Debunking Myths About Italian Streetwear: The Real Tea From a Summer in Milan

So as most of you probably know, I spent the summer in Milan studying fashion. When I was prepping for this adventure, I had people telling me a million different things about how to dress. It seemed like everyone had an opinion on what would make me stand out or what would be a fashion faux pas. Now that I’ve lived here for a bit, I can spill the real tea on what to wear. Let's debunk some of those myths about Italian streetwear, shall we?

No Tank Tops

 You can absolutely wear a tank top. I’m not sure where the idea that Italians don’t wear tank tops came from. Maybe some fashion purist? Even during my orientation, our leader told us that tank tops were a no-go. But guess what? The moment I left the tour, I spotted about ten people rocking tank tops. Yes, Italian style tends to be more on the modest side, but an appropriate tank top is totally fine and quite common, especially among the younger crowd in the summer heat.

Don’t Bring Jeans

Another false notion. While Milan is a fashion capital and many people dress up daily, jeans are still very much a part of the wardrobe here. You’ll see all sorts of pants, including jeans, even when it’s sweltering hot. Italians do love their fashion, but they also love their denim. So, pack your favorite pairs and blend right in.

Only Bring Comfortable Shoes

Sure, sneakers are super comfy and practical, but Milanese women love their heels and flats. Everywhere I look, I see women strutting in heels. The sound of stilettos clanking on the metro steps in the morning is like a city symphony. Even though Milan’s uneven ground and gravel streets are no joke, it doesn’t seem to faze Italian women. While wearing sneakers won’t make you a head-turner, most women are seen in heels or chic flats. So, feel free to bring those fabulous shoes along.

No Athleisure Wear

This one is true. During my entire time in Milan, I haven’t seen a single person in athleisure. Maybe Italians just don’t do the gym thing, or perhaps they hit the treadmill in their jeans? Who knows! But you’ll definitely stand out if you’re wandering the streets in leggings and a sports bra. If you want to blend in, save the athleisure for actual workouts.

Stick to a Neutral Color Palette

More random and false pieces of information I was given. Once again, in a city with a million-plus residents, there is definitely not a color palette to stick to. People wear pretty much every color of the rainbow and plenty of vibrant patterns. During my time here, I’ve seen everything from bold florals to striking prints. So don’t be afraid to bring those bright and bold pieces! Milan is a city that embraces individuality and style diversity. You’ll fit right in with your colorful wardrobe.

More is Better at the Club

This was a big one for me. I heard repeatedly that showing too much skin would get you turned away from clubs. I’ve hit up my fair share of clubs here, and I can confidently say this is not true. There’s a wide range of attire from borderline provocative to very modest. Most commonly, you’ll see people dressing up in mini dresses or skirts with heels. So, don’t stress too much about your club attire—just dress to impress and have fun!

Bring a Bag with a Zipper

Another piece of advice I would pass on. While Milan is an extremely safe city, pickpocketing is sadly common. It is so easy for somebody to take something out of your bag on a crowded metro or passing through the streets. The best way to avoid this is to have a bag that closes. Unfortunately, I did not heed this advice and it had me clinging to my bag for dear life every time I was traveling from place to place. Just do yourself and your belongings a favor and invest in a spacious bag with a secure zipper so you can ensure none of your things go missing.

No Swimwear Everywhere in Beach Towns

This one is true and was a bit of a surprise. On one of our weekend trips, my friends and I took a quick train ride to the beach. Since we were in a beach town and literally heading toward the water, many of us wore bathing suits with transparent or small cover-ups. Well, let me tell you, we might as well have been naked for all the stares we got! It’s just not common here to wear swimwear unless you’re actually at the beach or poolside. So, I’d recommend leaving those lace see-through cover-up dresses at home. Instead, opt for a cute sundress or a skirt and shirt combo for traveling to and from the beach. Trust me, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable blending in with the local style.

The way people dress in Milan isn’t too different from the US. The youth are more into casual streetwear, while adults lean towards business attire. Every part of Italy has its own vibe, but in a big city like Milan, you’ll see a mix of unique styles. Wear what you want and don’t worry too much about standing out as a tourist—embrace it! Just do a bit of research before heading to different cities. Generally, in big metro areas, you can wear pretty much whatever you want. In smaller towns, covering up a bit more is probably a good idea.

So, there you have it! The myths debunked, and the real tea spilled. Milan’s fashion scene is diverse and vibrant, so dress comfortably, stylishly, and most importantly, be yourself. 

Ciao & xoxo ,

Amelia’s Closet