Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in Italy

La bella figura is a complex concept that essentially means making a good impression, or not losing face. One of the pillars of Italian culture, la bella figura is considered both a declaration of self-worth and a show of respect for those around you. Even if your wardrobe isn’t at the height of fashion, it’s important in Italy to demonstrate that you pay attention to your overall grooming and appearance. Whether you're putting on a skirt and heels or dressing down in jeans and sneakers, choose clothing that is scrupulously clean, well-maintained, and crisply ironed.

Most Italians have a house wardrobe and a street wardrobe, and the two are kept strictly separate. Very casual clothes such as t-shirts printed with slogans or brands, elastic-waisted shorts, and any item of clothing that is worn, stained, or ill-fitting are relegated to home-only wear; street-worthy clothing is dialed up a notch.

Filter out your concert tees and cargo shorts and instead skim the best from your closet: plain white or colored t-shirts, ironed bermuda shorts, or dress jeans—in short, anything you would wear to meet your grandma for brunch or on a casual first date.

Though rubber flip-flops, yoga pants, and “athletic wear” have become day-to-day staples in many countries, Italians keep beachwear at the seaside, yoga wear on the mat, and athletic wear in the gym. That said, acceptable dress has become steadily more casual over the past few decades and you can often spot leisurewear including leggings, hoodies, and other comfy staples on Italian streets. Just keep in mind that any casual sportswear that you pack must be in tip-top shape, well-fitting, and, if possible, by a designer brand.

Nothing will make you stick out like a sore thumb in Italy like wandering around in sandals and shorts in March, no matter how warm it may be. Italians dress according to the season, so summer togs are stored away from October through April.

Take on the unpredictable weather in spring and fall with coordinated separates that you can layer. Begin the cooler morning with a jacket over a button-down shirt or cardigan and a t-shirt underneath; as the temperatures rise in midday, start peeling off pieces. In the winter, throw a wrap or shawl into your bag for extra warmth when the wind kicks up. And always (always) carry an umbrella when rain is forecast; Italians are notoriously squeamish about wet hair.

Sure, Italians break out the va-va-voom when it’s time to hit the club. In daily life, however, most tend to cover up and you should, too. Modest clothing covering shoulders, knees, and midriff is required to enter most major churches (think St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome), and you don’t want to look like those poor chumps who have to tie a disposable plastic poncho around themselves to visit the Sistine Chapel.

In addition to getting you into churches, more coverage will protect you from the unforgiving Mediterranean sun. Opt for light linen and cotton short-sleeve tops, pants, and long skirts; alternatively, throw on a pair of knee-length shorts and bring a light wrap with you to cover your shoulders.

Italian tailoring is legendary and influences everything from high-end custom suits to off-the-rack jeans. Avoid wearing oversize or baggy clothing, especially if it’s crumpled from being packed in your suitcase. Choose fitted t-shirts and button-downs in summer and soft but structured sweaters in winter; on the bottom, hemmed pants that fit at the waist (either wide- or skinny-cut) without sagging or dragging will give you a polished look. If you do opt for loose-fitting separates, give them a quick touch-up with the hotel iron.

In addition to haute couture, Italy is famous for its impeccable accessories. Designer sunglasses, statement jewelry, chic bags, and pop-of-color scarves are the order of the day whether you’re headed to the supermarket or the opera. The good news is that these small details will give your mix-and-match basics a sleek look without taking up too much space in your suitcase. The bad news is that they’re easy to lose, so do a quick sweep of your hotel room, restaurant table, or train seat to make sure you haven’t left behind your shades before moving on.

Like Italian tailoring, Italian shoemaking is iconic. Most Italians don’t shell out for custom shoes these days, but they do pay attention to their footwear and even athletic shoes are worn clean, perfectly maintained, and coordinated with the rest of the outfit. Though many Italian women wear high heels, the country’s cobblestones can be hard to manage with pumps. Instead, opt for sleek ballerinas or pretty jeweled sandals to dress up your outfit; for more casual wear, bright white sneakers or strappy leather sandals (never flip flops or rubber clogs) are both stylish and comfortable enough to take on uneven pavement.