Mays mODECOLLEGE

What you can learn from the Italian woman

The autumn holiday brought me to my beloved Italy, specifically to the region of Puglia. The area of the trulli, or the smurf houses as my daughters call them, and the birthplace of Anna Dello Russo. A good reason to see what we can learn from the Italian woman. And where we might want to stay away from, because here it’s both-and what time it is.

1. Both-and

The Italian woman is an anti-Parisienne. Logos are preferred, just like sequins, sneakers adorned with rhinestones if possible. One of Coco Chanel's wise style advices was: before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off. Well, that lesson has not reached the Italian woman. Which is also quite nice; it certainly doesn’t get boring.

2. Do your hair

Here no messy je-ne-sais-quoi, but neatly blow-dried, shiny hair. Well-cut, well-groomed. A statement hairstyle, in short.

3. Dots

What the check is for southern France, the dot is for Italy. For that better instant Mediterranean effect.

4. Color

You won’t quickly find an Italian dressed head to toe in black. Unless she is attending a funeral. Color, prints; she celebrates life and radiates that in her outfit.

5. Just a little different

The Italian woman does not like straightforward. The sleeves of her coat are just a little shorter or have a bell sleeve, her jacket is tailored, there’s a zipper in the sleeve, and the jeans have a few embroidered flowers on the leg. Her outfit surprises, in short.

6. Sequin fun

It really doesn’t have to be Saturday night to legitimize sequins. Do as the Italians do and shine even on Sunday afternoon with your sequin top. Just wait and see how much fun it will be.