Before this trip to Italy, which I have visited fifteen separate times, I watched a few videos explaining what Italians wear. Linen in summer, leather shoes, neutral colors, simple jewelry, and carefully coordinated outfits. Some even suggested that tourists should avoid sneakers, logos on t-shirts, bright colors, or casual clothing.
After my
recent month walking the streets of Rome, Catania, Ortigia, Palermo, Cefalù,
Capo d' Orlando, Messina, Pizzo, Tropea and Tivoli. I found a quite different
reality.
Italians dress
much like the rest of us: according to their lifestyle, the weather, comfort,
and personal taste. I observed white sneakers everywhere. Jeans. Puffer
jackets. Long skirts. Colorful coats. Business attire. Casual attire. Even t-shirts
with logos on both men and women. And occasionally a fabulous pair of boots
that made a statement all their own.
As a former
Fashion Design professor, I find the influencer’s version of Italian fashion
amusing. Real fashion has never been about following rules; it is fashion that reflects
one’s personality, mood, lifestyle, weather, comfort, age, and confidence.
What struck me most was not a particular style, but the individuality. The women I photographed were not models, influencers, or fashion bloggers. These women were simply going about their day - meeting friends, shopping, commuting, enjoying a coffee, or taking an evening stroll.
The greatest
lesson about so-called Italian fashion is not that it does not exist, but it is
often portrayed as something far more standardized than it really is. It has
nothing to do with brands, colors, or trends. The women and men, who looked the
most stylish were the ones who seemed comfortable being themselves.
My
observation was that Sicily and Italy is filled with individuality, not conformity
For you, just travel with what you are
comfortable wearing, relax, observe, and enjoy beautiful Italy as yourself.
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