While in Rome I find myself continually at odds with the weather. The question I repeat most in my head is not “Which new pizzeria should I try tonight?” or “Where can get more gelato?” But instead, I’m perpetually wondering “What is the weather going to be like tomorrow?” The clouds in this city are a bit temperamental and seem to bring showers of rain spontaneously, and especially on the days when my iPhone “reassures” me that there’s only a 30 percent chance of drizzle. Therefore, carrying around my umbrella has become a necessity, on par with the copy of my passport and dictionary of Italian phrases I keep in my Kanken.
In order to stylishly adjust to the new climate, I’ve been taking lots of notes from the Roman Fashionistas I see mounting their vespas and sipping cappuccinos down narrow streets. Throughout the city, women everywhere are rocking cropped palazzo trousers paired with platform oxfords and moto jackets. Instead of resorting to the fatigued “skinny jeans and a T-shirt,” Italian women have found a new standard of cool in culottes. Initially, the trousers, reminiscent of my fourth grade gauchos, seemed out of place because I really hadn’t seen anyone wearing wide-leg, loose fitting pants since elementary school. However, the pervasiveness of the trend and the creativity with which I’ve seen Fashionistas dress up the look has made me learn to love them.
One of my favorite combinations is culottes with an oversized sweater or cardigan; it truly is the simplest way to blend style with comfort and, in doing so, project an aura of natural confidence. This Fashionista elevates the classic look by adding a menswear shoe into the mix, which dresses up the outfit entirely. She pulls the black loafer together with a dark velvet headband, creating a sense of balance and color continuity.
