The 8-Piece Wardrobe That Defines Italian-Girl Style

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1528381053249-main

(Image credit: The Street Pie)

Street style photographers have always pointed their lenses toward inspiring outfits, but lately, their cameras have been steadily focused on Italian girls. We’re equally enamoured. Wearing everything from bold statement pieces to minimal silhouettes, Italian girls have a unique take on personal style that has us captivated. Really, it just seems like they’re throwing out the rulebook and having fun with the clothes they’re wearing.

While each girl has her own distinct style, we’ve noticed some key pieces that are essential to the Italian-girl wardrobe. First, there are feathers, which add a statement flourish of fantasy and whimsy to the plainest of outfits. Then there are animal prints, which no respecting Italian donna doesn’t have in plentiful supply. And we can’t forget (or miss) the bold statements—whether it’s the party dressing-by-day of the Attico founders Gilda and Giorgia or the sleek tailoring of Eleonora Carisi, we can all take something from this fearless approach to getting dressed.

Keep scrolling to see just how stylish they are, and shop the eight pieces you need to get Italian-girl style.

#1: Feathers

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1528283696975-main

(Image credit: @alltheprettybirds)

Style Notes: Adoptive Milan resident Tamu McPherson has fallen hook, line and sinker for Italian girls’ predilection for all things feathery. And when they come in chic coat form, who can blame her? 

#2: Animal Prints

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1551975240717-main

(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Style Notes: Animal prints often come loud and proud, and the Italian girls rely on them whether they're en vogue or not.

#3: High-Drama Outerwear

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1551975666051-main

(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Style Notes: When it comes to outerwear, bigger is better for the Milanese set. Whether neutral—like giant camel or furry coats—or more adventurous in print, colour and embellishment, killer coats are a key part of the look.

Related: This Bra-Size Calculator Is a Thing of Genius

#4: A Trouser Suit

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1551976089723-main

(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Style Notes: Eleonora's tailored grey suit is a perfect example of Italian style done right. We love how she wore an oversized blazer with a silky top, heels, sunglasses and designer bag.

#5: High-High Heels

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1551976863415-main

(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Style Notes: Whether the hemlines are high or low, you can guarantee this is a kitten-heel free zone: High stilettos and platforms only, please. Unless you're in flat leather Gucci or Bally loafers, of course.

Related: The 4 Zara Items Everyone Will Want to Buy This Month

#6: Flat-Top Sunglasses

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1528284397963-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Flat-top sunglasses make a cool, retro style statement but still feel completely modern when worn with current separates, as Diletta Bonaiuti demonstrates. 

#7: Miniskirts

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1551976493723-main

(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Style Notes: Take a leaf out of the Attico girls' book and as bold as you dare when it comes to co-ordinating your miniskirts and heels.

#8: Power Logos

italian-fashion-girl-wardrobe-220399-1551977238969-main

(Image credit: @thestylestalkercom)

Italian girls love their designer brands (especially the homegrown ones), so the logo trend is going strong in this part of the world. Gucci anything is a safe bet.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.