Man Style. Just Back From Italy & the Men Sure Look Fine. Second City Style Fashion Blog

OK, I know our mantra is...no men's, children's, bridal or maternity fashions on this blog, but I just couldn't resist. Why? On my honeymoon in Italy I noticed something very interesting (from a fashion perspective). Mainly, the women in Rome basically dress like hell, but the men are stellar! Seriously. You know how you can take any man, put him in a tux and he looks infinitely better? Well, the same goes for the Italian man in a well-fitted suit. I couldn't tell you what these men looked like, but I was wooed by their clothes, attitude and swagger.

These gorgeous specimens walked heel-to-toe and with an attitude that translated in my mind to say "Look at me. I am beautiful (said in an Italian accent)!"

Men in the U.S. could sure use a lesson or two. They look like slobs in comparison (Come on, admit it). Help your man acquire the 'Roman' look. Here is what I noticed (with the help of my impressed husband):

Suits

It's all about the suit. These men dress up for work. I don't think work casual caught on here (Thank God).

• Navy, charcoal and some tan

• Well-fitted

• Three-button jackets, usually closed (even on bikes and scooters), arm length short enough to show cuffs

• Pants not cuffed, tapered, pleated or plain front, shorter with a slight break above the shoe


• For suit examples: ehaberdasher.com

Shirts

• Fitted

• Bold colors like purple or patterned

• Spread collars and particularly European spread collars (no button-down collars)
  • Example of a spread collar shirt (tips point down): Forzieri.com
  • Example of a European spread collar shirt (straight across collar): Vavraitaly.com

Ties

• Shorter and wider than in the U.S.

• Large knot

• Bold

Shoes

• Lace-up or great Italian leather driving mocs

• Brown and tan with dark suits, or black...but always great quality

Accessories

• Leather belts matched shoes and some with label buckles (think Gucci or Prada)

• Pocket squares (looked even better without a tie and the shirt opened one-button).



Prego! Very nice...

- Lauren Dimet Waters, Editor-in-Chief (with the help of Michael Waters)

Comments

[Fashionable Kiffen]

Could we somehow forward this post to every male in the Chicagoland area, particularly the twenty-something ones?

Seriously, guys in my general age range, at least in the U.S. commit some of the most atrocious fashion crimes. It hurts my eyes.

[Lauren - SCS]

Fashionable,

Honey, the way I see it, even men in NYC could use this post. Not all, but many.

I hate to break the bad news, but the thirty-somethings are not much better.

Most men figure if it's sold at Banana or Kenneth Cole, it's fine. The others just smell the pits to see if it is clean.

Lauren

[franki durbin]

darling, I missed you! Congrats on both the wedding and the fab honeymoon.

now...let's talk shop. I was absolutely smitten with male fashion in italy. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who takes stalker photos...in the name of fashion of course. ;)

odd to hear the italian women were not in good form. on my trips they were breathtaking. Must have ben the heat this time putting them out of character. (one can hope!)

we'll have to connect on my next trip to chicago..I'd love to compare notes!

[dexie]

Men can't go wrong with suits. But of course not having a beer belly would probably help a lot, heh. :)

[Kevin James]

Dexie's got it right. I'm 100% down with dressing the way Italian men dress, but I've got a beer belly that makes it impossible--so it's unsightly Gap and oversized Hilfiger for me. No wonder the women run when I approach!

[Lauren - SCS]

Kevin,

Not all the Italian men had perfect bodies. Not by a long-shot. In fact, I saw quite a few beer (Peroni) bellies. I guarentee if have a suit made for you (which many men have to do) those women will not run (which I doubt they do anyway).

My point is a myriad of body flaws are erased when one is not only dressed well, but looks like they care to make the effort. That's why all these men looked hot to me. They cared.

[Paul]

I prefer Italian cut (taylored well) suits always. I love how it hugs your body perfectly and comfortable enough to go for a run in. It's gonna take yeaaaaaaaaars until all American men will catch on to Euro-look.

[funsource]

Hey! Paul, agreed with you. Italian cut is always better! Of course some American tailor can do the same... Well, you need to do some searching! :)

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