As Fashion Week hits the world’s style capitals this month, a poll by Skyscanner, Europe’s leading travel search site, has revealed that Italians impress most when they dress, ranking as the most stylish nation in Europe.

At the bottom of the style spectrum, the Russians and Dutch are clearly struggling to shake off the age-old stereotypes of bear fur hats and clogs

The European survey of more than 12,000 people saw our nearest neighbours being crowned number one in the fashion stakes, followed by the Spanish and French.

Italy has long been popular with Maltese fashionistas because of its iconic fashion houses such as Gucci and Armani, so it is perhaps un-surprising that it tops the poll.

However, despite the world renown of the London and Paris Fashion Weeks, it is the Spanish who are nipping at the Italians’ designer heels for the mantle of Europe’s most stylish.

Seeing their athletes stepping out last month in Stella McCartney Olympic kits did nothing to improve the Brits own sense of style worth – Brits voted themselves only third most stylish behind Italy and France.

At the bottom of the style spectrum, the Russians and Dutch are clearly struggling to shake off the age-old stereotypes of bear fur hats and clogs, as they got the fashion thumbs down from the rest of Europe.

In the battle of the Brits, three-quarters voted the English the most stylish, followed by the Scots, while just one per cent separated the Welsh (third) and Northern Irish (fourth) from being named and shamed as the least stylish.

Skyscanner’s Victoria Bailie said: “Departure lounges in London, Paris and Milan are going to be packed with more sartorial elegance than usual throughout September, as the latest ‘It’ bags replace summer holiday suitcases on the baggage carousels.”

Top five most stylish nations

Italy
Spain
France
UK
Denmark

Top five least stylish nations

Russia
Netherlands
Turkey
Germany
Sweden