated to "make a good first impression", is a phrase that has been a mantra in Italian culture for centuries. 

For example, all clothes fit well, jeans are often rolled, and if socks are mismatched, you can bet it was a decision rather than an afterthought. If you aren't wearing your jacket, you carry it with strength like the Bolognese man above. You don't need money to look cool. Every piece of what your wearing simply needs to serve a purpose. 

The Bolognese couple in the middle experiments with various combinations and shades of red and yellow, complete with scuffed up white sneaks for a cool and cheerful look.

Although a lot of young kids wear wearing cruddy shoes and less than tailored jeans, the saving grace is the hair. If you're young and got it, just make sure it dances on the edge of exclamatory. 

A girl in all denim channels Botticelli beauty at the Enoteca Sosta dei Papi, on the super-hip Florentine street, Borga La Croce. Here, you'll find 3 euro Tuscan wines and complimentary crostinis. 

This older Florentine woman, dressed in nothing particularly chic, put on a colorful scarf for her evening grocery run.

This older gentleman was asking for spare change at Piazza San Marco in Florence. Despite his lack of money, he still manages to play with accessories, texture, and color. He confidently dons a fur cap, leather satchel, and pale pink scarf.

Fast fashion is not only boring to look at, but detrimental to our environment. Italy, especially Florence, is famous for artisan fashion. Special pieces and well-made objects, such as these crazy shoes at the magical Mondo Albion in Florence, will have an interesting story, support a local business, and lighten your carbon footprint.