How to Dress Like an Italian Woman | Closet Essentials Guide for Italian Style

[@francescafanali59]

I'm italian and I live in Italy. In italian fashion culture is not important to be trendy but to be dressed well. You don't need to be elegant to make "bella figura". The most important thing is to be clean and "in ordine" : take a shower, brush your teeth and hair, cut your hair and your nails, put perfume. After this, we prefer elegant outfit in special occasion and more casual outfits for every day. Obviously, it depend from what you have to do every single day. We have the concept of "vestito della domenica" (sunday dress). Historically, many people did humble jobs, so Sunday was the only day to dress well. They wore their best clothes and jewerly to go to church . Now we do the same in Saturdays night and for every special occasion. We want to show our best. "Sciura" is not italian but dialet (Milan, Lombardia). She is an old woman, who wears big fur and special occasion jewerly. She is a old-times woman. Italians are obsessed with shoes. No matter your age: young people are obsessed with expensive sneakers. If somenthing is trendy, you can see everyone with those shoes. It appened with nike air force, adidas stan smith, jordan ecc ecc. (sorry if I made some mistakes)

[@bennyton2560]

your english is very good! thank you for the insight 😀

[@anaalves3658]

I totally agree with you, I'm Portuguese and I remember my grandparents who used to do a lot of manual labour in fields always looking put together for Sunday and any special occasions, baptism, wedding, birthday etc. My dad didn't get that gene 😂😂😂 but my mom makes sure that he has nice clothes😊. I used to work in the film industry as a camera assistant, I had to wear practical clothes and would get dirty on a daily basis. On Sunday I could dress up a bit nicer, my sister would always comment on it 😂 she was the opposite, she has a corporate job, so Sunday she just wants to be in sweatpants 😂😂😂😂😂.

[@peopleofmiami]

More Italian style! Nobody is talking about it, and it’s FAB

[@hadraaa]

I live in Italy. I see so much difference between young girls (a lot like Chiara Ferragni) and women. but in general when it comes to clothes, Italians are fascinated by fabrics: wool, silk, cashmere, linen, etc.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for the insight! xx

[@jayjaytailor]

You do an incredibly good job of imitating other people's closets, considering that you have so few items of your own. Having said that, doesn't it make life more interesting? It reminds me of stories my mum used to tell me about 'making do' and 'improvising' when things were rationed during the war. Moreover, in this day and age of overindulgence, we should all be grateful for what we have got! Great series Alyssa.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thanks so much for this insightful comment and yes I agree! I believe that "limitations" are what drive creativity - at least in my case! Thanks so much for watching xx

[@highheelsinthewildernessby7402]

We travelled to Italy in 2018. I was struck by how much more I loved the style of the women in Rome than I had a few years earlier on my first visit to Paris. What struck me most was all the sneakers, or sneaker type shoes I saw everywhere. Older women, younger women, even kids wore their stylish sneakers with everything. Jeans of course, but also dress pants, suits, and in particular dresses. I was so glad that I’d packed my Stan Smith Adidas. I felt well put together at all times, since I ditched my dress shoes and wore my sneakers with everything. 😊

[@simogi2845]

Ciao Alyssa, I am Italian, born and raised there, now living in the USA. I like your videos, your attitude is kind and positive. I think that the logic of breaking down others' outfits to recreate them with our own closet is what we also do as Italians when inspired by looks we see on social media, fashion magazines, and even shops' windows. I think you picked right when arranging your outfits for this video: the length and fit of the pants (and if I may, also of the skirt) are key elements. I can't recall if you mentioned in the other video about the Italian style, but I think that we also like to create unexpected combinations: like the fluffy skirt paired with a simple black t-shirt of Miuccia Prada. It would be easy to pair that skirt with a fancy top, while it's rather unexpected to combine it with a simple top that comes from the daytime closet. It creates that "unusual character" that makes you stand out in the room. This is my logic, every morning :) . It is worth saying that we have then different styles depending on the geographical area of Italy, but I think that you have pretty much captured the good main points. Thanks!

[@VanCrane]

I‘m from Germany, but sometimes people think I‘m italian and that is so a great compliment, especially from italian. Maybe it’s my diva attitude 💁🏻‍♀️ or my sunglasses 😎 I always wear my sunglasses and I must laugh when you say the same, I don’t know it yet ☺️ And I love Italy for their culture, fashion, mentality and food 😍

[@صقرالصحراء-ب1ب]

Vanny Crane hlo

[@ixamxmsright]

I think another key point to the Italian woman is FEMININITY, always that quiet sex appeal.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

oh yes great point! Thank you for sharing!

[@goldagabriel5506]

ixamxmsright i wouldn’t even call it quiet feminity..italian women are boldy feminine... think Monica Belucci, Sophia Lauren...

[@christiana_mandalynn]

Your breakdowns with the photos, the various text fonts, are fantastic! It is so helpful!! Also, when you put together the gold outfit, I wasn’t sure, but when you demonstrated it all together, I was STUNNED. You look phenomenal!! Sticking to the color palette for YOU was amazing, you tailored it to you and it was so fun to see how you did it ❤️

[@taranapolitano9587]

Yes, I’d love more shop your closet Italian girl style, breaking down the looks from last week’s look book

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Sounds great thank for watching Tara! xx

[@livewelljess]

As someone who is also very much into slow fashion, I recently discovered your channel and have been enjoying it so much! I had a goal for myself in 2019 to by secondhand first whenever possible and only purchased a handful of new items to fill in gaps. It was such a fun journey, and I learned a lot about my personal style through the process and how to cultivate a wardrobe I love in a more sustainable way. My husband and I are taking a Mediterranean cruise this summer, and as I’ve been researching, I’ve really resonated with Italian fashion and it’s inspired me so much not only for my travel capsule but for my wardrobe long term. Thanks for creating such great content! I’ve taken quite a hiatus from creating content myself but have been feeling very inspired lately by content like yours to start creating and sharing again.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi there! Wow that's so exciting to hear about your commitment and journey to slow fashion - have a wonderful time away and so happy to hear you're feeling inspired! Thanks for watching! xx

[@TheMaryWriter]

That second shop your closet outfit is superb. One thing I love about your channel is that you really do buy new at such a slow rate I see the same pieces styled over and over again...and it never gets boring! (It's also fun to guess what pieces you will pull when you shop.)

[@irairod5160]

Those gold pants! Talk about having a WOW piece and letting everything else play supporting roles! Bellissima!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you Irai! They are so old but come in handy! Thanks for watching! xx

[@dluckygurl8]

OMG! I love, love, love how you re-created the street style looks by raiding your own closet and using what you've already got! Love both looks and how I wish there were more! Please do more of these 'shop your own closet' videos!!!

[@nomvulavmoloko6255]

Thank you, Alyssa. This shop your closet series is an eye opener. Keep them coming. Your analysis is so sharp and the ability to interpret it to your wardrobe is sheer brilliance.

[@kathleenkalt3852]

I love your analysis of the inspiration outfits. You are helping me educate my fashion eye. Whereas I first saw Prada's skirt and thought, "That's a color I'd never spend money on," you saw movement. Very interesting.

[@lauraginesi4230]

The way you break down the outfits to re-create from your own closet is just fab. Thanks! I really miss my late (Italian) mother-in-law’s advice about style but now there is you instead!! So helpful. ⭐️

[@sarahasan275]

the way you crack an outfit is very smart and astonishing. They should teach this in schools

[@pattir5967]

Omg! I love your Italian Woman videos. I especially love the concept of having one statement piece to add pop or edge to an outfit. Yes please to a video on Italian beauty. Ciao Bella!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

So glad you like them Patti! Have a great Sunday! xx

[@allisonsack9207]

Loved the shop your closet segment! It’s got me thinking about my own closet and how I can pull together similar outfits

[@karranuhr2881]

Love your personality in your videos. Makes me think of shopping my closet as fun instead of frustrating. Would love to see u use your tulle, fringe tiered skirt and gold pants for multiple casual occasions. Thank you, Karran

[@lose999]

#1 Attitude - I need to adjust my mindset! Yes, please to a shop your closet shoe version!! I've been waiting... I recently thrifted a red leather pair of Cole Hahn driving loafers. Ciao for now!

[@lizabethaelizabeth9515]

loved it. I was stunned to hear you explain how you choose the elements of your outfit to resemble your inspiration. That's how I do it too. I thaught that I was crazy. Nobody ever told me how to do it. Thank you so much

[@nadiamar9339]

I'm afraid you're right: shoes as it would rain ... Can't stop buying them. I'm Italian. Baci and thanks for your nice video ( we also have bad moments in fashion as well)

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Ah I'm so glad you liked it :) thank you for watching! xx

[@danymiller1405]

Another hit! Please bring us more on Italian style, I love the way they can look classy and sexy at the same time (my goal in my 50s).

[@lily-rb1xt]

Exactly!! Attitude and confidence are the most important✨✨

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you for watching!

[@indupartha9423]

Thank you for brightening up my Sundays! I love your approach to your inspo looks- not getting bogged down by having your item be the same as the inspo...but just giving off the same vibe. But oh la la - how gorgeous is that Giovanna Engelbert look?!?! ♥️♥️😱

[@lindagarrido4353]

You've inspired me to hit the vintage stores when I'm back in Rome. Ciao bella!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

yes!! Happy vintage shopping! xx

[@lisadougherty5999]

That was fun! I just found your channel today,since I'm home sick, I'm Sicilian, and love your energy, Ciao Bella.

[@marybethvalentine1161]

Maybe for part #3 find an expert in italian makeup and have him/her as a guest. I love these videos.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Glad you like the idea and this video! xx

[@mariasancioni8413]

Loved the first look, those light colors really suit you!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you so much Maria! xx

[@lygiabing4936]

Hello Alyssa from New Zealand. I've been watching your videos ( and subscribed) for a while and love them. Impressed with your concepts and creativity which inspire me to work with my wardrobe in a new light. Keep up the good work. Baci.

[@nancyott574]

I loved these recreations. The way you break down an outfit and then recreate it from your own closet is inspiring.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you! The series dedicated to shopping your closet is one of my most popular:)

[@silviak.1115]

Well done....AGAIN! Thanks Alyssa. And ...... more Italian please. Always love shop your closet to help me use what I have.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you! so glad you like this series :) Thank you for watching! xx

[@rebeccabryan3092]

Alyssa, you have a wonderful imagination and style. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@groovysecondhalf]

These videos are so motivating me to hit vintage shops while I am traveling thru Europe! My biggest challenge may be that I am a plus size 16.

[@giovannavissa5037]

As usual this video presentation is perfect. Love the Italian look always so classic and neutral but at the same time they can have fun with colors at the right time, right occasion. The Bella Figura is a staple in the Italian language. Look good feel good. You look as always great with whatever you choose to wear. What can I say, you have the Italian look and the emotional part as well.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you liked the video Zia bella figura is really a staple! Thank you for watching! xx

[@jeannadesisto8705]

It was inspiring to watch you adapt what you have. I can't wait to dive into my own wardrobe and reimagine it. Bravo! And thank you.

[@anaalves3658]

My sister used to be known for her statement rings, she had about 40, every colour, big, bold, you couldn't miss them 😊. It was her thing, everyone knew that she had a different ring on every day to match the rest of her outfit 😊. She is not Italian, but Portuguese 😊.

[@lydiazipp5667]

Fabulous video! I loved it. I was able to put together an outfit from my closet and I felt great in it. Super fun!!! Thank you

[@keeperofthememories]

I love this series and would love anything more you can give us on Italian style! So fabulous! My favorite look was #2 and I actually preferred your version.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you and thank you for the suggestion! :)

[@dehaan714]

Thanks again for the video! Its so much fun to see how creative you are with your own clothes. Looking forward to part III ! Ciao!

[@patriciad.7309]

Hi Alyssa, I spent the whole of this cold and snowy morning in bed reading 'Bella Figura'! I enjoyed it immensely, thanks for the recommendation!

[@gabrieledavid1300]

This was so inspiring. I have so many ideas now. Thank you very much. More of that please!!!!

[@cynthialeeser7952]

This was really fun and appreciated. You’re great at this. I love your smiling, and your expressive hands. It was a hit. The first look was just as good the second look was better than the example..

[@elizabethwright4784]

I like your outfits better than the inspiration looks. You do a wonderful job of breaking down the elements for us! 💐

[@carolbohn5900]

You did an amazing job of emulating Italian looks with your own clothing and shoes. It opened my eyes to using what I have and creating a similar look to what I see on the street or on Pinterest. Well Done!

[@christinemartin9449]

Hi from England. I just love these videos, they give me so much inspiration, thank you.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hello from Canada! Thank you so much for the kind comment xx

[@SeamsLikeAGoodIdea]

I so love the way you break down the looks and what's important in them. The two that you did from your own closet were just stunning. It probably says something about my own utilitarian closet that I don't have anything that approximates metallic pants or a feathery/fringy skirt. I just love this inspirational series!

[@sarabovini6628]

Oh Alyssa, you are great...you make me laugh so much...we have closets full of confidence!!!!

[@MDORLE]

Loved your interpretation of the looks and demonstration

[@33Jenesis]

I went on long trips to Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Italians in general are hands down more polished and stylish, especially men of any age. Handbag, shoes, accessories, hair, and hygiene are mostly on point. I really adore Italian sense of style and living (great food, wine, and produce). You remind me so much of the women I saw in Italy. The tourists don’t dress as put together as locals of any age.

[@esmalte8197]

I love your videos! I recently discovered you on KZbin and subscribed to your channel. I want to continue watching your videos but I have OCD and the spoon in the cup makes me nervous, I know it's silly, but could you take it out next time please? I'm already waiting for the third part.

[@stephaniesharpe1504]

100% hit love love love how you made the first one in different color scheme. And i think i actually prefer your version of the second look

[@inna7974]

Great video! I love how you focus on the inspirations but at the same time go beyond them and your personality

[@inna7974]

And add your personality

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you liked it Inna thank you for watching! xx

[@maroulio2067]

Another wonderful video. Your versions are a great lesson in adaptation. I like the white skirt with the black top better than the green skirt as it looks too Halloweenish. Keep these videos coming!

[@1new2green]

I definitely like your version better on both outfits...can you show some more classic styles too? I'm an older woman but love your channel. Thanks for sharing

[@everythingforeveryone107]

Beautiful Italian style of dresses collection

[@jojoshane]

I always prefer what you are wearing to your inspiration models!

[@srishtisharma9090]

Thankyou for doing that closet breakdown. And you rocked it.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

So glad you liked it! xx

[@sandraw.6701]

Really really enjoyed this video! Thank you for sharing so many good tips!!! Loved the idea of breaking down the inspiration and than pulling and matching outfits from your closet that aren't the same but are still vibing in the same direction. More videos like that please! Kisses from Poland ❤☀️

[@bettecalhoun5865]

Love these looks especially look #1. Yours is better than the inspiration. The nearest store to me is a Goodwill. I am learning from you to find the inspiration and then shop your closet to create the look. Feeling very inspired. Have a beautiful day!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

wonderful! So glad you're finding more inspiration in your own closet, that's what I'm after! Thanks for watchnig! xx

[@liliottawa3733]

You are always so classy in your videos.... truly enjoy every one of them!

[@marciaricksgers2018]

Your skirt ensemble is the bomb!!!! I love it!!!

[@MERALACXBACKINGPAN]

If I ever get to Italy, I’ll definitely be thrifting!!

[@askinacollection7798]

Hi Alyssa ! Thank you for the 2nd part! I also love how you show diversity in your inspo pictures :-) Keep doing great videos !

[@heathervalentine8222]

Sensational, Alyssa!! Both outfits are gorgeous. This is such a great initiative and I think in the youtube space, no one but you does this. Magnificent.

[@jeanettekays1954]

I actually like your version of the looks better. Good video. Italian style is super cool.

[@barbaralorenzana5666]

Loved the second look and your explanation. That skirt gets me everytime, it beautiful.

[@deborahmac1997]

Loved this. You have a great arsenal of vintage and contemporary pieces that you blend so well. I love vintage also and sometimes struggle with what I hold onto and what to keep while also trying to minimize.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

That is always a tough decision that I still struggle with! Thanks for watching Deborah!

[@juliam7056]

Another great video! Love how you convert the looks. Really interesting and inspiring. Keep them coming ♡

[@pipavino5347]

Oh, such a great video! Please can you do more „breaking down looks“ videos? 🤩

[@bennyton2560]

that second fit omg 🤩

[@christinamanucy8037]

Alyssa! You always pick such great looks to recreate. I like how you adjusted the one to fit into your color palette! I think you could have gone for bright yellow on the top for the second look--just a suggestion! Have a great week!

[@sarahryanthestylecoach]

I'm in love with your skirt!!! I can only imagine the movement of it when you're walking, must be amazing! Loving all your vintage pieces. Great video!

[@anitaclemens2609]

That was very informative, Alyssa. Thank you. Lots to think about. I started following those Instagramers. I will purchase the book and I loved your shop you closet outfits. I have a lime green dress, that I was going to donate, but I think it will look great with a black sweater, strappy black heels and was that a silver/grey clutch? I have a clutch collection you wouldn't believe. Got a lot from my dear departed mother. I loved this video. I do not have metallic slacks but I do have a pair of black shiny ones, I can easily put a long sleeve black tee under a grey pullover, tie a black scarf around my neck and I have caramel colored sandal shoes and a light beige bag.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Hi Anita! Sounds like you have some great items in your wardrobe! And you will love the book, please let me know what you think! xx

[@desleykakoulidisgallaway3382]

very nice - good matches in shopping closet - I'm trying to do that too

[@eftsoons]

Love your videos. You’ve completely changed my everyday style! I feel so much more put together with just a couple of belts added to my wardrobe. Focusing on editing. For your Prada outfit just a suggestion though obviously there are so many ways to approach this game: I was expecting you to grab a neon pop of color somewhere else in the outfit (shoes, accessories) and roll up your sleeves to get the elbow sleeve look. But then you matched the hemline of the skirt with longer sleeves and it’s more conservative but works! So cool. I haven’t been brave enough to try to replicate an inspiration outfit yet but slowly gaining skills in what to look for!

[@vivalafrance9547]

Wow I think you nailed it! Love all of them. Your ensambles look better than the sample photos

[@karycastonguay4825]

I love your shop my closet segments, It inspires me every time to create new outfits of my own!

[@jodangelo-fotopoulos7030]

I really liked the second outfit. Even though it was different colour wise etc, I still thought it caught the essence of the original inspiration. I’m new to your channel and am loving it Alyssa!

[@marblehead3180]

Loved the last look on you.

[@royalnavarre1673]

Alyssa, your second outfit looked better than the comparison outfit, which was too casual on top compared to the bottom. You have good fashion sense ☺. I enjoy your videos.

[@Bella-tj4ti]

Love this video! I actually learned a lot. Being Italian American I it is just ingrained in me to always be dressed.

[@Surabhigurukar]

Love this series. I love looking at silhouettes and pairings from other cultures. I love sissiottostyle for her clever use of colour. Both of you inspire me to really push the boundaries of my closet. Thank you for always inspiring

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

I'm so glad you like this series and thank you for the suggestion, always love discovering new inspo! Thank you for the kind words! xx

[@scsophiecowan8634]

Thank you Alyssa for teaching me to shop my closet. I absolutely enjoy all of your video - keep it up. Belissimo jolie fille.

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying shopping your closet Sophea! xx

[@susanharkema2888]

This is so much fun to see you replicate looks. Look #1 - LOVE that yours was a light version (how about a pop of color in bag?), Look #2 - love the choices on bottom but a smaller black T would be SO cute.

[@williamkazak469]

Hi Alyssa, I have been watching your videos for some time trying to understand the mindset of Italian dressing. On the guys, it seems to me that they are very well tailored, sometimes tight looking. Often, an unusual combination as well. I notice the Italian women seem to enjoy white and black combinations. I like, on them, the tops that are looser with lots of white fabric. Catches my eye immediately. I am a blonde guy, and navy is my darkest color. I finally understand the shop your closet concept. I like a blue blazer on me where I can see that it is blue and not the bottomless dark blue that is called navy in menswear. I have most everything already in my closets. It is not necessary to go shopping for more. Rather, I can start being more focused on possible combinations of clothing already in my closets. Thank you for your videos. When I was in high school, there were a lot of Italian girls. They had beauty and style and I certainly noticed them.

[@YousNora]

I get a lot of style inspiration from Italian films from the 60’s and 70’s, such as suspiria. It’s a horror film, usually not my preferred genre, but the fashion is so good!

[@jennifermelville891]

This was so fun! Heading to Italy this summer and plan todo people watching and style notes for fun

[@anthroherpon]

Girl, your combinations are better that the original ones!

[@elisiajv7136]

Yes to shop your closet shoe and purse .

[@denovo2008]

Looking great and definitely more fabulous then Miuccia Prada.. Hoping for part # 3!

[@lllovesalll]

When in a pinch, I've used a thin, soft long-sleeved sweater in lieu of a scarf tied around the neck or thrown over a shoulder. Your scarf worked great because you nailed the overall feel. Looking forward to shoe and beauty videos too! 😘

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

oh my gosh WHAT a great idea! Thank you for sharing!! xx

[@dc1598]

I haven’t even started watching but I know I’m going to LOVE IT! Bonus for me, I’m going to Italy!!

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

haha I hope you liked it!! And have a wonderful trip!!

[@dc1598]

Liked your skirt outfit better!

[@RB-os7qw]

Great analysis of each look. It really helps a newbie like me. Thanks!

[@Style-ov5qb]

You’re speaking my love language again Alyssa ❤️

[@ms_prescott_regrets]

Love ❤️ the closet improvisation. Now I understand my sunglasses fixation 😉

[@Kelbel5995]

Despite the totally different color palette/pieces, you really NAILED these looks :)

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Thank you KellY!

[@kgodess9994]

You looked much better than she did in the last outfit with your Prada shoes on. Actually I think you looked fabulous. You are extremely creative. Bravissimo!!!!