Quick Takeaways
- Martina Smeraldi’s look is rooted in Rome’s historic colors, textures, and architecture.
- Key Roman elements - marble tones, terracotta, bold tailoring - appear in her everyday outfits.
- She mixes high‑end Italian brands like Dolce & Gabbana with local artisans from Via del Corso.
- You can recreate her vibe by focusing on three pillars: color palette, heritage fabrics, and relaxed confidence.
- Rome’s neighborhoods - Trastevere, Campo de' Fiori, and the Vatican quarter - each offer signature shops to source similar pieces.
Who Is Martina Smeraldi?
When you see Martina Smeraldi is a Rome‑based fashion influencer known for blending classic Italian elegance with modern street vibe, you can trace many of her choices back to the city itself. Born in 1992, she grew up in the heart of the Trastevere district, a maze of cobblestone lanes and vibrant frescoed walls. Her Instagram feed reads like a visual love letter to the city: a black leather jacket draped over a marble‑white dress, a pair of glossy red loafers inspired by the sunset over the Tiber.
Martina’s rise to fame began in 2018 when a single post featuring a vintage Roman silk scarf went viral. Brands took notice, and she soon became the face of several Italian luxury campaigns. Yet she never abandoned the streets that shaped her aesthetic - she still shops at the market stalls near Campo de' Fiori and sources leather goods from family‑run workshops in the Vatican quarter.
Why Rome Matters in Fashion
Rome isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living style guide. The city’s palette is dictated by centuries of stone, fresco, and fresco‑washed light. Think of the warm amber of Roman marble, the deep terracotta rooftops, and the crisp white of ancient basilicas. These colors have been codified by designers for decades and appear repeatedly in runway collections.
The texture of the city also matters. Rough cobblestones inspire denim with a lived‑in feel, while soft silk from local ateliers mirrors the gentle flow of the Tiber at dusk. Even the architectural lines - the clean, columnar silhouettes of the Pantheon - influence tailoring choices, encouraging sharp shoulders and straight cuts.
In a 2023 interview, renowned Italian designer Giorgio Armani said, “Rome teaches us to dress with reverence for history but never to be trapped by it.” That paradox is exactly what Martina captures: respect for heritage, paired with a bold, contemporary edge.
Key Roman Elements in Martina’s Wardrobe
Martina’s closet can be broken down into five recurring motifs that every fan can spot:
- Monochrome Neutrals - ivory, stone, and charcoal echo the city’s marble façades.
- Terracotta Accents - from burnt‑orange knitwear to rust‑red leather boots, these pieces mirror the ancient rooftops.
- Tailored Silhouettes - sharp blazers and structured coats reflect the geometric order of Roman columns.
- Artisan Fabrics - silk, linen, and hand‑dyed wool sourced from workshops near the Vatican.
- Statement Accessories - oversized gold jewelry reminiscent of ancient Roman laurels, and sunglasses with a vintage cat‑eye shape that nod to 70s Roman cinema.
Below is a quick visual comparison of a typical Roman street look and Martina’s take on it:
| Element | Traditional Roman Look | Martina’s Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Stone white, olive green | Ivory + terracotta pop |
| Fabric | Wool, linen | Silk blend, hand‑dyed |
| Silhouette | Loose tunic | Fitted blazer over flowy dress |
| Accessories | Leather sandals | Gold hoop earrings, vintage sunglasses |
How to Borrow the Roman Vibe
If you’re not strolling the streets of Rome but still want that effortless, timeless feel, start with three practical steps:
- Build a Neutral Base: Invest in a high‑quality ivory cotton shirt, a stone‑gray wool coat, and a pair of dark denim. Look for Italian leather shoes that age gracefully.
- Add a Pop of Terracotta: A burnt‑orange scarf, a rust‑colored bag, or a pair of suede ankle boots instantly bring the Roman rooftop palette to life.
- Mix Heritage with Modern: Pair a vintage silk tie (or, for women, a silk waist belt) with a contemporary streetwear piece like an oversized bomber. This juxtaposition mirrors Martina’s habit of wearing a classic Dolce & Gabbana blazer over a graphic tee.
Don’t forget the confidence factor. Rome’s fashion is as much about attitude as it is about clothing. Walk with a relaxed posture, let the city’s history inspire storytelling in your outfit, and you’ll instantly echo Martina’s allure.
Where to Shop for the Look in Rome
Martina often tags the following spots in her posts. They’re the best place to hunt for the exact pieces she loves:
- Via del Corso - flagship stores of luxury houses like Prada and smaller boutiques carrying limited‑edition silk scarves.
- Campo de' Fiori Market - weekend stalls where local artisans sell hand‑dyed wool blankets and leather sandals.
- Trastevere Artisan Lane - a hidden row of workshops specializing in bespoke leather jackets made from Italian leather.
- Vatican Quarter Boutiques - shops that source fabrics directly from centuries‑old mills in the surrounding Lazio region.
- Monti Vintage District - thrift stores packed with retro Italian pieces that Martina mixes into her streetwear looks.
For those outside Italy, many of these shops have online showrooms. Look for a “Made in Italy” label and double‑check the fabric composition to ensure authenticity.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Trying to copy a style can backfire if you miss the nuance. Here are three mistakes Martina warns against:
- Over‑matching the palette: Stacking too many terracotta shades creates a clashing effect. Stick to one accent piece per outfit.
- Ignoring fit: Roman tailoring is precise. A baggy blazer will look sloppy. Tailor your jackets to fit your shoulders perfectly.
- Buying cheap knock‑offs: Low‑cost replicas of Italian silk or leather lose the texture and drape that define the look. Spend a bit more on genuine materials.
By keeping these checks in mind, you’ll stay true to the elegance that Martina channels from Rome.
Mini‑FAQ
What colors define a Roman‑inspired wardrobe?
Think of marble white, stone gray, deep terracotta, olive green, and occasional gold accents. These hues echo the city’s architecture and historic art.
Which Italian brands does Martina Smeraldi frequently wear?
She often mixes high‑end pieces from Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Armani with lesser‑known artisan goods from local Roman workshops.
How can I source authentic Italian silk without traveling to Rome?
Look for online boutiques that proudly display the “Made in Italy” label, provide detailed fabric composition (100% silk), and offer transparency about their manufacturing partners. Websites based in Milan and Florence often ship worldwide.
Is the Roman aesthetic suitable for every season?
Absolutely. In summer, lean into linen and lightweight silk; in winter, layer with wool, cashmere, and structured leather. The key is to maintain the neutral base and add seasonal texture.
Can I blend the Roman look with a non‑Italian style?
Yes. The Roman palette works well with Japanese minimalism, Scandinavian utility, or even urban streetwear. Keep the Roman elements (color, fabric, tailoring) as anchors, then let the secondary style add flair.
Next Steps for the Style‑Savvy Reader
Ready to put the Roman vibe into practice? Here’s a quick roadmap:
- Audit your closet for neutral pieces; donate anything that clashes with ivory, gray, or charcoal.
- Invest in one terracotta accent - a scarf, a bag, or a pair of boots.
- Visit an Italian‑style retailer online and order a silk shirt or a leather jacket.
- Follow Martina on Instagram; note the hashtags she uses (e.g., #RomeStyle, #SmeraldiLooks) for fresh inspiration.
- Try a full‑look photo, compare it against the visual guide above, and adjust until you feel that relaxed Roman confidence.
With these steps, you’ll not only look like you belong in Rome’s cobblestone streets, you’ll carry the city’s timeless elegance wherever you go.
