The ease of italian “sprezzatura”

By Jack Couser

2 / 20 / 2024

Everybody makes mistakes, but to make one on purpose and own it as a stylistic choice, that’s not just confidence: that’s sprezzatura. There is no microtrend or *insert theme*-core style of clothing that can replicate the effect of a sprezzatura outfit. Especially because the idea of sprezzatura means that there is no exact formula. Sprezzatura is the idea of something that is equally as carefree as elegant. Applied to fashion, sprezzatura describes outfits that strike a balance between looseness (with rules) and structure. Traditionally, Western menswear exists as formalwear. It could be a suit and tie with a good pair of shoes. A put-together, fresh-pressed outfit with a near-perfection that supposedly informs others that you are confident! Sprezzatura is the opposite. Neither is it freshly pressed nor buttoned-up, sprezzatura is the outfit you wear for yourself despite maybe having just rolled out of bed. Sprezzatura is the confidence that you bring into your outfit, wearing comfortable fabrics and playing with levels of structure.

Despite an outfit not being perfect, sprezzatura is also the acceptance that clothing is meant to be lived in: it would be too perfect living like you just picked up your outfit from off the rack. You are responsible for putting personality into the clothes you wear. Dressing this way also reflects the Italian fashion industry’s unique perspective beyond menswear. In womenswear, it’s the idea of confidence and freedom in imperfection, twisting the classics to suit the wearer: that’s sprezzatura. The idea is a testament to clothes only being an ingredient of an outfit. It’s the person wearing them that creates the emotional connection with clothing that cements someone as truly stylish. Sprezzatura also allows the wearer more opportunity to get creative with pieces in their closet. Blazers aren’t limited to only formal occasions, button-up shirts become casual, colors can clash and be incorporated in different ways. Everything can still look good as long as you add in the (sprezzatura) confidence behind it.

Though there’s no exact formula to replicate sprezzatura, there are some common themes that can be observed in most outfits. First, that something classic is being altered in some way. This could look like wearing a tie tied incorrectly or wearing a blazer that’s too big (though it doesn’t swallow you up). With these, you can incorporate your personality by showing you are aware of traditional codes of dressing, but choose to break them anyways. Second, you embrace the imperfect. Your hair might be a little messed up, but you don’t let small things like that ruin your look. You use them as an accessory. Embracing sprezzatura means that you understand the uncertainties of every day, but you won’t let them keep you from staying comfortable and collected. Finally, with sprezzatura, in many cases there is a healthy mix of high-low dressing. This could be wearing a blazer with jeans, or wearing a tee-shirt with structured pants to create the impression that you aren’t thinking too hard about looking great. 

In an incredibly visual generation, it can be hard to keep up with looking good every day while also still being comfortable. Comfort and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive though. With sprezzatura, not only do you stay comfortable, but you can take ownership over your look and can find new ways to be creative every day.