Italian Fashion Trends (for Women)

"What are the Italians wearing" is a common question.  It comes as a surprise to many that not everyone walks around in their Gucci, Prada, or Dolce&Gabbana.

As the weather turns colder, the style is completely changing.  Here are some of the current fashion trends in Rome.

First there are the common rules of dress in Italy.  Quality over quantity, dress up (no hoodies, t-shirts, crappy shoes), black is king.  

Shiny, puffy coats.  Seriously.  Romans are babies and completely bundle up in 60 degree weather while I'm in a blouse, but the puffy winter coat is coming out in full force.  Purple, silver, and black are the favorites.  

Scarves.  This hasn't changed much throughout the years, because a fabulous scarf is always an easy way to spruce up an outfit.  Solid colors or checkered.

Shawls.  Huge, wool shawls you just throw over the entire outfit.  

Matchy matchy.  The Italians love getting matchy matchy.  It is not unusual to see a girl with bra straps, belt, purse, and shoes in exactly the same raspberry pink.  

Superga's.  "The people's shoe of Italy."  These are similar to keds sneakers, but come in fantastic colors.  Yes, I purchased a pair of sparkly silver and can't wait for the stares when I get back to the States.  Everyone here is wearing them or knock-offs.

Boots.  It is definitely boot season.  Above the knee is everywhere.  Black, light brown, dark brown, grey, and purple.  

Black & Brown.  Yes! It is ok to wear black and brown.  Go ahead and wear brown boots with a black outfit, or throw a light brown belt over that black dress.  Embrace it America. 

Tights/leggings. Patterned tights, really opaque black tights, fall color tights. Wear them with boots, a little sweater dress, and a big coat.  

Pajama sets!  Adorable little pajama sets!  Even young adults wear them hahaha.  I don't think I'm going to hop onto that bandwagon.

Alviero Martini 1a Classe Handbags.  They are purses with maps of the world on them.  Pricey and very popular.  

Black Winter Coat.  The pea coat is everywhere, but rising in popularity are the coats with some type of adornment around the collar.  Huge and puffy collars or just something unique.  

Equestrian.  Everything my Mom was wearing 10 years ago is all the rage at Zara.  Tweed, equestrian style pants, shoes I'm pretty sure I wore to ride horses.  There is also a bit of a 20's throw-back.  

Solid Colors. Patterns are scarce, stick with simple.

That's all for now! I'll update if more comes to mind.