When I recently returned to New York City after living in Rome full-time for nearly a year, my wardrobe faced a bit of an identity crisis. After wrapping summer in a float linen dress and a chic and neutral layer with ease in winter, I was suddenly surrounded by the distinctive boldness of NYC. It was like one of my (many) Pinterest boards came to life. Merging my Italian style with the energetic disruption of New York’s trends has been a small challenge so far, but not as much as I had expected.
I firmly believe that style is all about balance and that nothing is better than borrowing the best from both worlds. Mixing streamlined, timeless work with playful trend-forward elements gave me the best in both vibes. I find that the two biggest cities in the world have more in common than I think.
Read on and see the Italian trends I have and the New York style I embrace to create a new international wardrobe.
Italian trend: blazer jacket
Spanx Carefree Crepe Lap Blazer
Spanx
Back in a more corporate environment, I had to stock up on some new blazer jackets to become part of my office essentials. One thing I’m paying attention to from Italians is that even casual outings inject these types of blazers into everyday life. We’ve stuck to this trend here in New York, and we’ve chosen more tailored options, like this blazer jacket from Amazon and the Blazer Wool Blend option from J.Crew. I love how cozy and elegant this crepe wrap blazer from the look and feel of the Spanx will soon add to my rotation. New Yorkers and Italians alike love the black look, and this Norma Camari jacket fits perfectly with the bill.
QUINCE 100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer
Pussy
New York Trends: Buggy Jeans
ZARA TRF MID-WAIST Buggy Balloon Jeans
Zara
While buggy jeans will only be seen in the crowds of young Italian ZZ and Gen Alpha, they are a staple of a certified wardrobe in New York, regardless of age. I was looking for the perfect balloon style jeans, but this pair of midwaste from Zara is exactly what I had in mind. These low-rise jeans from Madewell are the perfect daily pair to throw, and the stitching from people with free back pockets of these high-rise beaggie jeans is very cute. These cottons in cotton jeans look very comfortable and come in 14 different colors and washes. For more information about 90’s vibes, check out this affordable pair on Amazon.
Free people we are free Tinsley buggy high rise jeans
Free person
Combo Trend: Cool Sneakers
Puma Palermo sneakers
Free person
If there is one tendency for both Italians and New Yorkers to agree on, it is the power of cool sneakers. In both places, we master the art of combining sophisticated footwear with everything from tailored pants to feminine dresses. Adidas Gazelle Bold Platforms loves the city edge of New York, and the aptly named Puma Palermo Sneakers gives me the ease with which to lead a chic Italian vibe. For something that combines playfulness and neutrality, the layered platform Steve Madden Dodge sneakers and Dolce Vita notification sneakers are perfect for highlighting the work of the statement. I’m also totally hooked on the retro vibe of Urban Outfitters Gola Elan sneakers.
Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneakers
Nordstrom
Italian Trends: Leather Belts
Banana Republic Angolo Leather Belt
Banana Republic
With the same note of touching professionalism into my everyday looks, leather belts have become something I often reach. Whether you’re running to grab a bagel or a Maritozzo, they’re a great way to instantly enhance your appearance. The abstract buckle design of this belt from Amazon makes it look much more expensive than it actually is. This classic and thin style of banana republic leather belt is typical Italian. If you want to add a little colour or fun patterns to your outfit, J. Choose this cherry colored belt from Crew or free people. This studded anthropological belt is also simple yet eye-catching.
Anthropologie studded with oval buckle belts
Anthropologie
New York Trends: Elevated Loungewear
Zesica Knit Lounge Set
Amazon
Since returning to New York, I have realized that casual wear here is more than just comfort. It’s a complete fashion statement. New Yorkers have the tricks to keep their loungewear purposefully and ready to go. I’m fully on board. The Zesica Knit Lounge set and Amazon’s Ekouaer Cap Sleeve Lounge set are perfect for running errands while still polished. On cold days, pussy polishes lounge pants, while Aritzia Babaton Ty Cardigan creates the ultimate chic layering combo. Whether you’re drinking coffee with friends in Soho or taking a walk around Brooklyn, these pieces prove that comfort and style can absolutely coexist.
Aritzia Babaton Ty Cardigan
Alizzia
