12 Italian Fashion Staples to Add to Your Closet This Fall, According to a Travel Writer From Rome

Fall in Rome is such an underrated time of the year. While the leaves are just starting to change, there's still plenty of sunshine for exploring the city on foot. You'll still get some wet and crispy days, but even those are cozy and romantic; the way the street lights reflect off of wet cobblestones at dusk is one of my favorite things. And in the shoulder season, the tourists trickle out, the streets and attractions quiet, and for a brief time, it feels as if the city belongs only to the Romans.

As a travel writer who's lucky to call the Eternal City home , I've curated a wardrobe that can adapt to the unpredictability of the fall weather to stay comfortable and stylish, whether I'm inhaling a plate of carbonara al fresco or having aperitivo in one of Rome's many enoteche, or wine bars. So, if you're looking for a bit of la dolce vita to get you through the arrival of shorter days and colder temperatures, these are 12 Italian wardrobe staples to add to your closet this fall — including hand-stitched velvet flats, lightweight turtlenecks, and belted trench coats.

Sweater Dress A sleek knit dress is great for staying comfortable while also looking stylish. You can pair it with a vibrant pair of friulane (aka traditional velvet slipper made in Italy) or classic leather loafers for a more relaxed vibe, or wear it with knee-high leather boots and patterned tights for a more elevated look — perfect for snagging an aperitivo at one of Rome's many enoteche, or wine bars. I've currently got my eye on this Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Long Sleeve V-neck Midi Dress from Quince that's available in five neutral colors including black, heather charcoal, and olive, but this Amazon take is cozy, stylish, and affordable, too, on sale for $26 right now.

Velvet Ballet Flats Friulane flats are arguably one of the most popular shoes in Italy. They're hand-stitched velvet slippers with a rubber sole that date back to the 19th century in Venice. Once considered to be a poor man's shoe, they've experienced a renaissance in recent years for their playful, colorful elegance.

I have five pairs — a bright orange, a dark moss, a vibrant light green, a muted yellow, and a fuschia – that I wear in almost every season. While mine were purchased in small boutiques across Italy, popular Italian brand ViBiVenezia ships to the United States, so you can invest in a pair of la dolce vita, too. If you're looking for a similar pair stateside that evokes the same look, try this vibrant embroidered velvet pair from ultra-comfy brand Birdies that I also have my eye on.

Belted Trench Coat Fall in Rome can vary from sweltering summer-like temperatures to very wet and chilly. That's why a stylish, lightweight belted trench coat , like this option from Quince, is an ideal choice for staying prepared even in the most unpredictable of weather. It's a classic Italian look that can be worn in the spring or fall, so it's an especially versatile wardrobe item. This $100 version won't break the bank but still offers quality that will last year to year. Pair it with either a long knit dress or a pair of flared pants for an effortlessly chic look, my go-to since it helps elongate my petite frame.

Lightweight Turtleneck Lightweight turtlenecks are perfect for layering, which is essential to be comfortable and cozy during fall in Rome. Not only is this one from Land's End flattering thanks to its skimming fit, but it's also available in a wide variety of colors so you can mix and match with your wardrobe. The turtleneck is especially versatile and can be paired with flared jeans, corduroy pants, or even slacks depending on the occasion. It can be dressed up or down with sneakers, flats, loafers, or boots, so it's a great item to have on hand when traveling.

Corduroy Pants Corduroy pants are a comfy but trendy alternative to jeans or slacks for the fall. This pair from Madewell is available in four neutral colors, including a forest green, bordeaux, white, and chocolate brown. Don't let the material fool you — corduroy pants can be effortless and elevated depending on how you mix and match your accessories, shoes, and tops. It is their versatility that makes them a great fall wardrobe staple, and it doesn't hurt that this pair of pants is super soft and cozy, too.

Boyfriend Blazer An oversized blazer is a key piece to any Roman woman's wardrobe and can be paired with everything from heeled booties and sneakers to jeans and dresses. The boxier, relaxed fit is not only comfortable but also great for layering, so you can wear it beyond the fall and into the winter and spring as well. If you're looking for an affordable alternative, check out this under-$50, oversized blazer from Amazon that's available in more than 10 colors, with sizes ranging from small to XL.

Square-toe Leather Bootie Square toes have been "in" for the last year, and leather boots in this style are my favorites to wear for a more fashion-forward alternative to the classic rounded or pointed toes. I usually wear mine with a pair of flared jeans and a longer jacket, like a trench coat. While I purchased my go-to pair from a small boutique in Rome in 2020, these Vagabond Shoemakers Hedda Square Toe Leather Booties are a near-perfect match. Don't forget to prime your leather shoes with a boot wax to protect your shoes from the elements this fall!

Patterned Tights A clever and low-lift way to jazz up a fall outfit is with a pair of patterned tights, like this four-pack from Amazon. They're a great accessory for adding texture to a look when wearing simple dresses and simultaneously keep you warmer on crisp days. One of my must-have looks is a knee-length dress, a pair of patterned tights, calf-high leather boots, and a leather jacket. Voila! You're ready for a night in Rome — or any city for that matter.

Leather Jacket A classic leather jacket is a must for any wardrobe, and if you invest in the right one, it can last you for years. My leather jacket, which I purchased nearly 10 years ago, still looks brand new and is part of my fall uniform. I reach for it constantly since it's so versatile, and I love that it can be dressed up or down depending on my outfit.

Good leather jackets aren't known for being affordable, so if you're not quite ready to make the commitment you can try this budget-friendly Levi's faux leather version that's currently on sale for $70. It has more than 3,000 five-star ratings at Amazon and is available in a dizzying 46 colors, with sizes ranging from extra small to 3XL.

Cat-eye Sunglasses Fall in Rome can be one of the most beautiful times of the year — think: sunshine, al fresco dining, and the slightest bit of chill in the air so days feel super fresh. This means, you're going to want a stylish pair of shades to protect your eyes when you're sipping on a Hugo or Aperol Spritz in a piazza. Cat-eye tortoiseshell sunglasses are a beloved silhouette of mine for their timeless elegance. While mine were handed down to me by my mother, you can invest in your own pair with this affordable look-alike at Amazon , now on sale for just $12.

Leather Handbag The handbag that hardly leaves my side is from Singaporean fashion house label Charles & Keith. It's known for its fun and dynamic purses, like this Geometric Top Handle Chain-Link Bag . While I have the bag in a mossy green color that's now discontinued, this pumpkin shade is perfect for fall.

The small but mighty bag can hold a surprising amount, including my wallet, phone, keys, and lip balm. It comes with a detachable, gold-accented, adjustable strap, that can be worn cross-body style for a hands-free stroll around town, or the bag can simply be carried via its curved top handle.

Gold Hoop Earrings Gold hoops are a mainstay in any Italian woman's closet. They can range in size from dainty to bold and in style from delicate to chunky — it's all about personal preference. While I've had much of my jewelry since I was a child (gifted to me during my baptism or communion, as most Italian women's are), these Giacimy 14k Gold Plated medium-sized hoops at Amazon, which are available in various sizes and thicknesses, are a budget-friendly lookalike.