When shopping with friends, sooner or later, you’ll need to share your opinion about an outfit someone is trying on in the fitting room. Here’s a practical and fun guide to doing it with style and confidence in Italy!
What to Say when Shopping in Italy
Key Expressions to Evaluate an Outfit
1. How does it look on me? / Come mi sta?
Common responses include:
- “Ti sta bene/benissimo” – “It looks good/great on you” (or, on the contrary, “male/malissimo” – “bad/terrible”).
If an outfit is perfect for your friend, don’t hesitate to say it enthusiastically! - “Ti sta + aggettivo” – “It looks + adjective on you” (stretto, largo, lungo, corto, aderente — tight, loose, long, short, fitted, etc.).
If you notice the size isn’t right, use phrases like: “Ti sta largo/piccolo” – “It looks too loose/small on you” or “Ti sta stretto/grande” – “It looks too tight/big on you.” - Remember: for plural items like pants, say “ti stanno” – “they look.”
2. Highlights or penalizes the figure
- “Ti va a pennello” – “It fits like a glove.” Perfect!
- “Ti snellisce” – “It makes you look slimmer.” Ideal for a flattering fit.
- “Non ti rende giustizia” – “It doesn’t do you justice.” When an outfit doesn’t highlight someone’s best features.
- “Meglio una taglia in più/meno” – “Better one extra/smaller size”: if the piece of clothing is good on an aesthetic level, but the size is wrong, then you can comment using this expression.
3. Colors and matching
- “Si abbina bene alla tua carnagione” – “It matches well with your skin tone.” This means it complements the skin, hair, and eyes.
- “Esalta l’abbronzatura” – “It enhances your tan.” Perfect for colors that glow on tanned skin.
Guiding Questions to Make the Right Choice
In addition to your advice, ask questions to help the person trying on the clothes reflect.
- “Come te lo senti addosso?” – “How does it feel on you?” Comfort is essential. In fact, a piece of clothing can give the impression of looking great to those who look at it, but it may feel different to those who try it on.
- “Ti è comodo?” – “Is it comfortable?” Looking good in the mirror isn’t enough; feeling comfortable matters too. But if a piece of clothing is not comfortable, the person may never wear it and, in the end, realize that they made a purchase that is not very useful.
- “Ti senti a tuo agio?” – “Do you feel at ease?” Emotional comfort is just as important as physical comfort.
- “È il tuo stile?” – “Is it your style?” Avoid impulsive purchases!
One place to learn Italian
Join the LearnAmo AcademyOther Practical Tips
Before your friend buys a piece of clothing, ask them:
- “Hai qualcosa con cui abbinarlo?” – “Do you have something to match it with?” A single, unmatchable piece might stay forgotten in the closet.
- “È per le tue tasche?” – “Is it within your budget?” Stay mindful of spending!
If you’re asked to pick one, express your preference with phrases like:
- “Preferisco questa opzione.” – “I prefer this option.”
- “Andrei con quest’altra.” – “I’d go with this one.”
- “Direi che questo è il migliore.” – “I’d say this one is the best.”
Giving advice on clothing has never been so simple and fun! Remember, your opinion can make a difference, but what really matters is that the person wearing the outfit feels good and comfortable.
Do you want to take Italian lessons with our qualified native teachers? Purchase your Italiano Intensivo package!
You can take a look at our article on the vocabulary of clothing and stay up to date with new words in Italian.
See you soon and good study! Ciao!
Want the lesson PDF with exercises and solutions?
Join the LearnAmo AcademyCaricamento quiz in corso…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:12 — 17.0MB)
Iscriviti: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | Altri...
