Though I don't have an ounce of Italian blood in my body, I've always been allured by the country, from its architecture and food to, of course, its signature fashion. For all of these reasons and more, I try to visit the country as often as I possibly can (I just traveled to both Milan and the Emilia Romagna region last week) and stay up to date with its residents' current tastes via the street style Instagram account @milanesiamilano, all of which gives me a fair understanding of what the chicest people who live there are eyeing, buying, and wearing in 2023.
Because I spend so much time studying Italian style—not to mention cars, coffee, recipes, and more—I often find myself noticing pieces during my everyday scrolls that I think would feel right at home in the country, be it a billowy cotton midi skirt or a superbly tailored blazer. Since much of my market research is done at Nordstrom, a store that sadly hasn't broken into the Italian market, I decided that I'd spend my day scouring the entirety of the retailer and picking out items that I believe an Italian woman would buy if it were to open up shop in Milan, Rome, or Florence. See which pieces fit the bill below.
Fifth & Ninth
Taya 53mm Polarized Oval Sunglasses
Chic doesn't even begin to describe these oval-shaped sunglasses.
Madewell
Embroidered Eyelet Tie Back Cami Dress
Now, imagine you're at a beach club in Sicily.
Bottega Veneta
Small Clicker Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag
It doesn't get much more Italian than an Intrecciato bag by Bottega Veneta.
AllSaints
Imogen Tank
A simple basic that packs a lot of punch.
River Island
Tailored Maxi Skirt
This skirt will look bellissimo with just about anything.
Dkny
Ivette Loafer
I can't get over the price of these loafers and probably never will.
Something New
Eco Recycled Nylon Trench Coat
In the springtime, Italian women live in trench coats.
Farm Rio
Mar Da Bahia Organic Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
A graphic tee tucked into some white trousers with a great belt is an outfit you'll see plenty of if you ever visit Milan in the summertime.
Open Edit
Jane Wishbone Leather Belt
You can't go wrong with this purchase.
Madewell
The Neale Linen Shorts
Temps in the summer skyrocket all around Italy. Be prepared by purchasing these airy yet tailored linen shorts.
Jenny Bird
Puffy Faye Knocker Earrings
These are great if you like to mix and match your metals.
Sam Edelman
Ruched Body-Con Dress
A gorgeous LBD is beloved by everyone, no matter where they live.
Jeffrey Campbell
Fluxx Sandal
Simply lovely.
Ted Baker London
Clemiya Crop Tweed Jacket
Outerwear is one of the areas that Italians do best.
Tory Burch
Eleanor Leopard Jacquard Belt
Nowhere will you see more chic takes on leopard print than in Italy.
Agolde
Fusion Low Rise Loose Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans
I saw so many women wearing big jeans and flowy shirts when I was in Milan.
Prada
Bunny Flora Pointed Toe Pump
Prada and Italy go hand in hand.
Tory Burch
Pinstripe Logo Silk Scarf
Tie this scarf around your neck, your head, or your chest as a chic summer top.
Saint Moran
Auguste Bangle
Eye-catching accessories are highly appreciated among Italian women.
Madewell
Sleekhold Crewneck Thong Bodysuit
Just wait until you see the cutout in the back.
Madewell
The Harlow Wide Leg Jeans
Perfection looks a lot like these trousers in the summer.
The Row
Mesh Sock Flat
My Instagram feed is currently being flooded with these mesh flats.
Nordstrom
Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt
Duh.
Topshop
Awkward High Waist Barrel Jeans
Barrel-leg jeans are rising the denim ranks around the world.
Jeffrey Campbell
Low Key Sandal
This color feels very Prada to me, so naturally, these heels would be a yes.
Eloquii
Asymmetric Overlap Vest
I mean, who could say no to this on-sale vest? That's right, no one.
Bound by BOND-EYE
The Mara Ribbed One-Piece Swimsuit
Just imagine this suit against a Mediterranean backdrop.
Paloma Wool
Andolini Ruffle Hem Cotton Voile Midi Skirt
With this beauty of a white skirt, of course.
Ann Mashburn
Joy Suede Mule
And last but not least, perfect slides to wear with everything and anything.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Eliza Huber is currently the Associate Editorial Director at Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2021 as a fashion editor after starting her career as a writer at Refinery29, where she worked for four years. During her time at WWW, she launched Go Sports, the publication's sports vertical, and published four (and counting) quarterly issues tied to the WNBA, Formula One, and more. She also created two franchises, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on new seasonal trends, up-and-coming designers, and celebrity style.