Italian Style and Fashion: How to Do It Well
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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When it comes to fashion, Italians don’t follow trends — they define them. From the runways of Milan to the streets of Florence, Italian style is revered worldwide for its elegance, effortlessness, and impeccable tailoring.
Whether you're building a capsule wardrobe or simply want to bring more polish to your day-to-day outfits, this guide explores how to master Italian fashion — and how Tellar.co.uk ensures it fits you perfectly, no matter the brand.
What Makes Italian Style So Distinctive?
Italian fashion is known for its balance of flair and restraint. While the French are chic, the British classic, and the Americans relaxed, the Italians exude confidence with refined silhouettes and just enough attention to detail.
Key traits of Italian style include:
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Tailored cuts that enhance your shape
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Luxurious fabrics like silk, wool, and leather
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Subtle but high-impact accessories
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A commitment to quality over quantity
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A natural, confident attitude in how clothes are worn
It’s not about being loud — it’s about being perfectly put together.
The Foundations of Italian Fashion: What to Wear
1. For Women: La Bella Figura
The Italian principle of la bella figura — “the beautiful figure” — is about making a strong first impression. It’s about presenting yourself with care, not vanity.
Key wardrobe pieces:
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Tailored trousers and high-waisted pencil skirts
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Silk blouses in soft tones or jewel colours
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Fitted knitwear (not oversized)
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Leather loafers or heeled boots
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Structured coats in wool, camel, or cashmere
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Accessories: sunglasses, fine jewellery, scarves
Italian women dress to flatter their figure, not to hide it. The fit is everything.
2. For Men: Sprezzatura Style
Italian menswear is all about sprezzatura — studied nonchalance. You look put together without trying too hard.
Key wardrobe pieces:
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Unstructured blazers in lightweight wool or linen
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Slim-fit chinos or tailored trousers
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Fitted shirts (rolled cuffs encouraged)
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Loafers without socks or leather brogues
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Cashmere jumpers or turtlenecks
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Tailored outerwear like double-breasted coats
Colours are usually classic — navy, cream, black, charcoal — but bold hues are embraced in subtle ways (think: a burgundy knit or deep green trouser).
Style Tips: How to Dress Like an Italian
✅ Prioritise Fit
Nothing screams non-Italian like a poorly fitting blazer or baggy trousers. Tailoring is non-negotiable. And if you don’t want to alter everything you buy, Tellar.co.uk helps you shop clothes that fit perfectly in the first place — based on your actual measurements.
✅ Invest in Quality Fabrics
Italians rarely wear synthetics. They love:
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Cotton and linen in summer
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Wool, cashmere, and leather in winter
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Silk for elegance all year round
Buy fewer pieces, but better.
✅ Master the Monochrome Look
A full tonal outfit (all navy, all cream, all camel) looks effortless and expensive. Monochrome is a core Italian styling technique that never goes out of fashion.
✅ Don’t Over-Accessorise
Choose one statement piece — a gold necklace, a luxury bag, or classic sunglasses. Italian style whispers; it never shouts.
✅ Confidence Is Key
Your posture, attitude, and self-assurance complete the look. Italian elegance is as much about how you wear your clothes as what you wear.
Italian Brands That Define the Look
Whether you're aiming for Milanese minimalism or southern flair, these brands encapsulate Italian fashion’s best qualities:
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Max Mara – iconic coats and sharp tailoring for women
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Brunello Cucinelli – understated luxury for men and women
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Boglioli – relaxed, deconstructed suiting for men
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Patrizia Pepe – bold and feminine pieces
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Loro Piana – top-tier wool and cashmere
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Tod’s & Ferragamo – classic leather shoes and accessories
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Weekend Max Mara & Marella – everyday elegance
But a warning: sizing in Italian brands is notoriously inconsistent — even more so if you’re shopping internationally.
Why Tellar.co.uk Is the Perfect Fit for Italian Fashion
Italian fashion is only as elegant as the fit allows — but figuring out your correct size in Italian labels can be a minefield. Size 42 in one brand may feel like a UK 10, while in another it fits like a 6.
That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.
✔️ Your Body, Matched to the Right Size
Tellar takes your chest, waist, and hip measurements (or your size in a brand you already know) and instantly recommends the best-fitting size across 1,500+ brands — including Italian labels.
✔️ Works in Seconds
No more decoding size charts or second-guessing EU conversions. Just enter your details once and shop stress-free.
✔️ Totally Free to Use
Tellar is the UK’s leading free sizing tool — no sign-up fees, no complicated apps.
🎯 Try it here:
👉 https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/
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Final Thoughts
Italian fashion is a masterclass in dressing well without trying too hard. It’s refined, confident, luxurious — and always intentional.
But above all, Italian style is about knowing your shape and choosing clothes that fit it perfectly. That’s why Tellar.co.uk is the perfect partner in your style journey.
Find your perfect size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.
Start now at Tellar.co.uk.