Fashion is important in the Italian culture, and Italians typically pay close attention to a person's clothes. If you are planning a visit to Italy and you would like to fit in with the Italians, then follow some important guidelines when learning how to dress in Italy.
Steps
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Understand that not all Italian people dress the same or expect you to dress a certain way. This is simply a guide that offers generalized tips on Italian style.
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Opt for soft, earth tones, black and white, rather than loud bright colors that stand out. Focus on shades that are not as conspicuous if you want to dress like Italians. Select pastels only in the summer, although beige, cream, grey and white are acceptable throughout the year.
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Wear natural looking make-up at all times if you are a woman. Most Italian women like to be well groomed and have their hair, fingernails, toenails, and eyebrows maintained on a regular basis.
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Select more formal dress-wear if you are not sure what to wear. Opt for quality material, designer labels and the complete look of an outfit. Wearing ties with short sleeve shirts, lightweight summer shirts and jeans is not usual Italian attire. Additionally, a shirt that has not been ironed to a crisp is not suitable with a suit. Jeans, however, are acceptable in a formal situation, as long as they are fashionable, fit well, and are accompanied by a well-designed jacket.
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Refrain from wearing strapless or tank tops for church or whenever you enter a sacred place, as this shows a sign of disrespect. Men should also avoid short-sleeved shirts when visiting ceremonial locations or attending formal events in Italy.
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Note that shorts are not adequate evening wear for men or women, and that Italian men usually don't wear short shorts in Italy; nor do they wear socks with shorts.
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Avoid wearing baggy trousers, shirts and T-shirts in Italy, particularly with large, flamboyant print.
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Be selective when choosing shoes to wear with your outfit. Avoid wearing socks with sandals or open toed shoes, even with casual attire, and especially for men during the evening. You should refrain from wearing flip-flops, unless you are at the beach. Additionally, don't wear white socks unless you are wearing sneakers and playing a sport. Make sure you do wear socks with shoes, and that they coordinate with the shoe or slacks and are not conspicuous.
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Take note that dress shirts without a breast pocket or collar button reflects sophistication.
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Don't wear a fanny pack with your outfit since it suggests that you're a tourist.
