The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
I wish I’d screwed up the courage to take street style photos while in Italy, because the people there — especially the Florentines — were deeply chic. The only photo I snapped was of the above men on their way to work in Como; the men in Como were beautifully dressed. A lot of sharp, tailored trousers with perfect breaks at the ankle, trench coats, wood handled umbrellas (it was drizzly), loafers. And black, black, and more black. (And can you even deal with the gentleman’s briefcase above?!)
On the women, I saw a lot of wide leg jeans, blazers (especially in plaid and houndstooth), loafers, trench coats, and black. The vibe:
VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // FREDA SALVADOR LOAFERS // AGOLDE REN JEANS // TOTEME BAG
You can recreate the look for less with a blazer like this or this. I feel like the look was a bit oversized in Florence — almost worn like a top coat versus a blazer. So you could do this J. Crew Factory one I’ve been sharing but maybe go up a size or two to get the vibe? For loafers for less, try these or these (I also saw a fair amount of lug sole boots and loafers — these would be cool); for jeans, these.
MANGO TRENCH // CASHMERE SWEATER (MENS – SLOUCHY) // FAVORITE DAUGHTER PANTS // BOTTEGA BAG // UMBRELLA // JAMIE HALLER LOAFERS
I’ve been wanting a classic trench for awhile, and I ordered this well-priced Mango one. My plan is to see how often I reach for it / style it, and if it’s frequent enough, I’ll eventually invest in a Burberry. I also love Sezane’s take for something in between.
For affordable cashmere crewnecks, I can’t implore you to try Quince’s cashmere assortment more. They have $49 crewnecks in loads of colors, but in my opinion, the jewel is this $69 shrunken cashmere sweatshirt. The silhouette and fit read more modern/contemporary, and I find myself reaching for mine constantly. I have one in a marigold color that’s now sold out but I think I might buy in either gray or brown? The gray is calling my name. Imagine with great jeans and a blazer? I take my true size (xs) and find it’s flattering on its own or layered over a slim-fit button down (this one is my favorite). And final note on Quince cashmere: their sold-out-in-a-minute Mongolian cashmere cardigan is back in stock for pre-order. This has been the dark horse of my fall wardrobe. I wear it all the time — a perfect top layer over a fall dress, or layered over a blouse or tee with jeans. It has a nice structure to it and is unbelievably well made relative to price. (You can also upgrade to the Jenni Kayne Cooper, upon which it is probably modeled, although at least two Magpies have written to say they own both and can hardly tell the difference between the two.) I love it so much I am contemplating buying the black or brown? Can’t tell how much I’d wear the black. I am more of a brown / taupe / ivory person these days?
Back to Italy for a second: the other really chic thing I spotted was a family (I believe they were speaking Hungarian) at Passalacqua. The mother and daughter were both wearing (I’m almost positive) Emilia Wickstead; I’m 90% certain the daughter was wearing this to dinner. Wow. Even Mr. Magpie commented on them!
Will wrap up my thoughts on our Italian sojourn with a recap of our three nights in Como soon (details of our Tuscany visit here) — let me know if you have any other questions about our trip.
P.S. How to plan a great vacation. (Your comments on this were an actual gold mine.)
P.P.S. What does your job say about you?
P.P.P.S. Under-the-radar rom coms.