Buongiorno mi amore! It seems like just about everyone has been living la dolce vita this summer, or at least it seems so going by Instagram. But you don’t have to be in Capri sipping on Aperol Spritzes to live the Italian lifestyle. You can dress like an Italian woman in the comfort of your very own home.
The Italians have a long and storied fashion culture. Not that you need reminding but a country that’s responsible for houses like Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Armani, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, and Missoni must know what they’re doing.
What are the tenants of Italian style? First of all, embrace your femininity. That means emphasizing your figure in a way that makes you comfortable. Do you love your waist? Cinch it with a gorgeous leather belt to show it off. Still feeling your gams? Rock a skirt that shows them off! And the Italians always approve of a little décolletage. Second of all, Italians believe in investment pieces and wearing them over and over. That’s part of the reason why they always look so nice.
Now that you have the right attitude, on to the key pieces of your wardrobe.
The Perfect Belt: Every Italian woman has a high quality leather belt that can cinch your waist for that hourglass figure, dress up any look, and provide instant polish.
Animal print: From leopard print to snakeskin, Italians love the luxe indulgence of a rich animal print. Dolce & Gabbana’s iconic leopard print pieces are a timeless investment to any wardrobe, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Fitted skirts: Sexy but not too sexy, professional but still fun, pencil skirts are the perfect piece for every grown woman’s wardrobe. There are plenty of gorgeous options from luxe essential brands like Vince, but you can always inject a bit of color in.
Statement bag: It’s impossible to walk down the streets of Rome without seeing chic women with Prada or Gucci on their arms. If you want to shell out for an investment bag, go for it! But you can always go for a timeless, high quality tote that goes with everything too.
Leather shoes: Are you sensing a theme here? High quality leather goods are the foundation of every wardrobe. While it’s true that Italian women tend to wear stilettos everywhere, even they need a break in the heat of summer when they’re on vacation. Whether it’s a beautiful block heel or chic sandals for pool to dinner, invest in a pair of shoes you love.
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.