‘Made in Italy’ is a phrase we all know as one that stands for quality, craftsmanship and luxurious style, but there’s also a distinct look to the way the most stylish Italian men put themselves together. It’s a balance of confidence, sophisticated colours and considered details, all while making it look effortless. Sounds like a tricky one to pull off, but you can certainly borrow a little of the look for yourself – here’s our guide to dressing the Italian way.

FABRIC, FIT AND REFINEMENT

First of all, fabric and fit are everything. Luxurious fabrics are the base of Italian style and investing in a suit made from high-quality wool is a great place to start.

Take the navy check suit shown above. It’s cut from pure wool cloth made by Ermenegildo Zegna, the Italian woollen mill that’s world-renowned for the quality of its fabrics. It’s a great example of the mill’s refined take on seasonal trends with its subtle check design. Pick out its tonal light blue check with a textured shirt in the same hue – this Savoy Tailors Guild one will do the trick.

Considered accessories are key to Italian style and a great chance to inject just the right amount of personality to your look. Try this silk polka dot tie in classic navy and red. A matching hank is available but, for this look, we suggest complementing it with a pocket square in a flash of red instead.

DETAILS ARE EVERYTHING

Another key thing to get right? The perfect length of your sleeve cuff and trouser hem. Our continental cousins choose to have their cuffs and trouser hems stop at precisely the right spot (just high enough to show an inch of your shirt cuff and the top of your shoe, to be exact). We offer an additional alteration service from our network of stores, so ask one of our Tailoring Experts to arrange to have your suit adjusted to get these little details just right.

SOPHISTICATED SHADES

Distinct doesn’t necessarily mean loud, and one way to achieve the effortless sophistication of Italian style is to stick to a restrained palette of muted colours. Faded shades and neutral colours are also key trends for suits this season, so now’s a great time to work them into your look.

The neutral suit shown above right is cut from Lanificio F.lli Cerruti Dal 1881 wool, another highly respected Italian mill that supplies luxury fabrics to prestigious British tailors. Rather than fading into the background, its soft hue gives the impression of a certain level of self-assurance – ideal to stand out in your next meeting without looking like you’re trying too hard. Set off its luxurious shade with a crisp white double cuff shirt and a deep red tie for a splash of colour.

Alternatively, try switching your usual blue suit for the dusky blue version shown above. Also made from Lanificio F.lli Cerruti Dal 1881 pure wool, its tailored fit and muted shade will give you the air of relaxed elegance that the Italians do so well. Ideally suited to the sunny pavements of Florence, it’ll also look effortlessly sophisticated at any summer weddings you’ve got coming up paired with this tie and pocket square in cream paisley patterned silk.

SHOP ITALIAN FABRIC SUITS