How To Dress Like an Italian

Accessorise Artfully

“Italy’s a diverse country, with a diverse climate, diverse habits and diverse cultures,” says Persivale. As such, the accessories that Italian men wear are personal, unique and distinctive.

“Your ties, pocket squares, the patterns of your fabrics: every accessory carries the values of the Italian man who wears it.” Translated, accessories can be extravagant and overstated (most often in the south) or muted and understated (in Milan and the north), but they should always be true to the wearer’s own style.

Live And Breathe Sprezzatura

“Sprezzatura is the gift of making difficult things look easy,” says Persivale. “It’s hard to explain to people that it can’t be forced.

“Look into yourself, find the piece of wardrobe that better expresses your taste, your attitude, and go ahead. Rules aren’t really there any more, just break them in a way that makes sense to you, and allow them to tell a story.”

Master Unstructured Tailoring

Lighter, less structured tailoring is a staple of Italian dressing. And even though it lends a more relaxed look to an ensemble, there are still conventions to observe.

“A higher armhole and a fuller sleeve are a thing of beauty on unstructured suiting,” says Persivale. “Also, I’d rather have a slightly higher waist than a too-low waist.”

Trouser Length Is Everything

“I’d always advise paying attention to the way the leg falls on your shoe when you’re having your trousers altered,” says Persivale. “It doesn’t matter if you’re sample size or need significant alterations, find the best tailor for alterations that you can afford.”

The general rule for elegant trousering the Italian way is simple: “Show your shoe without necessarily showing your ankle.”