It’s no secret that Italy is home to one of the world’s “big four” fashion capitals. Italy has birthed some of the biggest fashion brands in the world, and the sartorial finesse extends to the streets of cities like Milan and Florence. In Italy, looking put together is basically a cultural requirement, and the concept of fare la bella figura has a lot to do with it.
The cultural concept behind Italians’ impeccable style
Fare la bella figura translates as “to make a beautiful figure” in English, and no, it’s not a toxic “thinspo” motto. More accurately, fare la bella figura means to make a good impression — to prioritize putting your best foot forward. In Italian culture, it’s understood that you lead with your appearance, and how you look is the first message you’ll send to others, long before you even have a chance to open your mouth to speak.
That means dressing the part is paramount. If you want others to think you’re organized and put together, you’ll want to select clothes that reflect this. Likewise, if you want others to think you’re competent, or playful, or trustworthy, or any other quality, dress accordingly. For many Italians, clothes aren’t just something you wear to cover your body or stay warm in the winter — they’re a means of communication and self-expression.
Fare la bella figura goes beyond the superficial
Before you assume that fare la bella figura is all about putting on a front, know that the concept goes a lot deeper. Clothes are an important part of making a good first impression, but your attitude and how you carry yourself need to match. Think of your clothes and outward appearance as the invitation for others to get to know you — a little peek into who you are. Once others get closer, in theory, they should find a personality and set of manners that are just as engaging as what they see on the outside.
If you broke down the elements of fare la bella figura, it might look something like this:
- The clothes: quality garments that reflect your personal style and personality, rather than passing trends. They should be clean, wrinkle-free, and tailored to your body (no pants dragging on the floor, for instance). And they should fit the occasion, adhering to any set dress codes. If there are no specific rules, Italians are often more likely to dress up slightly, rather than dressing down.
- Gracefulness: Fare la bella figura certainly takes posture and body language into account. Making a good impression means holding your head high and only wearing what is comfortable for you (i.e., leave the too-high heels at home).
- Personal grooming and hygiene: For many Italians, hair, skin, and nails complement the outfit, and grooming is a must. This is in contrast to, say, French girl style or Scandi style, which often embrace an undone hairstyle or a face with minimal makeup.
- Personality: Being polite, following social rules and manners, and extending warmth and kindness to others are important parts of making a good impression in Italian culture. Looking pretty doesn’t mean much if you have an ugly heart.
In Italy, clothes can affect your relationships and social life
Choosing to present yourself well shows self-respect but also respect for others. Putting thought into your outfit, particularly when socializing or attending an event hosted by someone else, shows that you value your time with them.
Perhaps most importantly, how you feel on the inside when you’re engaging with others can be influenced by how you look on the outside. Just think: When you put your best foot forward and have a fare la bella figura mindset, it’s likely that you’ll feel more confident when meeting others. But if you don’t put much thought into your external facade, once it’s time to interact with someone you admire or meet someone new, you might be more likely to feel insecure and shrink yourself — making it hard for them to see the real you.
While placing so much focus on appearances may seem superficial in some cultures, in Italy, it’s clear that personal style really matters — not only in terms of making a good impression on others, but personally, too.
