While enjoying fresh buffalo mozzarella, Chianti and the incredible views and history, I of course made time to scout out the latest fashions and street styles during our recent two-week jaunt to Italy. We started our trip in northern Italy, traveling from Venice to Florence. Little known fact: according to Vogue, Florence is quickly becoming the world’s fifth fashion capital. Florence is actually the birthplace of notable fashion houses like Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, GUCCI and Emilio Pucci. Yes, you read that correctly: GUCCI. My heart beats for Gucci right now, ya’ll – can’t get enough! And with their latest commitment to refrain from using real fur, I’m head-over-heels. And Aquazurra actually just opened their first stand-alone store in the Palazzo Corsini!
Here I’ve decided to give you the breakdown of the most pervasive street styles for both men & women, using inspirational pictures as well as pieces you can actually purchase to get the “Firenze fashion” look. Florence is known for it’s chic and sophisticated urban street-style, as well as leather. Here’s the scoop:
WOMEN’S TRENDS in FLORENCE
LAYERING
This was true for both men & women. The key is mixing textures and fabrics, and layering – especially with outerwear and scarves. People are on the go, and day-to-night outfits were common: you might be riding your bike to work, then having cocktails with friends at lunch or after work, so utility is important. Great knitwear, outwear and scarves allow you to do this with some versatility in your styling.
OUTERWEAR
Beautiful coats were everywhere – luxe cashmere, wool blends, tweed. Layered over leather jackets, bundled up with scarves, worn over leather leggings with a chunky cable knit – you name it. Simple and classic, yet relaxed, silhouettes reigned with luxurious fabrics taking the lead.
GET THE LOOK:
J. Crew Cocoon Coat, $325
Vince Camuto Belted Coat, $298
SCARVES
EVERYWHERE. Solids were favored over prints, and if prints were done, they were sedate, like argyle or herringbone, striped, etc. Favorite fabrics and styles: cable-knit, cashmere, houndstooth and herringbone. The bigger, the better. Wool, cashmere, wool-blends. I swear, women were drowning in oversized scarves (and I kind of liked it).
GET THE LOOK:
Reversible scarf, $25
Rebecca Minkoff Fringe Scarf, $58
Women’s Chunky Knit Scarf, $45
LEATHER
Florence is the leather capital of Italy (dare I say the world?) and literally everywhere I looked women had on leather jackets and/or leather leggings. The color palette for Florence streetwear is very monochromatic and neutral, so it was mostly black, camel, brown, gray, white and more BLACK. I saw a mix of cleaner styles and motorcycle styles decked out with grommets and epaulets, but the latter style was more pervasive.
GET THE LOOK:
BCBG Leather Moto Jacket, $208
Mango Leather Biker Jacket, $240
Walter Baker Embroidered Leather Jacket, $268
FASHION SNEAKERS
Probably one of my favorite aspects of European fashion, women wear fashion sneakers with everyday street wear or workwear; for example, wool culottes, distressed jeans or an easy cotton t-shirt dress with a gorgeous wool coat. They were dressed up and dressed down, and the less generic the sneaker, the better. Mixed materials (patent & suede) were seen, as well as some embellishment. Cool sneakers are running that city (no pun intended).
GET THE LOOK:
Marc Jacobs Lace Up Sneakers, $295
Danielle Lehavi Platform sneakers, $280
Ash Lifting Studded sneakers, $225
CULOTTES
An interesting piece to throw into the streetwear mix, I saw women donning this unstructured cropped style on the streets as well. Paired with silk blouses and leather jackets, or even sneakers and a gorgeous wool coat, culottes were everywhere. The great thing about culottes is you can choose how casual or how dressy to style them based on the fabric and fit; a wool-blend culotte will be reminiscent of a trouser style and a bit dressier, while an unstructured jersey knit can be dressed down (remember gauchos? That’s practically what these are). What goes around comes around. I love how this lady has hers paired with slouchy suede boots: culottes for the win.
GET THE LOOK:
Elizabeth & James Culottes, $120
Hobbs London Juliett Culotte, $115
Which aspect of Florence style resonates with you most, ladies? I’m really loving the monochromatic look, and I’m going to aim for more layering in my styling this season. I’m afraid if I purchase anymore scarves, my closet will OVERFLOWETH!
Stay stylish, ya’ll –
Annie