A Very Subjective List of the Best Places to Shop in Rome

Issue #40

Chez Dédé is the city’s chicest concept shop

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! Today is officially the first day of the saldi (sales)! 

In Italy, there are semi-annual sales in January and July. The exact dates vary from year to year and region to region, but there’s no doubt that these are the best times of year to shop. In Lazio, the summer sales officially kick off today and will last until August 16. This is the time of year when I usually splurge a bit and buy myself a nice blazer, perhaps a dress or some shoes. If you happen to be in Italy during this period, I suggest you do the same.

During the summer saldi, the New Roman Times will be discounted too. Upgrade anytime in the next six weeks and you’ll get 30% off the price of a paid subscription. 

A reader, who’s planning a trip for this month, recently asked me for suggestions on “where to shop like a Roman fashionista without breaking the bank,” so I thought I would compile some suggestions. This list is by no means exhaustive, but rather is entirely subjective. I try to support independent shops as much as possible—and you’ll find several of them on this list—but there are also a few big brands that have gained my loyalty over the years. In addition to my favorite shops for clothes, shoes, accessories and jewelry, I’m including a few shops where you can find great gifts and souvenirs. Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite places to shop in Rome.

Clothes

Part of the Max Mara group, Marella sells chic designer clothes that are youthful and fun. Crucially, they carry sizes up to 50 (18 US). I love their blazers and coats. During past semi-annual sales, I’ve gotten great deals on finds like a red velvet blazer with gold buttons, an electric blue blazer, and a long white coat. There are a handful of shops in Rome, including one on Via Frattina near the Spanish Steps.

United Colors of Benetton was born in Italy in 1965 and has stores all over the world (though not in the U.S.). In terms of price, their clothes are in the mid-range. You can find nice basics as well as some cute prints and patterns. This season I’m coveting their Vichy prints, which I saw in their shop in Saint Tropez this spring.

When Marco needs a new shirt, I often accompany him to Boggi, which opened in Milan in 1964 and quickly expanded around the world. Their tailored shirts are very elegant, and Marco has also bought stylish jackets, sweaters, and shorts there. 

Shoes

Geox is an Italian shoe brand that combines style and comfort. Ever since I moved here, I’ve become a huge fan of the brand and live in their Panarea wedge sandals all summer long. I will definitely be going back to get another pair in black. They have casual and elegant styles for women, men, and children.

Chez Dédé is full of treasures, but their bags are especially covetable

Bags & Accessories

Carrying a Chez Dédé bag is like a secret handshake among in-the-know Romans and stylish travelers. The chic concept shop on Via di Monserrato is run by husband-and-wife team Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla. He’s an illustrator; she’s a photographer and graphic designer.

I covet their line of stylish, durable bags called Le Grand Sac that’s meant to be chic enough to carry around the city and sturdy enough to bring to the beach (and also large enough to hold a helmet). Made of natural silk-screened fabric with leather straps, they come in a variety of colors and prints with the names of cities or resort destinations printed on the front. I have their smaller Saluti da Roma bag, which is the perfect size for days and evenings out.