Bella figura

What Italy teaches you about getting dressed, one layer and one scarf at a time.

Words and photographs by Heather · 2 minute read

Italy fixed that, slowly. People here use the phrase bella figura, which literally means "beautiful figure" but is more about making a good impression, presenting yourself well in how you dress, how you carry yourself, even how you treat people. On the street it shows up as natural fibers and colors you'd find in nature, tailored pieces paired with relaxed ones, outfits that are easy on the eye.

Fabric matters to Italians in a way I'd never paid attention to, cotton and linen all summer, wool and cashmere when it cools down, and almost nothing plastic among the people who take dressing seriously. I stopped shopping fast fashion after I moved here. Once in a blue moon I'll grab a fill-in piece I can't find anywhere else, and I don't love doing it, because I made a conscious choice to step out of that messy ecosystem, so whatever I buy now I wear the heck out of until it can go to someone else or become something new.

I also learned how to dress for the weather, which feels silly to admit at my age. In New York I'd leave the house in a sweater and a coat with nothing underneath, and here I watched everyone layer, a thin first piece to keep warm and protect the good knits, and a scarf over the neck because a breeze on the back of your neck is practically a medical emergency to a Neapolitan mother-in-law.

These days I dress for comfort first. I'm five foot two and curvy, I'm out walking my dog half the day, and I'm finished with anything I have to lie down on the bed to zip up. You will never see me in a skinny jean again, I don't care if they come back.

“Give me a wide leg trouser, a relaxed white button down and a sweater over the shoulders, and the day belongs to me.”

Good sneakers, a spritz of perfume and some lip gloss, and I walk out the door.