Do you have something more understated?
'Sobrio' — 'SO-bryo'. Three syllables. 'Br' cluster — clean. Stress on first syllable.
When shown shoes that are too flashy or embellished for your taste. A sophisticated Italian way to ask for simpler, more classic styles.
'Sobrio' = sober/understated (not in the intoxication sense). In Italian aesthetics, 'sobrio' is a compliment — it means refined restraint. Opposite: 'vistoso' (flashy), 'appariscente' (showy).
Qualcosa di meno vistoso.
Something less flashy.
'Vistoso' = flashy/eye-catching — direct opposite of understated
Preferisco le linee pulite.
I prefer clean lines.
Expressing aesthetic preference for minimalism
Non amo i decori eccessivi.
I don't like excessive decoration.
Explaining the preference in more detail
Northern Italian style — particularly Milanese — is famous for 'sobrietà' (understatement). The less-is-more philosophy in Milanese fashion means that excessive decoration is considered poor taste ('cattivo gusto') in professional circles.