Byrdie
Getting to travel to different countries not only lets me experience new customs, foods, landmarks, and people, but also to discover new-to-me trends from the fashionably inclined outside of my home of New York City. After a recent two-weeklong spurt through Europe (with most of my time spent traveling through Italy), I couldn’t help but turn my head at every stylish Italian passerby in between sips of Chianti and spoonfuls of Amatriciana, quickly pinpointing the pieces they were wearing that I could incorporate into my own fall outfit rotation the second my plane landed at JFK the following week.
My observations reveal that the chic Italian woman’s dressing formula champions comfortable sophistication, with pieces like classic button-down shirts and sturdy leather bags anchoring each outfit, and accessories like sharp sunnies and silk scarves adding touches of personality here and there. After my time abroad, I narrowed down these prevalent trends and immediately began searching for similar pieces to add to my fall wardrobe. My curated list of European it-girl essentials and where to buy them, ahead.
Top Picks
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Reformation Shirt at Reformation$128$39
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Scarves
Free People So Silk Bandana
Rarely did I see a chic Italian woman on the streets of Florence, Siena, or Rome without a silk scarf in tow. While this accessory can be worn in myriad ways, I noticed the scarf utilized most often as a bag accessory, though styling on the neck kerchief-style was not ignored. Incorporating this 100% silk Free People bandana (especially in the chocolate brown and red colorway) in your autumnal wardrobe is the easiest way to emulate this look.
Byrdie
Free People Annabelle Embroidered Sheer Scarf
If you want the same vibe but prefer a more lightweight fabric, this sheer scarf option is just as versatile. I’m personally infatuated with the subtle floral embroidery and fringe trim and love the ivory and black color options.
Sézane Gaston Scarf
Use this leopard print Sézane scarf to zhuzh up a simple outfit or add another bold accessory to your arsenal if you’re a maximalist. The brand offers numerous other patterns, all of which are perfectly vintage-inspired.
Byrdie
Wide Belts
Free People Suede Hex Hip Belt
I stopped in my tracks when I saw a woman in Siena sporting a bright red oversized belt with a fitted maxi skirt and top in the same shade. Despite the monochromatic look, the chunky belt gave the ensemble dimension—something I’m aiming to do with all of my outfits this fall. The “Paprika” shade of this suede Free People belt resembles the bold accessory I saw on the street, though there are several more neutral colors available for more minimalist dressers like myself.
Byrdie
Streets Ahead Maxine Drop Waist
This option from made-to-order belt brand Streets Ahead has a similar vibe, but with a low-waisted, slightly asymmetrical design for a trendier feel, upping the visual interest of any simple look.
Streets Ahead Kai Soft Sash Belt
Another Streets Ahead favorite for anyone wanting to play with edgier accessories, this soft Italian leather belt with hammered silver hardware comes in classic black or taupe—both perfect fall shades.
Byrdie
Button-Down Shirts
We The Free Hallie French Cuff Shirt
Many stylish people know the value of a button-down shirt—it’s polished, versatile, and practical, making it pretty much immune to the trend cycle downfall. Italian women are clearly clued in on this, as I saw breezy linen and cotton button-downs on the majority of them, some oversized, some tailored and tucked in, and all chic. Few options are as solid as this 100% cotton Free People shirt, which even features flattering French cuffs.
Byrdie
Reformation Shirt
Reformation’s Eli Shirt is a close second with a similar simple design but a few more color options, even offering some striped picks (like this “Merlot Stripe” pattern that’s perfect for fall).
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt In Lightweight Oxford
For an equally versatile, stylish shirt with an extensive side range, this J.Crew option is the one to add to cart—find it in sizes XXS to 3X.
Simple Leather Totes
Sezane Gary Maxi Bag
There’s no fall wardrobe in the world that a simple leather tote bag doesn’t belong in—at least, that’s what Italian women taught me after sharing the streets with them for two weeks. Sézane’s selection of effortlessly cool leather totes immediately caught my attention after realizing how much I needed to invest in this type of bag. While my favorite patent leather option is no longer in stock, this glossy bucket bag from the brand is a fabulous alternative.
Byrdie
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Cabas Tote
The pebbled calfskin leather and soft suede interior of this Mansur Gavriel tote give it the most luxe look and feel. Its single strap mimics another trend I noticed amongst the sea of gorgeous leather totes, giving it a more slouchy, bucket bag-esque vibe.
J.Crew Berkeley Big Bucket bag in Leather
For a more structured option, this J.Crew leather bucket bag is perfect. I’m partial to the classic shade of black, but the reddish-brown hue is also available and ideal for dressing in the fall color palette.
Square-Frame Sunnies
Quince Walker Polarized Acetate Sunglasses
While I’m usually partial to an oval or round frame shape when adding to my extensive collection of sunglasses, I’m suddenly convinced that square frames are the ultimate cool-girl style. Every time I saw a pair of square-frame sunglasses on a stylish passerby, I was amazed by how confident this simple accessory seemed to make them. This Quince pair is closely aligned with the chic pairs I noticed abroad, and the price tag makes it even more desirable.
Byrdie
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic
When I think of square frames, Wayfarers immediately come to mind. This Ray-Ban style is timeless for a reason, making any wearer look effortlessly cool no matter which shade they purchase (though the matte black is likely the most versatile).
Oliver Peoples Eyewear N.08 Sunglasses
If a tortoise pattern is more your vibe, you’ll love these Oliver Peoples sunnies. Plus, these will suit you if you have a smaller face and prefer a fitted style to an oversized pair.
Getting to travel to different countries not only lets me experience new customs, foods, landmarks, and people, but also to discover new-to-me trends from the fashionably inclined outside of my home of New York City. After a recent two-weeklong spurt through Europe (with most of my time spent traveling through Italy), I couldn’t help but turn my head at every stylish Italian passerby in between sips of Chianti and spoonfuls of Amatriciana, quickly pinpointing the pieces they were wearing that I could incorporate into my own fall outfit rotation the second my plane landed at JFK the following week.
My observations reveal that the chic Italian woman’s dressing formula champions comfortable sophistication, with pieces like classic button-down shirts and sturdy leather bags anchoring each outfit, and accessories like sharp sunnies and silk scarves adding touches of personality here and there. After my time abroad, I narrowed down these prevalent trends and immediately began searching for similar pieces to add to my fall wardrobe. My curated list of European it-girl essentials and where to buy them, ahead.
Top Picks
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Reformation Shirt at Reformation$128$39
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Scarves
Free People So Silk Bandana
Rarely did I see a chic Italian woman on the streets of Florence, Siena, or Rome without a silk scarf in tow. While this accessory can be worn in myriad ways, I noticed the scarf utilized most often as a bag accessory, though styling on the neck kerchief-style was not ignored. Incorporating this 100% silk Free People bandana (especially in the chocolate brown and red colorway) in your autumnal wardrobe is the easiest way to emulate this look.
Byrdie
Free People Annabelle Embroidered Sheer Scarf
If you want the same vibe but prefer a more lightweight fabric, this sheer scarf option is just as versatile. I’m personally infatuated with the subtle floral embroidery and fringe trim and love the ivory and black color options.
Sézane Gaston Scarf
Use this leopard print Sézane scarf to zhuzh up a simple outfit or add another bold accessory to your arsenal if you’re a maximalist. The brand offers numerous other patterns, all of which are perfectly vintage-inspired.
Byrdie
Wide Belts
Free People Suede Hex Hip Belt
I stopped in my tracks when I saw a woman in Siena sporting a bright red oversized belt with a fitted maxi skirt and top in the same shade. Despite the monochromatic look, the chunky belt gave the ensemble dimension—something I’m aiming to do with all of my outfits this fall. The “Paprika” shade of this suede Free People belt resembles the bold accessory I saw on the street, though there are several more neutral colors available for more minimalist dressers like myself.
Byrdie
Streets Ahead Maxine Drop Waist
This option from made-to-order belt brand Streets Ahead has a similar vibe, but with a low-waisted, slightly asymmetrical design for a trendier feel, upping the visual interest of any simple look.
Streets Ahead Kai Soft Sash Belt
Another Streets Ahead favorite for anyone wanting to play with edgier accessories, this soft Italian leather belt with hammered silver hardware comes in classic black or taupe—both perfect fall shades.
Byrdie
Button-Down Shirts
We The Free Hallie French Cuff Shirt
Many stylish people know the value of a button-down shirt—it’s polished, versatile, and practical, making it pretty much immune to the trend cycle downfall. Italian women are clearly clued in on this, as I saw breezy linen and cotton button-downs on the majority of them, some oversized, some tailored and tucked in, and all chic. Few options are as solid as this 100% cotton Free People shirt, which even features flattering French cuffs.
Byrdie
Reformation Shirt
Reformation’s Eli Shirt is a close second with a similar simple design but a few more color options, even offering some striped picks (like this “Merlot Stripe” pattern that’s perfect for fall).
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt In Lightweight Oxford
For an equally versatile, stylish shirt with an extensive side range, this J.Crew option is the one to add to cart—find it in sizes XXS to 3X.
Simple Leather Totes
Sezane Gary Maxi Bag
There’s no fall wardrobe in the world that a simple leather tote bag doesn’t belong in—at least, that’s what Italian women taught me after sharing the streets with them for two weeks. Sézane’s selection of effortlessly cool leather totes immediately caught my attention after realizing how much I needed to invest in this type of bag. While my favorite patent leather option is no longer in stock, this glossy bucket bag from the brand is a fabulous alternative.
Byrdie
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Cabas Tote
The pebbled calfskin leather and soft suede interior of this Mansur Gavriel tote give it the most luxe look and feel. Its single strap mimics another trend I noticed amongst the sea of gorgeous leather totes, giving it a more slouchy, bucket bag-esque vibe.
J.Crew Berkeley Big Bucket bag in Leather
For a more structured option, this J.Crew leather bucket bag is perfect. I’m partial to the classic shade of black, but the reddish-brown hue is also available and ideal for dressing in the fall color palette.
Square-Frame Sunnies
Quince Walker Polarized Acetate Sunglasses
While I’m usually partial to an oval or round frame shape when adding to my extensive collection of sunglasses, I’m suddenly convinced that square frames are the ultimate cool-girl style. Every time I saw a pair of square-frame sunglasses on a stylish passerby, I was amazed by how confident this simple accessory seemed to make them. This Quince pair is closely aligned with the chic pairs I noticed abroad, and the price tag makes it even more desirable.
Byrdie
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic
When I think of square frames, Wayfarers immediately come to mind. This Ray-Ban style is timeless for a reason, making any wearer look effortlessly cool no matter which shade they purchase (though the matte black is likely the most versatile).
Oliver Peoples Eyewear N.08 Sunglasses
If a tortoise pattern is more your vibe, you’ll love these Oliver Peoples sunnies. Plus, these will suit you if you have a smaller face and prefer a fitted style to an oversized pair.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/european-fashion-for-fall-11824714