alla moda
/ˈal.la ˈmɔ.da/word by word
The English word 'stylish' can be translated into Italian as alla moda.
The phrase alla moda is used to describe someone or something that has elegance, taste or refinement in their manners or dress. You can also use the phrase di moda interchangeably to mean 'fashionable' or 'in style'.
Meaning: having elegance or taste or refinement in manners or dress (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase alla moda literally means 'in the fashion'. It is composed of the preposition a (in/at) combined with the article la (the) and the noun moda (fashion).
Which one should you use?
While alla moda implies being trendy or following current fashions, the word elegante focuses more on timeless refinement and class regardless of current trends.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase is pronounced /ˈal.la ˈmɔ.da/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian has a specific word, sprezzatura, to describe a type of stylishness that looks effortless and unplanned despite being carefully crafted.
- The term alla moda is famously used in the name of the 'Milanese' style of cooking, where certain dishes are prepared alla moda di Milano.
- In Italy, calling someone alla moda can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being 'trendy' or 'superficial' rather than truly elegant.
Examples in context
- Quel vestito è davvero elegante!That dress is truly stylish!
- Sei davvero di classe con quell'abito!You're truly stylish with that outfit!
- Lui è sempre molto alla moda.He is always very stylish.
- Guarda quell'orologio, è davvero stiloso!Look at that watch, it's really stylish!
- Quel ragazzo è davvero figo con quei jeans!That guy is really stylish with those jeans!
- Quella gonna è molto elegante.That skirt is very stylish.
- Quei ragazzi sono davvero stilosi.Those guys are really stylish.
- Quella festa era molto di classe.That party was very stylish.
- Quel cappotto è molto alla moda.That coat is very stylish.
- Le sue scarpe sono alla moda.Her shoes are stylish.
- Vuoi comprare qualcosa di alla moda?Do you want to buy something stylish?
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are shopping in a boutique.
- GiuliaGuarda questo vestito, è molto alla moda!Look at this dress, it is very stylish!
- AlessandroSì, Giulia, è davvero elegante.Yes, Giulia, it is really elegant.
- GiuliaAnche tu dovresti cambiare stile.You should change your style too.
- AlessandroForse ho bisogno di qualcosa di alla moda.Maybe I need something stylish.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alla moda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (alla, moda) and can differ in connected speech.
