Italian Fashion

Rome is a city that is famous for its history, beauty, food, and supposedly its fashion. I expected to see women dressed in the latest fashion and men sporting the laid back European look. There is a Roman style of dress that is very distinct and not what I expected.

No matter the weather or the season Romans love one thing: Puffy Winter Coats.
Want to get an idea of what to wear today by looking out of your window? Don't. All you'll see are black puffy coats, scarves and boots, even though it's 70 degrees outside.

All day, everyday.

Want to wear nice sandals because it's 80 degrees outside? You'll be the only one, unless you find yourself in a touristy area where all of the other Americans will be sporting strappy sandals. Romans wear boots, athletic sneakers and heels no matter the weather or where they are going. Sandals are not popular and are a sign that you are a tourist.

Want to wear shorts on a warm afternoon? Better think twice and opt for a skirt or dress (in a dark color of course) because most Romans do not wear shorts or brightly printed sun dresses. Wearing any of these will result in excessive stares on the Metro and on the streets.

Do you love the bright and new spring colors? You should buy them to wear somewhere other than Rome. Romans wear dark color clothing in all temperatures. I am not sure who actually buys the beautifully patterned and brightly colored clothing in the store windows because there is no evidence on the streets.

American themed clothing in Brandy Melville

Stars and Stripes
The most surprising fashion trend in Rome is the American scarf phenomenon. Every market has at least one scarf stand that sells American flag scarves and other products with the United States' flag on them. Young people wear them everywhere in the city. The scarf is not the only accessory sporting America's stars and stripes; earrings, bracelets, phone cases and sunglasses all have the patriotic colors and symbols that represent the United States. Every market was a great opportunity to sock up on patriotic clothing for the 4th of July.

Stores, such as Brandy Melville and Subdued, sell clothing with American flags draped across the front. I found it very ironic that the American flag apparel was so popular in Rome. Along with the America flag apparel is the faux-Starbucks phenomenon where coffee cups and the a recreation of the Starbucks logo are screened onto sweatshirts, t-shirts and purses.

The strong influence of American culture was very surprising to me. I did not expect to see the American flag printed on sweatshirts and Starbucks cups appear on t-shirts. I found it ironic that the Italian flag and its colors were not as popular in contemporary clothing stores as the American flag was.