3: European Dressing

How to be a little more Balsamic and a little less Ranch

I stare. I am THE ultimate starer. I think it might be a European thing. I don’t flinch when people look back. I stare harder. If I see something I don’t like, I make a mean girl face. On a recent trip to Italy, I stared HARD, and this is what I saw.

Expired

I went to Italy with my boyfriend, blah blah blah. I am a walking, talking romcom right now. We went to Milan, to a few towns in Tuscany and to Portofino. Like Italy’s old city-states, each area had a completely different style. Everyone from Milan looked like they were in a massive Zara campaign. They were a lot more put together than Americans but only because they mostly wear beige. Tuscany was a lot more relaxed, it is still the off season so there weren’t as many tourists. The locals were mostly wearing athleisure. Portofino, though breathtakingly beautiful, was all tourists so, honestly, not the best place to survey how Italians dress.

My findings based on Milanese style: Boring. I’d much rather be spotted as the American tourist than to be mistaken as a Mango-fied Italian freak! So *plot-twist* the Americans are balsamic and the Italians are ranch! Americans dress with more creativity, they are less afraid of color — Tangy, like balsamic vinegar. Frankly, I have never tried ranch dressing, but let’s pretend it’s bland and a great metaphor for Italian style.

A Patriot Reborn

Coming back state-side is painful in many ways. Emotionally: I have to say goodbye to my parents and rejoin the rat race of New York City (exiting lah-dee-da mode is hard for everyone). Physically: I have to carry an overstuffed suitcase up my six floor walk-up. When I return, the first thing I am always grateful for is that everyone at the airport smiles at you as you walk through, nothing like snooty Europe. But, more than anything, I am glad to see difference. In Milan, stylistically, it feels like one person is a carbon copy of the next. They are probably wearing an oversized neutral blazer (ugh). The streets of New York are filled with people who aren’t afraid to experiment. So this is my Definitive Guide To Dressing Like an American. God bless the U S A.

Shopping American Brands

There are so many classic American brands. Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger immediately come to mind, but I am not trying to go for the Americana, Western look. I am interested in something a little louder, and there are so many classic American brands that do just the trick. For example, Coach just started a sub-brand called Coachtopia in which they make funkier, younger models from recycled materials! Fab! They are all sold out which is a testament to how much Americans love pattern. The American pattern queen herself is Diane Von Furstenberg.

Ok, technically she’s Belgian, but she launched her brand in New York, so it counts. Diane is known for the all famous patterned jersey wrap dress, which I am betting will make a comeback because it is so gosh darn flattering! Here are some amazing DVF options that I think will tickle your feet:

• Red wowza classic wrap dress

• Brocade-ish classic wrap dress

• Blue cashmere wrap dress

• Beautiful dress with an almost drop-waist effect

• This crazy out there dress with a sequined star on the right waist

• Crazy summer halter mini

• Blue and white silk wrap dress with pockets

• Pink ombre wrap ballerina sweater

• Long printed halter dress

• V-neck collared shirt

• Sheer black top

• Cute printed shirt

• Perfect green scoop-neck dress

Another American designer I have been loving right now is Catherine Malandrino. Ok, she is French, but she got her start at DVF in New York, so maybe she counts? Who knows? She is known for making “irresistible clothing” in her own words, and I can’t disagree.

• Cyber type shirt a la Gautier

• Black and blue lace corset

• Smocked teal dress that I have a good feeling is very flattering

• Beautiful beaded silk patterned dress

• Black corset that I am sure you can haggle down

• This sexy silk set that I would purchase if it were in my size

• Nice silk blouse with a deep v

• Halter dress with a bubble skirt (bubble skirt is coming back, just you wait)

• White floral cotton blouse

• Very pretty brown chiffon blouse

• This hilarious leather belt that is sure to make you stand out

Ok, so what have we learned. People who, I think, embody New York Style, are not even American.

Really, It’s important to remember that it’s ok to experiment with textures, shapes, and patterns. And yes, we might look at a photo from a few years back and think, “what an atrocious mistake it was to wear this dress over jeans!”, but, honestly, the other option is being boring. I choose the fun, possibly regrettable outfit. I love everyone who reads this so much. I loved my trip to Italy, thanks for asking! Please let me know if you buy something from the clothes I listed and send me a picture!

Peace,

Ilana