Sprezzatura, the art of making careful dressing look casual, goes back to Baldassare Castiglione's The Book of the Courtier, published in 1528. The accessories carry a lot of it. Gucci's brown equestrian silk-twill scarf, Paola Sighinolfi's gold Loop earrings, Etro's tan leather belt with its ornate buckle and Tod's black suede Gommino driving loafers are the pieces to start with.

Italian tailoring is about ease, which is why the pieces here are cut for movement rather than rigidity. Max Mara's brown Prince of Wales Abate blazer goes over Gucci's white striped silk-blend shirt, and Bottega Veneta's grey wool flannel straight trousers keep the palette muted. Tod's dark brown leather loafers finish the look the way a Milanese banker would.

The aperitivo hour asks for something a little dressier than office clothes, without the effort of a dinner outfit. Valentino's red scarf-detail silk-georgette blouse and Etro's navy paisley satin midi skirt do that in two pieces. Aquazzura's flat satin Sweet Surrender mules and Bottega Veneta's camel intrecciato Giorno shoulder bag keep it comfortable for a long evening.

Sunday dressing in Italy is still dressing, just in knitwear. Blazé Milano's burgundy Highland polo sweater goes with Citizens of Humanity's dark 90's French straight jeans, and Gucci's tortoiseshell Bamboo round sunglasses add a little glamour. Alaïa's chocolate perforated suede Neo Vienne ballet flats handle the cobblestones.

Dinner calls for black and very little else. Dolce & Gabbana's black ruched stretch-jersey midi dress does the work, Saint Laurent's black crepe-satin Fanny slingbacks add a low heel and Tom Ford's black velvet Arc clutch holds the essentials. Paola Sighinolfi's gold Bosco bracelet is the only jewelry needed.

Italian style is less about specific labels than about a way of wearing clothes, relaxed but never sloppy. If you take one thing away, let it be that fit and fabric carry the look, so a soft flannel trouser and a good leather loafer will do more than any logo. We would skip anything that looks stiff and brand new, because the point is clothes that seem lived in, even when they are not. Most of these pieces come from Italian houses, but the formula works with any label you already trust. Pick the outfit closest to your actual week and start there.