An American’s Guide to Winter Fashion in Viterbo

An American’s Guide to Winter Fashion in Viterbo

By Kyra Bowar USAC student

Before I came to Italy, I definitely Googled, “What do Italians wear in the winter?” I asked friends who had visited Italy and they all said, “Italians are so stylish! Don’t wear tennis shoes or athletic wear or it’ll be obvious that you’re an American.” Now that I’ve experienced everyday Italian fashion firsthand, here are the must-haves in your wardrobe for anyone looking to dress like an Italian in the winter.

A long trench coat. If you want to play it safe, go with black. But if you want to stand out a little try a bright red or forest green coat. Young Italians know how to pull off a splash of color.

Boots. Whether they’re tall or short, black or brown, patterned or simple, you can’t go wrong with a sleek pair of boots. Plus, they’ll make you feel cool with their “click clacking” on the cobblestone streets. (But make sure they don’t hurt your feet. You’ll probably be doing a lot of walking.)

For pants, dark jeans or slacks are always safe. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, pop into a local boutique and see what kind of exciting patterns and shapes they have to offer.

A cozy scarf. It gets chilly in the shade and at night. You’ll see many Italians wrapped up in their own personal, stylish blankets.

Basic, black and white t-shirts and long sleeves. These are essential for layering and go with anything.

Finally, some general tips about packing for your trip to Italy: Bring layers, temperatures can fluctuate a lot during the day, especially when the sun goes down. Bring a small umbrella or packable rain jacket just in case of inclement weather. If you’re really looking to dress like an Italian, try shopping at local boutiques or thrift stores when you arrive!