Working in Italy

[Esa]

I'm off to Italy for work in a few weeks and was looking for some advice. I travel to Ireland frequently and tone it down when I do because I didn't want to stick out and be uncomfortable. I felt like a light bulb on my first trip to Ireland (a country I totally love by the way) because I was wearing a bright blue winter coat and everyone else was in black and gray.

I like bright ties and pattern shirts under my suits. I'm guessing this is ok in Italy (they are Italian ties anyway) but wanted to make sure and ask people with experience working in Italy. I don't own a classic white dress shirt which I know is a bad idea...

Lastly, any idea on what to purchase while there? I'll be in Milan and was in Hong Kong a few months ago and I'm kicking myself for not getting a tailored suit. That trip was after I discovered this forum.

Thanks for the advice SF.

 

[blackbowtie]

Originally Posted by Esa

I don't own a classic white dress shirt which I know is a bad idea...

I don't think they wear white shirts that much in Italy.

 

[Nicola]

White shirts are pretty common. Ranging from solid white to patterned cloth to striped. The shops are full of white.

Italy is a big place? Where and what sort of work?

 

[cioni2k]

As said before, Italy is a big place. Where will you be working? I just recently started a new position where I work out of a plant in a smaller town on the outskirts of Milan in Northern Italy from time to time. I didn't notice any major clothing/style differences whatsoever but that was because I was in a small town I assume. Next time out, I'm definitely hopping on a train to Milan though. I say don't overthink it too much.

 

[Esa]

I'm working out of Milan in a technical position. I don't mean to over think it...just don't want to be uncomfortable like my first time in Ireland.

 

[max b]

I'm Italian and living in the north area. There are few little difference in the way people are dressing in italy between north and south of the Country.
for example the cut of the shoulders for a jacket is very different comparing Milan or Naples tailors.
the napolitan one is more soft. Other thing : people in south is used to wear shorter trousers, while up north usual there are 2 centimeters more...
I'm sorry for my English, but I'm trying to explain in the best way I can.
talking about accessories, black is the color for "fashion victims", while business men are preferring navy or charcoal.
about shirts here the most popular color is sky blue and then white.
white shirt it's ok, but I don't know why when I see people with white shirt and red or paisley tie in Milan I immediately understand they are not Italian..
to make the history short, charcoal suit is ok then sky blue shirt or white is fine.
you can give a touch of color with a bright color tie. I hope I was able to give you some help.
anyway these are my ideas, of course there are 60 milions people in Italy and 60 milions way of thinking..

 

[Nicola]

Tech IT?

Jeans,sweater and jacket. If you feel the jacket doesn't fit in take it off at work.

There is a Zegna outlet outside of Milano. Look for Bolgheri Factory Outlet