9 Chic Fashion Tips to Help You Emulate Italian Women's Style

Principle 1 - La bella figura

The first overarching principle is really the basis of everything else when it comes to dressing like an Italian, and that is the incredible importance placed on how you look, how you present yourself to the world.

Even if an Italian woman is just running out to grab milk, she looks fabulous!

This mindset starts from a young age, and it has nothing to do with wearing designer labels or really expensive clothes, it simply means that you're put together, your clothes are clean, they fit beautifully.

It's called "la bella figura", it's like putting your best face and foot forward. Here, I have styled an elevated everyday look that perfectly emulates this principle.

Principle 2 - High heels every day

We often see Italian women wearing heels. Even when they're on their bikes riding on the cobblestone streets, they're wearing a heel! I do think that wearing a heel as often as possible, even if it is a platform or a block heel, really can elevate a look.

However, I do think that it's important to note that street style definitely includes sneakers and flat boots, and practical footwear.

Italians invest in quality footwear. This doesn't have to mean designer; it just means that they know how to spot good quality shoes that are both comfortable and very stylish. Here, I’ve added a pair of sassy red heels to a simple black and white outfit.

Principle 3 - Balance and harmony

If there is anything that Italians do well in all of their outfits, there is always a sense of balance and harmony in terms of color, weight, accessories, and prints.

Principle 4 - Good lingerie

Italian women seem to exude this sense of sexiness and self-confidence, and I think this stems from the fact that they choose very sexy and confidence-boosting lingerie. Good undergarments have everything to do with how well your clothes fit and fall on your body.

Principle 5 - Beautiful fit

The French and Italians are similar in that they know that a beautifully fitted outfit can take you from frumpy and not looking put together to looking instantly elegant and sophisticated.

It's really about knowing how garments should fall on your body. This can be as simple as finding a seamstress or a tailor you can work with to alter your off-the-rack garments just slightly, so that they are really suited to your body.

Or, learn how to modify and tailor your own clothing!

Principle 6 - Focus on accessories

High-quality accessories are very important. An outfit is really finalized with a beautiful quality handbag and a pair of sunglasses. In this look, the large leather purse makes a statement and it upgrades the simple jeans and top combination.

In this look, the bag, headscarf, and flash of red in the shoes elevate the outfit.

Principle 7 - Quality basics

Italians do like to invest in their quality basics. Even though they're adding a lot of flair, there is always a beautiful element of classic lines, timeless and luxurious fabrics.

All of these fine details about the beautiful quality basics really come through to create a sophisticated and elegant look.

I think that it's really a thought process that is ingrained in choosing a very timeless piece that they know they're going to wear for years to come, and then taking very good care of it so that it lasts.

Principle 8 - Proportions and silhouettes

Italians know how to play with proportions and silhouettes to add drama to their look. Central to this is paying attention to how and where clothes fall on their body.

Principle 9 - Elevated pieces

Italian women somewhere, somehow in their look, always incorporate a statement or elevated piece. Maybe it's a pair of beautiful statement earrings worn with something a little bit more daytime. 

To add an elevated piece as part of your everyday look, start by checking out your eveningwear jewelry or your eveningwear pieces. See if you can incorporate them in a very balanced and harmonious way into your regular outfits. 

How to dress like an Italian woman

So now you know all of the ins and outs of Italian women's style! It’s important to remember that the principles and guides that drive Italians to dress the way they do aren't rules.

I don't think that rules apply to personal style, it's really all about what makes you feel good. Plus, rules have never applied to Italians, if I may say so!

Which of these Italian style tips resonated with you the most? Which Italian-inspired outfit was your favorite? Let me know in the comments.