Italy: Business Dress
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Dressing well is a priority here. Your clothing will be perceived as a reflection of your social standing and relative success, as well as your competence as a businessperson.
Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. Do your best to make clothing choices that are both tasteful and stylish.
An Italian would never wear scuffed, unshined or unfashionable shoes. If in doubt, wear the best pair of shoes you possess [that go well with your outfit].
While you should make every effort to look your best, you'll probably find it difficult to “out style” the Italians, especially the Milanese. Moreover, many consider Milan to be the very center of the fashion and design world.
Men should wear expensive, sophisticated ties and well-cut dark suits.
Men often wear accessories such as cuff links, tie clips, and stylish watches.
Choose only quality fabrics, such as light-weight wools and silks.
Women are advised to dress simply and with elegance. Accessorizing is also widely practiced here.
The most commonly worn colours are darker, subdued shades. Brighter colours should be reserved for accessories.
Italian businesswomen usually wear more makeup and jewelry than American women.
It is usual for women not to wear stockings in the summer.
Perfumes and colognes are frequently used by both men and women.
When you receive an invitation stating “informal” dress, don't assume that you'll be welcome arriving in a t-shirt and sweatpants. For a social gathering, informal more often than not means tastefully coordinated clothes, sometimes including a jacket and tie for men.
An invitation stating “formal” dress usually means formal evening wear, which is very dressy by American and northern European standards.
Shorts are unacceptable in public [they are reserved only for foreign tourists]. You may not be admitted into a church wearing shorts, a sundress or even a sleeveless top.
On the street, jeans and sneakers can be acceptable leisure wear [especeially for young people], although this kind of clothing is often reserved for the gym or the beach. This attire is not considered suitable in any business context.
Summers can be very hot and humid, while winters are damp and cool in the south and can be very cold in the north. With the exception of the mountain regions, however, there is little snow.
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