Hi,

Just curious if anyone can tell me what is the latest "in" thing as far as fashion is concerned in Italy. I was reading some of the posts on slowtrav and it seems that boots tucked in your jeans was very hot for the Fall/Winter just as it was here in the New York area. My husband and I will be going in May and I would like to at least try to be somewhat stylish eventhough I know I will look like a tourist anyway.

Do Italians wear open-toe shoes in Spring? I like to bring some skirts but hate pantyhose!

fashion in Italy is about the same as NYC. I saw cowboy boots with pants tucked in and left out. Alot of eyelet, big belts, fancy skirts, cropped flared pants, cropped jackets, open toed sandels, pumps in the the stores already for Spring.

You probably want to look like a stylish tourist? great. Why not buy some clothes there?

Fashions in much of Italy and not all that different than in New York. If you look good, clothing wise, in NYC, you will be fine. Yes, some people wear jeans tucked into boots there, as they do here. Yes, some Italian women wear sandals. Much of being au courant depends on where in Italy you will be traveling. I would quit worrying if I were you. Surely leave the pantyhose at home in May.

Pantyhose? Haven't worn those in years!!!

In any major city in Italy you'll see every fashion imaginable. Pashmina type shawls are popular (in the evening) all over Europe. They're great because they pack flat and are much more stylish than taking a jacket or heavy sweater. If you're really good, you can fashion them into about 17 different configurations, much like French women do with scarves. (I have no ability to do either).

Italian women can wear high high heels and navigate over cobblestone streets; this must take years of practice! I had two pairs of not-so-high sandals (one with "kitten heels&quot and about the time I was feeling like a local, and rather smug, I got my heel caught between two cobblestones!

I was in Italy in Sept/Oct and saw lots of women wearing flip flops as well!

Regards,

Melodie

My dear, buy a copy of Vogue, it has catwalk shows from Prada, Gucci, D&G, Armani, Versace, et al - Italian fashion houses, quintessentially Italian styles. Simple.

It's funny, but those fancy skirts with big belts (and come to think of it, the cowboy boot revival too) were all over the streets of NYC last season, so I have a feeling they will be "over" already this year here in the big Apple. But sounds like it's still the thing in Rome. Buying a copy of Italian Vogue (if you can) to study the looks is a great suggestion, as is using some of your time while there to shop Italian style. By all means, leave those pantyhose at home and enjoy!

I just came back from Italy,and I can tell you that the colors this spring are Green-all hues and Orange,especially deep tangerine.I also saw a lot of structured hip-length jackets with belts.

My best friend, Christina, is an editor at French Vogue. She tells me that lace or clothing stenciled with a lace pattern is very "in" right now, especially white clothing with black stenciling. Empire waistes are also the rage. Of course, espadrilles and open-toed wedgies are all over the place.

Now that Oleg Cassini has died, look for pillbox hats next season as a homage.

Hi Polly!!!
The New york Times Style section had a piece on the lace fashions.

I am so glad the NY Times agrees with me, Mimi!

Jackie O sends licks and kisses.

So glad I could leave the pantyhose at home!!! What a relief!! And glad I could also bring the jeans. I noticed eyelet and lace is very popular here for Spring as well. Green was in for fall but haven't seen much of it for Spring. Glad to hear I could wear open toe in May especially if I want to wear a skirt at night to go for dinner or if its too hot to wear pants during the day. I'm still searching for a pair of comfy shoes to wear to walk around in during the day. Thought of some black slip-on athletic shoes since I do want comfort during the day.

Great advice and excellent ideas! I will search for a shawl and I do have a somewhat cropped jeans jacket I might bring. I'm by no means a fashion plate but like to somewhat try to fit in the crowd and maybe get some things while there to bring home. Sounds very similar to whats "in" here. I may have to do some shopping once in Italy but...shhhhhhhh...please don't tell my husband, won't want to scare him.

I strongly believe the best fashion approach is to wear what you feel and look great in at home, from your own normal wardrobe, that is appropriate for the season where you are traveling.

The european women i know personally go bare-legged with skirts, never wear pantyhose.

Just returned from 10 days in Rome, walking all day and night all 10 days. Before I left I ordered a pair of black Merrell zipper top shoes through Garnet Hill, they were amazing..I have never had such wonderful shoes on my feet. Absolutly amazing, my feet were never sore or tired.
As for fashion color in Rome, black, black and black. And everyone has a long scarf around their neck. Nice jeans are fine, saw a lot of jeans with cute short jackets.
You will love Italy, no matter what you have on!

pantyhose are soooo passe...paris hilton is responsible!!!
.I saw a 40 year old woman in shorts and a tee in church ...not very fashionable ones either..she looked like she was dressed for gardening..
tell me is there a link for the stenciled black on white lace look stuff?

I'll have to try on a pair of those Merrels. I've tried something similar and they were quite comfortable. We will be doing tons of walking. I've heard so much about Italian women loving scarfs and they seem to be all over here too.

Hypatia - did you try a store like Anthropologie for the black on white stenciled look stuff? Not sure if that is your style but they might have something. I know I've seen it but cannot remember where. When I come across any other stores with it I will let you know.

Oh, and thank you Paris Hilton even though I don't have the greatest legs in town.

Back recently from Italy. I saw alot of peep toe shoes from flats to kitten heels to wedges. Also earthtones mixed with pale pink especislly chocholate brown. capris and bermuda shorts of every kind and lots and lots of wrap shirts. Metallic is still pretty big.

For headwear: http://www.adamspr.com/Arboretum/MHT2002/SharonJudy.jpg

If you want shoes that are comfortable for all day walking, which I did for more than eight hours daily a few times in Rome in September, try Patricia Munro, definitely available at Nordstrom. Less "sneakery" (if that's a word) than Merrells but seemed just as comfy to me. I wore them out at night, too. A teacher recommended them to me originally so I figured if she can stand all day in them they had to be good. Have fun!

I was in Italy last Sept. Don't worry about bringing scarves - there are stores- relatively inexpensive-everywhere that sell them. In Rome, near the Via Condatti, you can find anything you need in all price ranges. I wore my white Puma tennis shoes and a pair of black low-heeled boots (that I bought there) the entire time we were there. Also, bring some sort of over shirt/sweater. The churches/cathedrals etc. are chilly and the nights may be a bit breezy. Remember, you can always buy what you need - they have just about everything...

Just returned from 10 days in Rome, and window-shopped near Piazza di Spagna.. White frayed eyelet jackets are in.for spring.lots of white with black.. Also at Max & Co. (Max Mara's lower end, more trendy shop) earth tones for the spring, and of course lots of scarves, and dangling earrings. Shop in Italy and save money. I bought 3 tee shirts for 90 Euros at Max & Co. here are the colors they offered, white black, military green and pale pink...this should be a hint as to the color pallette for Spring. Buon Viaggio!