VillaVogue, you’ve been missed. If it’s your first time reading, benvenuta. This column will hopefully open your eyes to new fashion trends around campus, and now globally. If you’re a loyal follower coming back for more during the 2025-26 school year, bentornato.
This semester, I have the privilege of studying in Florence, Italy. With the opportunity to explore new cultures comes the advantage of witnessing the unique fashion each location I visit has to offer. From my excursions to Paris to visit dear friends to the excitement of Oktoberfest in Munich, I plan to soak up the innovative styles far and wide.
If you’ve been here since the beginning of my VillaVogue adventure, you’ve read my love letter to Italy. “Sprezzatura” was the main focus of that note, expressing the powerful quality of Italian fashion put into simple terms: “effortless beauty.” My short experience in Italy so far has led me to observe many people casually walking into a cafe or sitting for dinner dressed in a way that looks so easy to put together, yet so chic. Back on Villanova’s campus, wearing a sweatshirt to class was an everyday feat. In Florence, even students dress with intention. Every outfit is coordinated perfectly, dolled up with accessories and matching elegant shoes. The seemingly effortlessness of it all baffled me.
After spending a week in Florence more than a year ago and now living in the heart of the small, bustling city, I have found that this description irrefutably stands true. However, I want to expand on this claim. While it may seem effortless, for most people, having style is the opposite.
I read an article recently discussing the claim that effortlessness in fashion is an “illusion.” Ultimately, this concept of sprezzatura is a myth; style takes time and work. This concept prompted my deep dive into this topic once again.
Few things come naturally for me. No matter the hobby or the subject in school, to prevail means the need to work for it and the desire to achieve it. When it comes to finding a spruce outfit to wear to class, out to dinner with friends or simply running errands, I always put in at least an ounce of consideration to what I’m putting on. For me, it’s a fun game to play: building an outfit, pairing denim with a blouse of my liking, finishing it off with a pair of boots I found deep in my closet and being satisfied with the result. I’m not naturally stylish, nor will I ever be, and I’m okay with that.
Clothing trends are on a constant rotation. What’s in and what out is easy to find. A simple scroll through TikTok could find you a viral workout set and the next minute a must-have maxi skirt. With a few taps you could buy someone else’s idea and have it at your door tomorrow. To be described as “trendy” and “stylish” lie at opposite sides of the spectrum.
However, it takes time to sift through the items broadcasted in the industry that reflect who you are. It takes effort to cultivate your personal taste and develop an understanding for what you feel comfortable in. As funny as it may sound, it takes effort to look effortless.
Living in a major city for the first time, navigating through a foreign country and balling on a tight budget have given me the privilege to put more care into what I purchase. Thus far, I’ve expanded the thought I put into every piece of jewelry I’ve bought at a small market and to a pair of Italian ballet flats I couldn’t find anywhere else.
So maybe, then, effortless style is an illusion. It may seem like a simple task, but in reality it is a detailed hobby.
Minimalism is a welcome hack. This trend is one worth feeding into. For example, a capsule wardrobe of reliable jeans in multiple shades, your favorite basic tees and tanks, and a few pairs of shoes that work for most occasions that you can dress up or down. This semester, I’ll be visiting the Sant’Ambrogio market for affordable and unique pieces to authenticate my wardrobe.
Independence is crucial. Find the pieces that match your personality and the trends that speak to you. Finding your personal style is an important aspect that will give your fashion journey a far more compelling result.
Confidence is key. If you’ve taken the time to carefully assemble an outfit detailed to perfection, strut with intention.
Maybe the best way to describe Italian fashion is not “Sprezzatura,” but instead “La Bella Figura.” This is an Italian phrase that translates to “the beautiful figure,” often used to describe a person who presents themselves in a positive, elegant manner in both appearance and behavior.
From vintage shops to outdoor leather markets, I’ll continue to explore the unlimited beauties of Florence and how true style is not about perfection. It’s about intention.
