ITALICA · Discover

The One Thing Italian Women Leave Out of a Suit

In Milan, a full matching suit looks relaxed enough for a Saturday bakery run.

1 · The soft jacket

Armani took the stiffness out

In the mid-1970s he pulled the padding and canvas from the jacket. By 1982 he was on the cover of Time.

2 · The word

Completo

Italians call a matching outfit a completo, a complete one. Two pieces that agree, and the outfit is finished.

3 · The missing piece

The crisp shirt stays home

The collared, button-down shirt is what makes a suit look like work. Italian women leave it in the closet.

4 · Instead

A soft knit, a fine tee

Or nothing at all under a vest. An open neckline is kinder after 40, and cooler in Florida.

ITALICA

Try it this week

Take the suit you own, leave the shirt on its hanger, wear the softest top you have.

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