When I think about Italian fashion, a few things immediately come to mind: sophistication and experimentation. Italian women seem to have a knack for looking polished no matter what they’re wearing, but they also have a little fun with unexpected elements. Sure, you’ll see street style veteran Gilda Ambrosio pairing a classic button-down top and pencil skirt, but she’ll make it her own by wearing mismatched prints. And you can expect the same level of fun and creative styling from photographer Tamu McPherson, who is a master of layering different textures and colors.
As we head into the season ahead, what can we expect to see the best-dressed Italian women wearing? When it comes to their fall closet staples, there a few key pieces Italian women tend to wear on repeat—from sleek accessories to strong tailoring to bold prints. Ahead, we’re narrowing in on the 9 Italian fall capsule wardrobe essentials to tap into their style.
1. Knee-High Boots
Whether paired with a long dress, Bermuda shorts, or a cinched trench, knee-high boots are the fall shoe staple Italian women are very behind. This season, opt for a pair finished with a sleek kitten heel.
Shop the piece:
2. Ribbed Knit
Ribbed knits are on the rise for fall, but it's a piece Italian women have been tuned into for a long time. A sophisticated, timeless piece that taps into the Italian heritage of knitwear, this is the wardrobe staple you'll be wearing for years to come.
Shop the piece:
3. Flowy Dress
A flowy dress is the perfect transitional piece that's able to cross over from summer to fall. As you head into the new season, swap out your sandals for a pair of leather boots.
Shop the piece:
4. Bold Print
Whether you're looking at the collections Prada or Gucci or Fendi, you'll be sure to find cool, bold prints in their arsenal. A trademark of Italian design, you'll also find strong prints in the core wardrobes of Italian women.
Shop the piece:
5. Leather Trousers
Instead of tight legging-like leather pants, Italian women gravitate towards wider-cut trouser styles. With sharp tailoring and a polished feel, these are a fresh take on the wardrobe staple.
Shop the piece:
6. Tailored Coat
One thing I learned after I moved to a colder climate a few years ago? Fall is all about a great coat. That's something Italian women certainly know about. Just add a great pair of boots and your look is finished.
Shop the piece:
7. Relaxed Trousers
Sharp tailoring is a core to Italian fashion, so you'll find plenty of suiting is an essential. So, what will we see this fall? Relaxed trousers, which are on the rise for the upcoming season. If you need inspiration for how to wear them, Tamu McPherson has them styled to perfection above.
Shop the trend:
8. Oversize Blazer
Going hand-in-hand with relaxed trousers? Oversize blazers. This trend was huge last year but we'll continue to see the piece get wear this year.
Shop the piece:
9. Sleek Ankle Boots
Black ankle boots are a classic fall wardrobe staple, but the ones you'll find in an Italian-girl fall wardrobe will be modern takes finished with sleek kitten heels and pointed toes.
Shop the piece:
Next, discover the 25 cool fashion finds I'm obsessing over right now.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-UpSophisticated styling 101.
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New YorkPared back yet never boring.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RNFrom cowboy hats to fringe accents.
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23Your definitive guide.
