10 Italian-Inspired Fall Style Essentials, From $10

When I moved to Italy and became a mom, I unlocked a whole new world of mixing elevated fashion and functionality. The glam style of Italian signore I see regularly—kitten heels, bold sunglasses, and luxe sartorial looks—inspire me. Comfy athleisure isn’t as trendy here for anyone over 25, and you’ll be met with looks of complete bewilderment if you’re caught walking with a Stanley Quencher. 

With the season changing soon, I need fall style essentials that are stylish yet comfy enough to chase my toddler around the city. From a beautiful silk neck scarf to a sling bag that’s 64% off, I’ll wear these 10 functional and fashionable essentials to keep living that Dolce Vita mom life this fall.

Quick Dry Cargo Pants

I’m a pocket nut, so I was thrilled that cargo pants were back in style after having my daughter. Chic women on the streets of Italy pair them with everything from platforms to mules to stilettos. Teething rings, bibs, house keys—my pockets house them all. 

I’ve consistently received compliments on these Alice + Olivia cargo pants in Milan and New York City, but I found this similar pair on Amazon for a steal. These cargo pants are even made of a similar material. I look forward to styling them with a great cashmere sweater this fall.

Steve Madden Boca Shoe

These Venetian-inspired loafers are extremely popular in Bergamo, the northern Italian city where I live, which was once a part of the Venetian empire. They originated from the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of Italy and were worn by local girls for their weddings. Then, Venetian gondoliers stole the style, and now the women of Bergamo are taking it back from the boys! The Steve Madden Bocas are absurdly comfortable, elegant, and easy to pair with a dress, jeans, or other look. They’re available in rich jewel tones, too.

PoeticEHome Mulberry Silk Neck Scarf

Yes, a silk scarf over the head is so cliche dolce vita, but it has become an essential wardrobe item for me in Italy over the years. Whether you wear it around your neck, on your head to combat a rough hair day, or through your belt loop to add more pizazz to a standard T-shirt and jeans, a great silk scarf is as highly functional as a Boy Scout’s bandana. 

I’m still a pumpkin spice girl at heart, so this fall, I’m eyeing rich oranges and Bordeaux to add to my scarf collection. Try wearing it on your wrist with a utilitarian jacket for a femme pop.

Cosace Acrylic Glasses Chain

Honestly, my camera roll is full of quick shots of elegant women I see out and about in Bergamo. One item I’ve noticed they wear often are glasses straps and chains. Bold fun acrylic glasses straps are not solely for the librarian look anymore, and they’re super practical. As the mom of a toddler who constantly grabs at my sunglasses when in my arms, I fell in love with the idea of glasses straps. Having a few of these cool versions from Amazon is a stylish way to avoid losing my favorite shades. 

Revolve Olena Pinstripe Pant

Tailored suit separates are quintessentially Italian and a simple way to look put together. Pair these Olena pinstriped pants, which are 75% off right now, with a pair of sambas, and you’ll be perfectly on the cool girl trend this fall. A fun little secret? My pinstriped pants are a chic way of camouflaging the inevitable stains from sticky toddler hands.

Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag

One of my style star mamas is Jennifer Lawrence, for effortlessly mixing the chicness of Italians with American comfort. I noticed her go-to bag from the Row was well out of my price range, so I looked for beautiful, supple leather options that were just as timeless and lived-in as her piece. I love this Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Sling Bag in rich olive, but it’s also available in four more colors. 

In Italy, a handbag is everything, but as a mom, there’s no need to sacrifice style for on-the-go functionality. Plus, this Quince bag is definitely in my price range at 64% off. 

Everlane The Lug Chelsea Boot

Studying abroad in Milan certainly upped my boot game. Italians love beautiful leather boots, and come fall, the styles, shapes, and colors they wear are breathtaking. But I’m always on the lookout for a stylish rainproof boot. These classic Chelsea boots from Everlane are water-resistant with a lug sole, making them just right for city trekking in the rain.

Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket 

This Barbour jacket is a splurge, but I had to add it to this list because it will last you for years. Mine is decades old and still in great condition despite how much I’ve worn it. Roomy pockets are key for me at the playground and on walks with my daughter, so I love that the jacket has four on the exterior. The jacket fits in with the prep trend between the corduroy collar, banded cuffs, and contrast tartan lining. Did I mention it’s also waterproof? 

Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket

Because I love my Barbour jacket so much (but not the price tag), I’ve been on the hunt for a more budget-friendly option. This Old Navy jacket isn’t waterproof, but I still get two big pockets for essentials. I can’t decide what I appreciate more: the inclusive sizing (up to 4X) or the $60 cost.

Shabaduer Cashmere and Wool Blend Sweater 

Fine Italian cashmere is almost synonymous with Italy, and a beautiful knit for changing seasons is essential. Lucky for me, my husband’s family has a knitwear business, so I’m pretty spoiled for choice. However, cashmere sweaters can be a splurge, so I also have my eye on this economical and durable option. The stripes on the sleeve add a sporty look that’s a nod to my beloved athleisure dressing but in a luxe knit experience.

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