What to Wear: How to Dress in Italy
Trying to predict what you should wear in a different country can make packing seem like a daunting task. Here are some of my tips to make deciding what to bring a snap, keep you looking cute, and avoid screaming, “I’M A TOURIST” while traveling.
- Neutrals are your best friend
One of the easiest ways to save room in your suitcase as well as your budget is to find a neutral color scheme that works for you and stick with it. For my packing list, I tried not to stray from a color palette of black, white, tan, grey, and olive. Almost all of my clothing items mix and match, which is especially helpful when I leave for weekend trips (or haven’t done laundry in a while). Also, neutrals help you blend in more, making you less of a target for pickpockets.
- Modesty is the best policy
Italian women dress much more conservatively than we do in the United States, even in the sweltering summer months. While it is not necessary to outfit yourself in conservative clothing, it will prevent you from looking like a tourist, as well as dealing with potentially unwanted male attention. That being said, many locals are used to tourists, so you will not totally stick out if you whip out your high-waisted shorts.
This jacket was a great buy as it is so easy to throw on over a sundress for more coverage
- Bring a Scarf…Everywhere
One European fashion essential is the scarf. Scarves are a perfect way to spice up your neutral travel wardrobe, add a layer of warmth, or make clothing less revealing.
Pro tip: Always bring a scarf or cardigan with you when sightseeing in Italy, as covered shoulders are often required to enter religious sites. This will save you money, as many charge a fee to rent a cover.
- Don’t be afraid to dress up!
Italians take great pride in their appearance, and are almost never spotted wearing t-shirts, sweats, or flip-flops. While you can sport these items at the gym or the beach, when walking around town the best way to fit in is to wear a dressy/casual outfit. My favorite casual outfit is a pair of jeans, loose fitting white tank, scarf, sweater, and nice sandals (not flip flops) or flats.
- Forget Faux Leather
Italy is famous for its genuine Italian leather, or pelle vero. While you are there, be sure to purchase some leather goods! I have a leather jacket that is simply gorgeous, and makes my fake one I bought in the states look like a disaster. Italians can easily tell real leather from fake, (and you will be able to soon!) so keep that in mind before packing your faux leather items.
Wearing my Italian leather jacket in front of Santa Croce
- Pack the Perfect Purse
Another essential for living in Italy is a good travel purse. An excellent travel purse has a cross body strap and zippers, both of which make it more difficult to pickpocket. Also, while super small purses may be trendy, make sure that you have enough room for anything you may need walking around the city-wallet, phone, camera, hairbrush. I bought a leather one that is brown with black accents, so that way it goes with whatever colors I chose to wear.
What is your go to travel outfit or accessory?
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For more great Italy travel tips, try checking out these posts!
- 50 Travel Tips For Visiting Italy
- 7 Fantastic Day Trips To Take From Florence
- Two Incredible Weeks In Italy: The Complete Itinerary
Great tips and excellent advice on all points! I’m heading back soon and can’t wait!
I’m so glad you found them helpful! That is so exciting! Have you thought about where you plan to visit?
Really helpful advice! Thank you! I’m visiting Rome this month and have been stressing about sandals that can stand the miles I will be walking. Do you have any advice there specifically? – – The tip on the scarf/ shawl was especially reminding as I may not have packed one as I typically don’t like things around my neck . . . but as they say, “When in Rome . . .” I LOVE my jeans and am NOT short shorts gal, but it is summer. I’m worried about getting hot in those jeans . . Thank you much!! – Kathy
Hi Kathy! As Rome is very touristy you won’t get many looks no matter what you wear. My biggest advice is to bring a scarf when you visit the Vatican to cover up with if your shoulders or knees won’t be covered by your outfit. It will probably be pretty hot, so I recommend cool fabrics! For more on visiting Rome, click here !
In Rome, there are many tourists so I noticed people are used to different styles. However, in Florence (I was there early this month, July) many people wear summer dresses or shirts and pants. Since it was warm I did not see anyone wearing jeans, or maybe they passed by and did not notice! They don’t wear flip flops and they don’t look sloppy at all. Scarf is important to have with you for churches and also early morning it can be cool and easy to carry and when not needed, put it in your purse/tote. They have an easygoing look, very little make up ( little lipstick)hair in a ponytail or not and little to no jewelry worn. Bare in mind this is during day time and very warm weather! Love their style. Men there do not shy away from wearing bright green or cobalt color pants. The men also dress nice and casual, no flip flops and no worn out t-shirts.
I hope you enjoyed Florence, I love it! Your observations are spot on, thank you so much for sharing. Happy travels, Maya!