I got lured to Italy the clichéd way: by an Italian man. In less typical form, however, we’re still together 16 years later, which has given me ample opportunity to study Italian men up close. From a style standpoint, they are a breed apart. And thank god for that. These are the only men in the world who actually care about what their wives and girlfriends wear and have a thoughtful opinion on it. I’ll never forget my very first visit to Milan when my then boyfriend, now husband, told me to change the outfit I’d selected to wear out that night. And you know what? He was right. Even now, as my own Los Angeles-born and bred brothers look perplexed, pained and/or bored when asked to comment on my appearance, the Italian is a cheerleader of beauty and an ever-faithful style sheriff. An Italian just knows.

As for how they dress themselves, it’s with the same careful consideration – not to mention hard-fast rules – that comes into play when Italians meticulously prepare their food. Most of these well-dressed nationals refuse to be seen in an airport without a collar on. The only time they wear running shoes is when they are actually running. They pair swim trunks with button-down shirts. And they make wearing a gold necklace on a tanned neck – something I was always convinced I hated – look like a million bucks. Beware of an Italian man who does not dress well – he’s clearly lost his mind.

Here are MR PORTER’s 12 rules for being more Italian: