The Milanese Work Wardrobe

No city in Italy matches Milan for its mélange of art, fashion and business. The city is known for being one of the “big four” of the global fashion scene; Paris, London, New York, and Milan, so it’s no surprise that Italians take their work wardrobe very seriously. This article looks at what Milanese professionals wear to the office. From stylish suits to chic accessories, there’s a lot to admire (and maybe even emulate!) when it comes to Italian office style.

Twinset / Scalo Milano Outlet & More 

The importance of first impressions

In any culture, first impressions are essential. They can make or break a business deal, and they can often be the deciding factor in whether someone is hired for a job.

The same is true in Italy, where first impressions are taken very seriously. Italians take great pride in their appearance and are always well-dressed, no matter the occasion.

If you plan to do business or look for work in Italy, dress the part. Understand the work environment you will be in. Working in finance, education or for a corporation may call for conservative, elegant attire, whereas if you are working in fashion or design, the dress code may offer more variety. 

The key is to strike a balance between looking formal and casual. When in doubt, dress up rather than dress down.

What is bella figura?

Fare bella figura is an Italian phrase that broadly translates to “make a good impression.” It is often used in reference to personal appearance and presentation, but the true significance of fare bella figura goes beyond physical appearance and looks. It encompasses behavior, manners and charm. Bella figura includes cultural standards, local codes of conduct, gratitude, respect, and politeness. Saving face and avoiding shame, recognizing and encouraging high aesthetic standards, as well as verbal and nonverbal communication. 

Although the importance of bella figura to Italian culture has been established by academic study, it remains one of the most challenging notions to render in English. 

In the workplace, Italians believe that looking your best shows that you are professional and demonstrates that you take your job seriously. Making a good first impression is critical in the business world, and dressing accordingly will help you fare bella figura in your professional life.  

What do the Milanese wear to work?

The Milanese work wardrobe is all about classic, understated elegance. Italians are known for their sense of effortless style and ability to put together a great outfit, and the Milanese are no exception. When it comes to dressing for the office, a few key pieces can be mixed and matched to create different looks.

Kocca / Scalo Milano Outlet & More

A tailored suit is a must-have in any Milanese wardrobe – for both men and women. It should be well-cut and made from good, quality fabric. Black, navy or grey are the most popular colors but don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonal shades and patterns. A white shirt is another essential; it should be crisp and clean, with a simple design.

Trussardi / Scalo Milano Outlet & More

Milanese women also invest in key accessories that help pull their look together. A well-chosen handbag, for example, can make all the difference. Opt for something stylish but practical; a small bag that you can carry easily will come in handy when you’re running between meetings or catching public transport. Scarves are another popular accessory, but sunglasses are a must. 

Fratelli Rossetti / Scalo Milano Outlet & More

For men, a Rolex or Philippe Patek is impressive, but believe it or not, people will look more at your shoes. Italians have a keen eye and immediately recognize quality footwear.  Loafers or a good pair of Oxfords can be dressed up or down for casual or formal events. 

Barbuti / Scalo Milano Outlet & More

How to create a Milanese work wardrobe 

The modern Milanese workplace wardrobe is all about looking polished and professional while maintaining a sense of personal style. Here are some tips on how to dress for success in the Milanese office:

✰ Invest in a well-tailored suit. This is the foundation of any good work wardrobe and will make you look instantly more polished and put-together. A classic navy or charcoal grey suit is always a safe bet. 

✰ Add a pop of color with your shirt or blouse. A white button-down is a staple, but don’t be afraid to mix things up with a printed or colored top. This is a great way to inject personality into your look without being too over the top.

✰ Choose quality over quantity when it comes to your shoes. A good pair of leather shoes will last years and can be dressed up or down as needed. Investing in well-made shoes is worth it in the long run.

✰ Accessories are vital in tying everything together and can help you make your outfit your own. A scarf, statement necklace, or even a great pair of earrings can add to your look and make you feel more confident.

We hope this guide has inspired you to incorporate Italian fashion into your work wardrobe. By following these simple tips when creating your Milanese work wardrobe, you will not only be ready for the office and feel more confident but also fare bella figura! 

Where to shop

At Scalo Milano Outlet & More, you can find some of the best casual and formal styles. Shopping for shoes in Milan at an outlet is a great way to save money on your purchase. There are many different styles and sizes to choose from.

Scalo Milano Outlet & More

Shopping at Scalo Milano Outlet & More, Milan Italy – Save up to 70% on fashion and design brands. Scalo Milano Outlet & More is the closest outlet village to Milan and is accessible by a free shuttle bus service and Car Sharing Enjoy (find more info here https://scalomilano.it/en/enjoy/).

How to get to Scalo Milano Outlet & More

Getting to Scalo Milano Outlet is easy; there’s a free shuttle from P.zza della Repubblica (in front of the newsstand), which takes about 25 minutes or take the S13 train stops in front of the outlet at the Locate di Triulzi station.  By car or taxi, it’s only a 15-20 minute drive from the center of Milan. There is ample parking and a recharging station for electric vehicles. 

Via Milano 5,
Locate Triulzi (MI)
Scalomilano.it

Opening hours

Monday – Sunday
Fashion & Design: 10 am -9 pm
Food: 10 am – 11 pm

This guide is brought to you by Scalo Milano Outlet & More
All images courtesy Scalo Milano Outlet & More Press
For more info: scalomilano.it/en

Article by Celia Abernethy, EasyMilano.com