One of the many things I prepared for before arriving to Viterbo, Was the immense change in fashion styles. I promised myself that when I was packing for this year abroad, I would not bring any items of clothing that were deemed too casual or unfit for a public appearance. And with this mindset, I prepared for my year abroad with a half empty suitcase, with which I knew I would fill with beautiful new clothes and the new fashion trends Id soon witness on the streets of Italy.
Living in Viterbo for a year, I feel fortunate enough to see both the spring and fall fashion. During the fall, I noticed large trench-coats, scarves, and beautiful varieties of black leather jackets roaming the streets on the weekend nights I spent out walking the town. During the day, as I walked to school, I would witness and admire groups of young students smoking cigarettes and aimlessly looking for their next cappuccino. As they roamed the streets, I couldn’t help but notice their all white Adidas, which I have learned or a staple clothing item throughout most of Italy. I myself, have not yet purchased a pair of white Adidas, which are commonly called Sam Smith sneakers. However, I have made it a goal of mine that before I leave, I will purchase a very vintage looking worn pair to take with me back to the states and remind me of the many styles of Italy.
Some of my favorite fashion trends for fall, of which I adapted into my own wardrobe, were the large vintage trench-coat and fluffy wool scarves. I find that when rushing or preparing for a nicer event, both items go seamlessly with many combinations of clothes and always keep a classic style.
Turtlenecks have been one of my very favorite fashion Staples this fall, and I admit, I guiltily bought many colors of the same style because I could not help myself to the idea of wearing a turtleneck almost every day of the week.
The last staple item I’ve adapted into my closet, has been a vintage high wasted jeans. One of the first shopping trips I took in Italy, was to an old thrift store outside of Viterbo. Here, I rummaged through the used vintage clothes and found some old worn jeans that fit perfectly as high waisted pants. I believe, that they were once men’s pants, but to me, sometimes men’s pants do truly make the best boyfriend jeans.
My shoe situation before coming to Italy was much worse than it is now. Packing my bags to leave the United States, I believe I only brought four different styles of shoes. However, I have learned that an Italian woman can never have too many shoes, no matter how similar the look might be between two pairs. My host mother and sister love shoes, and I too have grown a little more excited towards buying a new pair for spring. Every day, instead of the normal track runner sneaker that I sported at college university, I choose a black booty or another form of a classier, dressier, booty to wear out.
One of the best tips I can give, and I’ve learned personally here in Italy, is that a girl can never have too many pairs of black tights. If I had a penny for every time I ripped a seam in my tights after just one wearing, I would be a millionaire by now. I’ve come to the conclusion that the brand, price, or where are you buy your tights does not matter. One of my best solutions, is buying less expensive tights at a convenience store or a small local gift shop scattered around the Viterbo. That way, when you’re not in the mood to put on a pair of jeans, slipping on a pair of tights with the classy skirt easily put an outfit together.
As I’ve added more of the Italian style into my daily wardrobe and outfit schemes, I have learned the valuable lesson that it’s easy to dress up and make a good appearance if you limit yourself to the amount of ugly clothes you have. In other words, instead of filling your closet with track suits and yoga pants, you can begin to train yourself to dress nicer by
buying simple, comfy, and affordable pieces that can be mixed and matched together in various combinations. I hope, that when I go back to the states, I can continue to keep the dressing habits I’ve established here in Italy. When I dress up, I find that I am a little bit more confident throughout my day.
I am very excited to see how the fashion changes in Spring!
Happy Shopping!
Zelda *
Zelda is an Environmental Science student from California who is currently studying abroad in Italy. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, photography and painting. In addition to attending school in Italy, she also manages a travel blog where she documents her experience abroad and discusses culture, food, and her adventures.
Zelda è una Americana della California. Studia Environmental Science e abita in Italia. Quando lei ha del tempo libero, le piace cucinare, fotografare e dipengere. Inoltre, ha un blog, dove descrive la sua vita in Italia.
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