Turin, or Torino as the locals call it, is a treasure trove for those who appreciate understated elegance and high-quality fabrics. Whether you’re planning to sip an aperitivo in Piazza San Carlo or enjoy a late-night dinner in the Quadrilatero district, it’s essential to choose attire that seamlessly transitions from a luxurious suite to the lively streets.
Here’s a curated guide to the finest shopping spots and must-have pieces that will elevate your evening style during your time in this sophisticated Italian city.
Shopping Highlights in Turin
Your shopping journey should begin on Via Lagrange and Via Roma, two iconic streets that promise a rich variety of premium fashion and refined essentials. With covered walkways, exploring these areas remains a pleasure regardless of the weather. Here, you can’t miss La Rinascente on Via Lagrange, an upscale department store housing a plethora of lingerie and sleepwear brands under one roof.
For quick enrichments to your wardrobe, prominent Italian lingerie brands are nearby. Intimissimi has a flagship store on Via Roma, where you can find seamless basics and luxurious silk-blend camis. Meanwhile, Yamamay, located on Via Garibaldi, offers a collection of slips, robes, and versatile nightwear that doubles as lounge attire. If you’re on the hunt for great deals, the Torino Outlet Village, a short drive away, features a Yamamay outlet for budget-friendly finds.
Essential Italian Brands to Explore
La Perla
Established in Bologna in 1954, La Perla epitomizes Italian luxury with its exquisite lingerie and refined sleepwear offerings. Look for elegant silk robes and sleek corsetry that lies flat under evening garments. When you encounter La Perla in a multi-brand store, opt for the classic silk slip and a soft triangle set that impeccably complements dressy looks.
Ritratti Milano
An insider favorite, Ritratti effortlessly combines molded comfort with delicate lace. Their Dream and Stretch Lace collections provide a natural profile, perfect under figure-hugging dresses. If you’re a fan of the balconette silhouette, this brand should definitely be on your radar.
Cosabella
With a rich Italian heritage, Cosabella excels in offering inclusive sizing and stunning colors that suit evening wear perfectly. Their bodysuits, bras, and camisoles layer beautifully under blazers or light jackets.
F.R.S. for Restless Sleepers
For those embracing the “pajama as an outfit” trend, F.R.S. stands out with chic silk twill sets and kimono coats. Pair a tucked-in shirt with high-waisted trousers for cocktails, and keep the matching pants handy for a relaxed return to the hotel bar.
La DoubleJ
This brand showcases vibrant, maximalist prints crafted in Italy. Silk robes and pajama sets serve as striking layering pieces over a simple slip or tailored trousers, effortlessly adding color to Turin’s traditionally subdued evening aesthetic.
Wardrobe Recommendations by Brand
- Silk Slip Dress
Opt for a bias-cut style in La Perla for fluidity. Choose a mid-calf length with a soft cup set in a matching tone for a flawless appearance. Cosabella’s slip with adjustable straps provides slight stretch for travel-friendly wear. - Balconette Set
Ritratti’s lightly padded balconette lifts without unnecessary bulk, making it perfect for a cocktail dress with a square neckline. - Kimono Robe or Duster
La DoubleJ or F.R.S. offer luxurious printed silk robes that double as elegant evening outerwear. Minimal jewelry allows the robe to take center stage. - Second-Skin Bodysuit
Opt for Cosabella’s smooth bodysuits, which fit comfortably under a tux or cashmere cardigan for a sophisticated dinner in Torino. - Under-the-Dress Briefs
Intimissimi’s seamless microfiber briefs are ideal for fitted or bias-cut dresses.
Styling Insights for Elegant Evenings
- Choose Textures Wisely. As Turin’s dining settings favor polished over flashy, matte silks and fine lace trims are ideal when transitioning from ambiance to comfort.
- Consider “Two-Piece Evenings”. A silk camisole paired with tailored trousers rivals the elegance of a dress while being easier to layer against evening chill.
- Use Robes as Outerwear. A robe layered over a slip gives a chic yet relaxed appearance, perfect for evenings out.
- Keep Hardware Minimal. Ensure any metallic details on lingerie sit far from necklines to avoid clashing with statement jewelry.
- Curate a Color Palette. Turin’s aesthetic embraces deep neutrals; navy, dark olive, and espresso create a harmonious look under city lights while allowing a bold print to shine.
Fit, Fabric, and Travel Care Tips
- Prioritize Fit. If time permits, visit a store for proper measurements. Staff at brands like Intimissimi are well-versed in assisting with accurate size translations across European standards.
- Check Fabric Quality. For slips and visible camis, choose silk blended with elastane for travel ease and crease resistance. Microfiber and fine knits are excellent choices for pieces intended for layering.
- Maintain Quality on the Go. Pack a delicates wash bag and a collapsible hanger. Most high-end hotels in Turin offer garment steaming; otherwise, hang silk in a bathroom during steam showers for quick wrinkle relief.
A Quick 24-Hour Shopping Itinerary in Torino
- Morning: Begin at Via Lagrange, exploring La Rinascente and other multi-brand selections.
- Lunch: Enjoy a quick espresso near Piazza San Carlo.
- Afternoon: Continue down Via Roma for intimates at Intimissimi and explore Via Garibaldi for additional essentials at Yamamay.
- Evening: Change into new silk pieces, layer with a robe-coat, and reserve a table for a late dinner.
Your evening attire plays a crucial role in enjoying the refined ambiance of Turin. By investing time in selecting the perfect pieces, you can ensure that your style resonates with the city’s elegant vibe. Embrace these shopping and styling tips to elevate your experience in this magnificent Italian city.
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