Italian Denim
As Americans we treat our denim shirts almost like jackets or overshirts. We wear them open over swimsuits or big and loose with shorts. Nothing wrong with that, and J. Crew is making a killing on that idea right now. However, the other way of working denim is the Italian way - super slim sexy denim shirts. They are almost always darted or seamed and worn with that Italian flair that reads formal and casual at the same time. I'm not saying which version is better, but just highlighting options.
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Ljerka-Susanna-Lukic said ... (6:56 PM) :
post a commentthey both look so italian
x
http://www.monikapoppy.com
LOVE FROM MONIKA POPPY
LIVING AND LOVING IN LONDON
Very crazy that you mentioned this b/c I'm actually wearing a denim shirt w/ red/navy knit tie, skinny jeans and tan loafers. Its awesome how many different ways and how versatile this item can be for males. Eat your heart out ladies!!
FIRST!!
Those shirts are pretty amazing-looking! A far stretch from the stiffly bleached ones from the 90s, I truly like them, especially paired with khakis.
Nice!
these guys may have been watching too many american movies
Good God that second look is amazing. There's a whiff of 70's manliness to the shirt which the neckerchief counters beautifully. Perfect.
so handsome!
They look great!
Like almost everything the way to wear depends on the mood, flair, body type etc and all can be done with style. None the less I consider this way a more sleek, tailored way, I have a denim shirt that i just started re-using because i used to feel denim shirts looked too 90's, this makes me think I'm on the right path.
ahh the italian man...he can either get it so very right or so very wrong. On this occassion I am going to say it works well :)
http://colourmeskinny.blogspot.com/
I love that look! Very elegant!
Denim and khakis-never thought of that, but it looks like it makes sense.
With a slender build as his, I think this look works!
I agree with you Sartorialist so much! I actually prefer it the Italian way much more than the layered American way and I think that is just my Italian side kicking in to my sense of style. I love the first picture so much! I love your work and plan to attend your book signing tour because I am buying the book!
check out my trendy blog!
http://thetrendydwarf.blogspot.com/
Great Gatsby! I like the first shirt with the extra pocket. HMMMMM wonder if I could pull this off too....
sorry to be anal retentive, scott, but those shirts aren't denim. they are chambray. you can tell because when the sleeves are rolled, the inside of the material is just as dark as the outside, unlike denim which is often darker on the outside. also chambray is much lighter. still a good look though. cheers.
love how the first guy has his pants just short enough so we can all see his killer sneaks. <3
you're so right about the size of denim shirts, i recently bought a chambray shirt at j. crew and had it altered to be more fitted. It looks a millions times better.
Both of these men have considered outfits however, I don't think that I am on board with the chambray shirt with khaki chinos. nope, I'm afraid it is almost irritating for me. It's like a cowboy and a dock worker had a fight. nope.
That said, the pieces are smartly fitting.
please can you put me in contact with italian boy #2. he would work well as my very own accessory...
;)
I like the small scale of the 2nd one - a fresher take on country & western. Nice male accessorizing too - I always dig turquoise w/ denim.
is that buckle hand-painted? interesting...cool if so
Perfect!! I feel in love... the 2 pic: He's very handsome! lol.
I loev your blog, you're so talented.
In Argentina (more in Buenos Aires)we used: "re copado" that mean, (or as to said): "so good", or "so cool"... So, i have to said: your blog is RE COPADO!!
I can't wait for have your book. =)
(my english is not so good, sorry!!)
very cool looking
please someone tell me where i can find that first shirt with the low pocket! the color, the cut, so nice. i'll even accept tips on where to find those khakis!
impressed
The majority of comeback denim tended to be dark, as if to test its re-debut. It's nice to see lighter denim here, with white denim already following suit.
The khakis are almost too expected, and I'd like to see the denim contrastingly paired with lighter/easier fabrics, particularly shorts.
i have the nicest marc jacobs tux blue jean shirt loves it with the chinos...like the scarf...have a vintage levi shirt with a tad bit of a sheen think i will wear it tomorrow thanks...
i have been wearing this look all summer... i want credit haha...what can you say but italians do it right!!!!
they look great! I especially like the bracelets on the second guy.
PS - Most of your pictures speak for themselves but I also love it when we get an explanation to go along with them :-)
Guys shouldn't wear cropped pants.. no matter how good looking or great their style is. Just my opinion.
The thing is that Italians are delicate. I'm a woman and a size 0-2 (but tallish) in North America, and I recently had a huge laugh whilst buying a Giro d'Italia cycling jersey in Italy. My friend, an Italian man and fellow cyclist, stopped me when I pulled the (men's) XS shirt off the shelf. "Italian small is not the same as your small." (Of course I know my own size and the shirt fit). Still, it highlights a point: both the men and women tend to be fine-boned and baggy shirts (clothes, really), often look silly on such people (especially men). And of course there's always the plain fact that...Italian men are yummy beyond belief. :) These pics are making me swoon...
we can not live without jean
ohh, yummy! love love love.
i like the way the first guy tucked in his belt, not the neat conventional tuck, but a slide it under tuck. I wonder if it was on purpose.
hot,hot,hot!
the first picture, the guy is a cross between young serge gainsbourg and dustin hoffman but italian
Are you forgetting that most middle and western American's have been wearing button down, tucked in denim since their were cowboys?
I couldn't disagree more about the very american denim shirt. Have we forgotten Cool Hand Luke? The cowboy? Maybe you should visit cities in America besides NYC and you would see a lot of Americans wearing denim shirts in the "Italian way".
Very sexy, yet still classy. I'm loving this look for men.
denim is American.
i love love loveeee denim button-ups!
xox.
The Voguette
The first guy is J.Crew, 100% (well, maybe button up one more on his shirt, and we're there). The rolled khakis and sleeves, canvas shoes... The concept of what J.Crew WANTS to do with chambray shirting is exactly what these Italians are doing. In fact, much of their styling with these shirts is combining them with a sportcoat. However, as the above gentleman commented, they've not really gotten the proper sizing down. I'm not sure how people are wearing their chambray from J.Crew, but I can tell you that this is what they're going for. Look no further than the men's shop for proof.
There is nothing sexy about denim shirts
:(
yum...i'll take one of each...
i like the guys cuffed pants in the first pic and that shirt on the second guy looks great
Both of them look lovely. Very handsome. But the 2nd man won me over with the turquoise bracelets. I rarely see men with hand accessories other than the obvious watch.
gawsh,
i don't dig the way they are wearing the denim at all. So mamby pamby and European.
The Italians make bikes look cool, and scooters, and they make a damn good suit... but denim, thats American you can't femme it all up and tuck it in and don a scarf; a bandana maybe if it is some b western or you've stumbled into the 1800's otherwise EWW.
not a fan of either of these looks.
is the barn door open in the first pic?
looks good
I think the contrast of slacks and converse make his look.
denim shirts are great..is that the same guy or do they just look remarkably similar? its a good look for both of them / him !
i like everything except the shirts x :o)
Jim Thompson,the Sidney, Australia apparel designer whom you featured is a perfect example of a man wearing classic, looser denim that I find extremely appealing.
"Three over One" looks like a great brand of clothing. I wonder if it is available to Americans?
Looks as though both are wearing Rolex watches
viva italia!
I like these looks a lot. I think I would urge caution to the gents eager to try the look; just as with jean pants the wash and cut of the shirt is the difference between classy and strange. Or heck wing it, often strange and brilliance go hand and hand.
nothing accents your a man's skin color ''specially if you are a brunet'' like a blue denim/chambrey shirt. And nothing intensify this macho look more, but a pair of Aviator shades ..
I like..
Sexy and hot!
Liliane
well that's a hairy chest. lol
http://thestylista.typepad.com
Just gorgeous. simple. love it.
kiss
new
CHICMUSE
http://thechicmuse.blogspot.com
I love the style of the second one, simply chic*
The second guy is gorgeous! Love the casual look of the denim shirt.
I love your comment about Italian formal/casual. People are always saying they have trouble doing "smart casual" - well, here's the men's solution. These guys look so good, comfortable but presented. I'm actually seeing Steve McQueen in both.
I'm loving the combination!
so casual and elegant. who knew a denim shirt could be so classy?
http://essen-2.blogspot.com/
The Italians definately do it better, in England that first guy would have been forced by the insane rules of British man-fashion to wear socks with that!
http://fashionpearlsofwisdom.blogspot.com/
BRAVO!
des photos sublimes comme on aimerait en voir plus souvent!
:)
i dont know.. but that is reminding me so much of terence hill back in the classy bud spencer-films.
Congrats on the Vogue UK piece. So they think you look like a member of the Incredibles?! Style-Superhero!
The second man is so handsome!
UM BACIO from Buenos Aires (Argentina)
The first guy remembers me SERGE GAINSBOURG!!!
His face, his casual style...
Besos desde Batcelona.
Wow the chambray shirt is so handsome!
Ruth @ Matches
I like the first version. Its funny that you credit J.Crew with that idea..I bought a men's chambray shirt at J.Crew and I've worn it similarly to how you describe it.
http://fashionroadkill-halifax.blogspot.com
The first man look to Serge Gainsbourg!
Well said,I think these shirt/pants combos look great on these particular guys. The latter with turquoise bracelet looks more "put together" but perfectly relaxed, all the same. What a perfect fit!, I like the rolled up pants and sneakers on the first one, too..
Does anyone know where the shirt the first guy is wearing is from, what brand? It looks fantastic
I especially like the first one. So effortless and cool, yet stylish. Love the rolled up pants and sneakers, makes me think maybe he took his lunch at the beach and dipped his toes in before heading back to work.
The top look = The exact look I've been wearing this summer.
Rolled up light coloured trousers, no socks+ a denim shirt gives the perfect casual look.
I love it! I retired my old oversized early 90s denim shirts years ago. I recently bought a very tailored one that I pair with a crisp pleated white skirt and heels or with my suits. I love the contrast of casual/rugged with the formality of silks and linens. Perfect summa time.
Ouch! The worst part about this is that they are in Italy and I am in Australia. I wanna touch! Pic 1 is blessedly gorgeous in an "I want to ruffle up your hair even more kind of way". I'd like to undo Pi2 2's top button and loosen his scarf... ah that's better. Now where were we...
These look amazing, I looove/
Yeah, these definitely aren't denim; they are chambray. I have this debate with the BF quite often, until a gentlemen working at the J. Crew Liquor Store in NYC finally settled our debate: they are in fact two distinct fabrics.
I vote for the Italian way!
_____________________
www.eHaberdasher.com
I still wear my chambray pieces especially with turquoise jewelry...some are 20yrs. old... and I'm a girl...I'm betting on the fact that it will become a fashion "TREND" once again:) I guess I need to start shopping my closet
GREAT look but for me these photos show just how overworn Ray-Bans are right now (especially the Wayfarer).
They've suddenly lost all credibility.
:-(
hellloooo gentlemen!
Good ideas on how to wear denim shirts.
Pitty they're too hot for my weather
I like how in the first picture the guy beside him is wearing the same sun glasses hahah. I agree with you though, denim does look great.
www.tellmeyourprettylies.blogspot.com
I just love how classy they look. You couldn't have said it any better when you called it "formal and casual at the same time".
Love this style! However I wish the top photo guy would button up two more...too much "sexy" thought was put into that and then doesn't become so sexy anymore.. :/ bummer
I love both!
I love the rolled khakis - I can only hope Australian pick up on this look and dump their ill-fitting, skinny jeans and too-long shorts 'toot suite'.
very true. I love the classic americana feel of a totally casual denim shirt; it just epitomizes complete relaxation and wear-anything confidence. I rock a really oversized one all the time. but this MO is something I NEVER see down in atlanta and it is refreshing and fantastic...and STILL relaxed. classic in the way only an italian man can be.
I like the shirts, the pants not so much.
WoW. These looks are inspiring. So relaxed but well constructed. I especially love the turquoise bracelet in the second photo.
yummy yummy yummy.
style, attitude, hair.
christinadee.
nobodyknowsyou.net
love this look... american guys could take a lesson. sorry guys.
Love the glasses
I dont know if someone ever said it, but the first guy looks like Serge Gainsbourg.
Moreover his outfit is awesome!
Does the man in the top picture have his flies undone?
This is so "old Gainsbourg" chic...
as you mentioned in the post below...i'm blatantly going to copy these looks come spring...men's fashion is sooo much more inspiring at the moment!
my god i love this look!
Been a denim shirt wearer for the last 10 years. Nothing like a broken in pair of jeans, that goes double for the shirts. Love em
i love these look and the way italian guys were denim shirt...it´s so cool and beautiful...
Holy macaroni! Love the combination of the blue denim, sunkissed skin and great hair.
i really like the details like his belt, his "scarf" and his bracelet... i think it's a perfect outfit..
The second look is definitely the better. In the first, the shirt is open a couple buttons too many, and the pants are cuffed too high, which conveys almost a mason-ly, I-just-finished-painting-someone's-house attitude.
In the second, the man is not only clean-shaven, but the neckerchief adds a certain class. Also the pants are more structured, and the turquoise bracelets are just plain accessories. Plus, the man is good-looking, which helps infinitely.
Is it just me, or does he look a bit like Robert Downey Jr.?
Great explanation of the European take on denim shirts. But if Europeans are going to do the fitted look, they need to be less squishy-looking than these guys.
Just sayin'.
I would love a fitted denim shirt. But I think this look is better on men than women. For femmes, it could either look super chic or just jail cell worthy.
It's one of those looks that make you wonder whether any outfit in years to come will better it: true style.
I love how a denim shirt can be dressed up with an ascot. I personally love doing this and thank God for vintage ascots because nobody makes them anymore.
really like the blue shirt on the top photo, it makes good reflection on the tanned skin.
the first man looks like S. Gainsbourg
damn. this guy is hot.
omg. italian güys are *hilarious*
There are guys who wanna be cool and there are guys who are simply cool! Great job!
Blog it >> http://fashionmeetscologne.blogspot.com/
Nice cut. My wife gave me one she bought in Paris years ago. It is almost identical to this one. So unlike the shapeless garbage-bags made in the USA.
Cheers,
Xris
I love how soft this denim looks. Very summery.
the first picture looks like serge gainsbourg, it's thrilling!
Mm-mmmmmmm!
love the turquoise bracelet!
The whole slim denim shirt/chino thing is very Ralph Lauren...right down to the turqoise beacelet
You like it or not like it but...I am trying to be a bit objective here, you can't pull it off the so-called "Italian style" if you are even just a little bit not so slender. With the risk of sweeping generalization, the style fits the Italian/European physique much more than that of Americans.
the first guy is uber cool!
Pulled this off during the Spring in NY but the " american " way ... and funny thing is Ive been thinking bout getting the shirt tailored to be more fitted for the fall ..... thanks for the visual
www.twitter.com/Frais
Yummy!
GREAT!!!
Susan,Designer&Writer,Toronto
ARTISTIC
MILLINERY