Re: How to Dress Like An Italian Man

11/14/2014

Condé Nast Traveller recently did a slideshow on How to Dress Like An Italian Man, find it here. And while I very much enjoy any how-to-dress-like-blank features, I had a few disagreements with this particular article. I suppose I am not an Italian man so perhaps I have no right to disagree in the first place, but having been very much associated with one for quite awhile, I feel like I have a bit of an insider approach to the whole concept. First off, the author states 'it starts with an unconstructed, unlined blazer or suit, which exudes a vibe of rumpled nonchalance.' Wait, what. Rumpled? RUMPLED?! That word should not even be whispered around an Italian man, nevertheless used in an article talking about how to dress like one. When Massi was still living here, I ironed his socks and jeans, and even dish towels. With starch too. Ironed socks. So there is no such thing as 'rumpled nonchalance', it is more like a 'perfectly pressed nonchalance'. The author of the post, Matt Hranek, gets it right on the next point however, when he states- 'shirts are almost always pressed and hopefully bespoke (if you can manage)'. Much more on par, thank you or shall I say, grazie. Then, concerning accessories, while wrist adornments are certainly having their moment in the sun, I think we must pay homage to the classics which are obviously chains of Italian gold around the neck, crosses never go out of style. Of course, one must have the groomed chest hair to properly compliment this jewelry. In regards to The Watch, yes, vintage is often preferred- Massi enjoys a Longines passed down from his father. Shoes-wise, I feel like the rules follow that of an Italian sports car...they have to be Made in Italy, they have to be made of quality materials (real everything), and they have to be streamlined and elegant (clunky or square-ish equals no, unless it's Timberlands). Finally, scarves and grooming. Yes and yes. Italian men have a penchant for anything they can wrap around their necks (now let's not get carried away here, you and your dirty mind you), and personal grooming.

Other important things to do if you want to emulate Italian man-ness...

tuck in all shirts. You might not be able to pull this off without an accent though.
always wear a belt. You cannot leave the house without a belt. It is kind of like that rule for women where you should never leave the house without earrings.
no flip-flops unless you're at the pool, beach, or shower.
wear sockettes. That bare ankle look of Italian men is talked about all the time, but I have a sneaky suspicion that they are not wearing their shoes senza socks. You might want to invest in those teeny-tiny socks that don't peek out over your shoes.
tailor everything.
tight pants, 'nough said.
start a sunglass collection, first up...Ray Ban Aviators.
don't skimp on outerwear, If you're going to be out on the streets of Milan in winter, it's chilly and you can't go around flashing your immaculate suit that's hidden underneath a hideous jacket. Look for a wool overcoat in a classic color like navy or beige and for God's sake, if you buy anything with fur, make sure it's real.

Now for more photos of Italian men you wish were your boyfriends. The fact that some of these men are clearly old enough to be my father or grandfather but yet are so darn attractive to me really creeps me out, anyone else?