14 Italian Fall Fashion Styles to Add to Your Travel Wardrobe

Fall is here, and while I love basking in the sun and long Italian holidays as much as anyone, autumn brings an exciting refresh. The leaves are changing, and those crisp fall mornings offer the first chance to don fall fabrics. Italy, especially northern Italy, where I live, has a rich textile manufacturing heritage, and in the style-forward streets of Milan, I love seeing what interesting fall fashion locals are wearing with the new season. And, these looks might be just the right inspiration your travel wardrobe needs for an upcoming European getaway.

With crisp denim, lush velvet, and trench coats reminiscent of Italian film stars everywhere you turn, every day can feel like Milan Fashion Week. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Italian-inspired fall styles I’m shopping now, based on what I’ve spotted around town. There’s a croc embossed trench that’s been on my forever wish list, a great $29 Amazon dupe of the denim skirt that’s heavily in my regular rotation, and fine Italian knitwear that feels like a cozy hug.

5 Best Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Amazon Essentials Low Stretch Regular-fit Long Jean Skirt

Amazon

The appreciation for stylish denim in Italy rivals that in the U.S. But I must admit, I have trendy denim fatigue—and I find myself leaning away from styles that will only last a season or two and instead turning toward more timeless looks. I’ve been wanting a knee-length denim skirt for some time now after seeing it on the streets of Milan, paired with chic boots in the winter and sandals in the spring. I recently got this La Ligne Kate skirt and have worn it at least three times a week since. If you’d rather test the waters with wearing this style of skirt, try this low-stretch, long jean skirt from Amazon that’s only $29; incorporate it into your wardrobe with a chunky sweater and tall boots.

Charter Club Women’s Quarter Zip Sweater

Macys

Half zips are back! No longer just the quintessential New England favorite or the Cali tech bro in fleece, the half zip will be spotted everywhere this fall, with so many stylish brands putting their own spin on the classic. I snagged this Scaglione Merino half zip this year, which is warm and cozy but made with a thin enough knit gauge that it’s perfect for layering or even tucking into jeans, making it a true wardrobe gem. I scoured the internet to find a similar half-zip that gave the thin layering utility and the elegance of refined knitwear with this Charter Club women’s quarter zip sweater. My go-to fall look on crisper days will be this half zip with my tweed blazer —like this Madewell one—and denim skirt with boots, bringing a little of my classic New England Americana into my Italian style.

Nordstrom Button-front Cotton-blend Sweater Vest

Nordstrom

Vests are everywhere this season, and knit vests aren’t just for the nonni anymore! What’s great about this look being back in style is that we’re all pretty familiar with how to pair it: Lean into uniform style with a button-down or a ‘90s look with a T-shirt. The soft cotton-blend material of this Nordstrom vest means you can also wear it on its own if it’s warm out.

Flabelus Claire Mary Jane Flat

Nordstrom

The new fall season is the perfect time for a new rich jeweled-toned Mary Jane. With a hint of inspiration for traditional Venetian slippers, a velvet Mary Jane is a perfect fall wardrobe staple. The deep purple of these Flabelus shoes with the double buckle adds plenty of charm to any outfit. Comfortable and stylish, these are easily a pair of everyday fall shoes.

Lucky Brand Long-sleeve Utility Jacket

Amazon

The utility jackets are back, and as I’ve seen them in so many store windows here lately, I’m pulling an old Topshop favorite out of my closet. I appreciate the “edge” this jacket style adds to more feminine styles, like a floral dress, and it’s just as chic when paired with jeans. I do have to admit this style is a favorite travel style of mine as well. Whether I’m out and about exploring, in transit, or at airport security, it’s nice to have a jacket with a perfect pocket to slip your phone, passport, or ticket in securely.

Scaglione Round Neck Alpaca Sweater

Scaglione

No one does a chunky knit better than Italians. Think: Italian Merino and Italian cashmere. I have a special advantage as my Italian husband’s family business is in knitwear. This fall, this brushed alpaca crewneck is on my wishlist as my perfect fall “wear with everything” staple. Beige knitwear always looks luxe, whether I pair it with my stone jeans or a chocolate satin skirt for an elevated evening look. The drop shoulder gives it the comfortable wearability of your favorite T-shirt.

Elliatt Maris Maxi Dress

Revolve

Just like a linen dress is an Italian summer essential, denim dresses are made for fall in Italy. The tailoring of this Elliatt Maris maxi dress is reminiscent of a classic Italian film star—a la Sofia Loren—but with a modern twist. This dress can work for day or evening wear, and it’s a great transitional piece, making it worth its weight in your suitcase.

Sam Edelman Lucca Loafer

Nordstrom

A great loafer worn on the streets of the Brera is so very Milanese. I love the elegance of these Sam Edelman Lucca Loafers, made of soft leather and a durable rubber sole that offers traction so you won’t slip on the cobblestone or wet surfaces (I’ve been there!). The timeless look is versatile enough for dressing down with a pair of jeans and a sweater or elevating with a maxi dress and some gold jewelry.

J.Crew Gwenyth Flounce-hem Skirt

J.Crew

Italian women layer a boot well; a midi skirt is the perfect length to show off a suede knee-high fall boot, and it’s a great way to “winterize” the spring-summer favorite slip skirt. I’m torn between a bold leopard print (very runway Milanese), rich, deep colors, or lighter shades. The chiffon material and flounce hem of this J.Crew Gwenyth skirt—currently on sale for 40 percent off when you use the code “SHOPFALL” at checkout—adds a beautiful movement and a little extra room for pairing with a boot.

Madewell Double Breasted Suede Blazer

Madewell

I’ve seen rich, chocolate-colored suede blazers all over the streets of Milan, and I’ve finally found the perfect fit with this Madewell double-breasted suede blazer. Italy is known for its great leather goods, and jackets are no exception—you’ll fit right in with this impressive number. Inspired by a vintage fit, this blazer will last for years to come and is the most elegant layering piece. Pair with a button-down or a turtleneck for a mod look; a suede blazer is a closet essential.

Bernardo Embossed Faux Croc Trench Coat

Anthropologie 

In my mental style moodboards, there are these gorgeous vintage photographs of Sofia Loren in shiny vinyl trench coats, one red, one black. She epitomized the amazingly chic, sultry Italian look. Living here in Italy, I see Italian women in vinyl trenches come fall, and I’ve been searching high and low for the perfect one in croc embossed leather—and I’ve finally found it! This Bernardo embossed faux croc trench coat in chocolate is so cool: you can wear it with anything and instantly have an eye-catching look.

Elisa Johnson Jane Sunglasses

Shopbop

A stylish pair of sunglasses is a must-have in Italy, no matter the time of year, and I’ve had so much fun updating my sunglasses wardrobe every season. A long-time fan of aviators, I’m trying out the popular navigator style this season—which is a square aviator style—with a tortoise shell frame. These Elisa Johnson Jane sunglasses are effortlessly cool, with tinted lenses and chunky, bold frames.

Sam Edelman Sylvia Boot

Zappos

So many great fall essentials on this list are elevated with a perfect fall boot, whether it’s a flouncy slip skirt or a sleek trench. These knee-high boots have a two-and-three-quarter-inch heel that is just enough to add a little oomph to an outfit, but is still a comfortable enough height to wear for longer stretches. For me, the wide block heel is a lifesaver on these cobblestone streets!

More Styles to Shop

Madewell Suede Fringe Shoulder Bag

Madewell 

Leaning into the boho-chic trend of the season, I’m eyeing this gorgeous Madewell suede fringe bag. A leather shoulder bag is an absolute must here in Milan, and the suede fringe of this number adds a fun twist to an everyday essential. You can’t help but strut if you’re walking down the streets of Italy with fringe on your bag!

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