Italians take their style seriously – even when they are taking the trash out and stopping in for a coffee at their neighborhood bar.
It didn’t take me long to learn this and since moving to Italy 2012, I’ve totally adapted to the Italian dress code.
As a university student here in Italy, I would always leave the house in leggings, but not anymore! I wouldn’t be caught dead doing that today, and I definitely wouldn’t head to a restaurant in Italy in such casual wear.
Let’s take a look at five items you shouldn’t wear to a restaurant in Italy – and some substitutes that will help you fare la bella figura (make a good impression) while still being comfortable!
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Workout Clothes
Whether you are dining at a formal restaurant or grabbing a coffee first thing in the morning, workout clothes are a big ‘no no’ for Italians. If Italians are working out, they are showering and changing at the gym. They aren’t sporting their gym outfit at their neighborhood bakery or gelateria. This includes leggings!
What To Wear Instead: For a comfortable yet simple alternative, opt for a pair of slacks and a sweater (which you can even slip over your workout shirt if you don’t want to remove it). Sneakers can be left on.
Flip Flops
Flip flops have their time and place in Italy but it’s not going to be at a restaurant, trattoria or any other eatery in Italy. Flip flops are for changing at the gym or for the beach ONLY.
What To Wear Instead: Birkenstocks or other leather sandals. Closed toed shoes are generally preferred but not by any means required or necessary.
Sweats
Although some forms of sweats have become trendy and you might see some Italians styling their toni with sport socks, fanny packs and baseball caps, they have no place in a sitdown restaurant.
I would say the only exception is at takeout sandwich shops or bars and cafes where you are getting food to go and your sweats are clearly part of a trendy look. You shouldn’t look like you just woke up or got up off of the couch.
What To Wear Instead: Change your sweatpants for a pair of jeans and cover your t-shirt with a closed blazer, wool sweater or cotton cardigan.
Beach Wear
Even if you are at the seaside in Italy and just stopping in at the beach side kiosk for a cold beverage, you should be dressed. This goes for any kind of seafront restaurant, bar, gelateria or bakery. Cover up that bathing suite!
What To Wear Instead: Linen. Opt for a flowy linen dress or other light cotton beach cover up that you can put over your swimwear if you don’t have the opportunity to change. It shouldn’t be sheer but rather, cover all signs of a bathing suit. Linen pants and shirts are perfect instead of a dress.
Hats
In Italy, it’s considered poor manners to wear a hat at the dinner table, no matter where you are. Even if you are in the privacy of your own home, it’s never appropriate. Italians might wear hats to a restaurant but you can bet they are taking it off before they enter or are seated at their table.
Hats include winter hats, baseball caps, fur hats, ear muffs, beanies and visors.
What To Wear Instead: You don’t need to ditch your hat but be sure to remove it before entering a restaurant.
