This is how you bring out your inner Italian woman
If you had to name two types of women that rank high on your style-would-like-to-be list, they would probably be the French woman (the Parisienne to be precise) and the Italian. And although they are geographically close to each other, in terms of style they could be at opposite ends of the world. One does less, the other goes full throttle. Opposites attract, as they say, because we love both types. And since I am currently residing in +39, I will give you the tips to unleash your inner Sophia Loren.
1. More is more
Actually, everything Coco Chanel said should be on a list. But there is one exception: ‘Before you leave the house, take one thing off.’ You won’t see an Italian do that quickly. Her credo is: ‘more is more’. So both those earrings and that necklace and those logo sunglasses and those rings. An Italian has a rich vocabulary, but ‘too much’ is not in it.
2. Make your voice heard
It’s really not true that Italian women are submissive housewives dancing to their husband’s tune. They are the boss at home. My beloved has found out that if he really wants to convince someone, he has to say that ‘la moglie’ (the wife) doesn’t want it that way. Then all the men nod obediently and immediately do what he wants. The Italian woman has a low, heavy voice. She speaks loudly and with passion. If you want to admire a wallflower, you shouldn’t look for one in Italy.
3. Eat and talk about food
Food is one of the most important things in life. So you wake up, chatting about yesterday’s ragù and softly fantasizing about tonight’s tagliata. You eat everything and drink too. But you have your secrets. Italians secretly practice intermittent fasting without ever calling it that. They have breakfast with a caffè (so an espresso). Those delicious cornetti (Italian croissants) are definitely there, but the real Italian doesn’t eat them; at lunch they go all out with four courses and everything that comes with it, but in the evening they eat light. A bit of vegetables, a fish, and no pasta. Then you know that it’s not unfairly distributed in life. They can’t eat everything either. They just spread the food smarter throughout the day.
4. Bling to the bling
Where French women mess up their hair for that nonchalant I-don’t-know-how-it-happens effect, the Italian looks polished. Everything is done: nails painted, hair blow-dried, a little sparkle here and a logo there… The worst thing that can happen to you is that someone hasn’t noticed you. And of course, she prefers an Italian brand over one from another country. She is quite patriotic after all.
5. Take everything seriously
That’s where the French and Italian women meet. Talk. About politics, literature, exhibitions. Participate!
6. Women work full-time
Children are the most important thing in Italy, but the women here also know that working ahead helps. So five days at daycare is normal, not a sin as is sometimes thought in the Netherlands. We need to get over that. Good childcare is the means for us to have a career. I’m not saying it has to be done, but if you want to work, it’s really not a problem to take your child to daycare. In France, Italy, and Sweden, five-day daycare weeks are very normal, and if you choose a good daycare, your child is in good hands there too.
7. Give me that job
Italy ranks among the highest in Europe when it comes to women in top management positions. 29% of the positions are held by a woman, and if you go to a doctor/notary, you will often meet a woman as well. Part-time work is not an option here, which propels them faster into higher positions. Italian women feel equal to men in work relationships, and men are proud when their wife holds a high position.
