If Stanley Tucci’s new show Searching for Italy, which concluded its first season on CNN in March, is a love letter to the country’s food, his clothing throughout the season is
a love letter to Italian style.
All season, Tucci’s wardrobe suited the landscape he traversed. He spent much of his time in Italy marveling over how a few unpretentious ingredients can come together to make something divine, and so it’s fitting that he would likewise explore Italy dressed in a way that is both simple and—sorry, I’ve got to say it—a feast for the eyes.
Throughout the season, Tucci explores Italy from the tip to the toe of the boot, eating his way through the country, and absorbing Italian culture through the eyes of the people who know and love it most. And he does it all in enviable style. In his wardrobe of luxurious staple items in rich cool tones, Tucci doesn't look like an American tourist; instead, he looked like a sharp Italian local, with a classic continental uniform.
All of Tucci’s outfits have one throughline: impeccable tailoring and fabrics. As he strolls through cobblestones streets or pulls up a chair in the kitchen of a family home, his clothing appears molded to his frame. Granted, Tucci is not exactly a hard man to dress – some light googling indicates he’s around 5’8", and it’s not unnoticeable that the man works out. And he’s presumably got the benefit of a costumer and tailor to work with as well. Still, his style on the show is definitively Tucci; if you follow him on Instagram, you know that the man can dress.
Perhaps most importantly, he nails the details. His trousers are midrise, true to more traditional tailoring; they flatter both his height and his trim frame. They are usually navy or tan, and never worn without a belt. His shirts are tucked in, almost without exception. And this is key because it’s that combination of a midrise slack with a perfectly tailored and tucked shirt that creates a delicate balance of proportion and line. Those shirts themselves are simple, solid button downs or refined knits; some of my favorite looks include white linen shirts tucked into simple blue slacks, or a close-fitting navy polo worn tucked into a light tan slack. In cooler temperatures he layers luxurious knits with soft sport coats; he’ll pair turtlenecks and half-zip sweaters with a classic oil cloth jacket or a simple navy peacoat. The effect is less TV host than dapper, relaxed vineyard owner.