What comes to mind when you think of iconic Italian style? What is it about Italian fashion and design (and life in general!) that sets it apart from the rest? Is it the luxurious materials? The sophisticated designs? Or is it the glamorous way in which Italians wear their clothes?
Everyone has a desired image they would like to project by what they are wearing. Italians walk into a room with confidence knowing they look sharp without looking contrived or superficial.
The allure of Italian style is legendary. From the bright colors and lively patterns of Sicily to the understated elegance of Milan, Italian designers have a unique flair that has made them some of the most famous in the world. But how to define it?
What Is the Iconic Italian Style?
Perhaps it’s the way they mix classic techniques with modern trends, crafting timeless looks that never go out of style. Or maybe it’s the passionate way Italians approach fashion, treating each design as an art form rather than a commodity the unique way in which each Italian fashion designer expresses his or her own creative vision.
One of the things that makes Italian style so unique is its focus on simplicity. Italians believe that less is more, and this shows in their fashion, design, and architecture. They also have a strong sense of tradition and history, which is reflected in their art and culture.
Many Italian men make glamour look easy…but there’s an art to that ease, and it has a name. It’s called “sprezzatura,” which can be loosely defined as a practiced indifference. In other words, a lot of effort goes into creating the appearance of looking like you’re not even trying.
And within this art, perhaps the greatest artist of them all, the ultimate in “Italian cool,” was Marcello Mastroianni. He was the very embodiment of lightness, dry wit, and a nonchalance that are the essence of Italian male style.
“Marcello personified La Dolce Vita: the suave-suited evenings, the skinny ties and double-breasted blazers, the dark glasses lifted by a single finger to glimpse the world before slipping back down onto an elegant Roman nose.” Thea Hawlin, Port Magazine, on Marcello Mastroianni
Undeniably handsome, Mastroianni is celebrated more for the self-effacing humor, affability, and grace that made him one of the world’s most beloved screen personas.
Raised in Rome and Turin, imprisoned by the Nazis in a forced labor camp as a teen, his work with director Federico Fellini, beginning with “La Dolce Vita” in 1960, cemented his stature as an icon of effortless glamour.
“Perhaps no other character in any other film has done more to establish the classic Italian look for men.” British GQ, on Mastroianni in “La Dolce Vita”
How can you (or the husband/dad in your life) achieve the iconic Italian style?
Italians hold their annual Festa del Papá in March, on the same day as The Feast of St. Joseph, while in the U.S. it’s the third Sunday in June
No matter when you celebrate, there’s one thing that holds true across cultures and generations: It is notoriously tough to shop for some men.
On my podcast last year, I interviewed Amy Parsons from Mozzafiato to learn more about her company’s approach to the iconic Italian style. Her online store offers products from all the classic Italian brands in beauty and wellness.
SO… here is the Mozzafiato guide to putting all the pieces together so you can channel your inner Marcello… or find the perfect gift for the “would-be Marcello” in your life.
- Start with confidence, and a little bit of tailoring. Whether a full suit, a well-fitted jacket, or a neatly trimmed pair of pants matched with a great pair of shoes, good tailoring elevates any outfit from slouchy to sophisticated.
- But don’t overdo it to the point of looking fussy…this is where the confidence comes in. Italian men’s style is a balance between refined and relaxed that lets your authentic look and personality shine through. Then complement that look with a fragrance that also speaks authentically to who you are.
- For men as well as women, the basics are the same: Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and take care of your health and vitality. One of our favorite power-packed moisturizers is Perlier’s Hemp Oil for Hair, Face, and Body – the all-in-one oil that helps your skin retain that healthy glow all year round.
- While a great set of sunglasses can certainly look steamy, you’ll want more than shades to limit the effects of sun and environmental damage. An intensive product like TitanYum’s Anti-Age Cream for Him delivers intense moisture to keep skin nourished and elastic. Paired with a regular mud mask, lip balm, and sunscreen, your skin will have the protection it needs to stay healthy and toned.
To make your shopping even easier, my friends at Mozzafiato brought some of their most in-demand choices for men together in The Italian Gentleman Bundle, with classic products from Acqua dell’Elba, Carthusia, Saponificio Varesino 1945, Marvis, and Parco 1923.
Find it and more in the marketplace at Mozzafiato, home to gifts, accessories, and fragrances that channel iconic Italian glamour for men.
How can you achieve the iconic Italian style in your wardrobe?
As mentioned, one of the most alluring things about Italian fashion is the effortless way in which it blends high-end and everyday pieces. A few key styling tips can help you achieve a touch of Italian style, no matter what your budget.
Start by selecting versatile items that can be dressed up or down. Quality fabrics and tailoring are a must, as is sticking to a limited color palette. When it comes to accessories, keep them simple and understated – think thin belts, classic shoes, and a splash of color in your necktie.
Italian style in fashion is all about balance. It’s a mix of classic and contemporary pieces that come together to create an effortlessly stylish look.
