We are going on our first trip to Europe (Germany-Bavaria, Austria and Italy)in September. From what I've read I believe it will still be warm enough for summer type clothing - we are a fairly casual couple and would like to take shorts and skorts/capris for the most part plus the necessary long pants for hubby and dress/skirt for me for touring the Vatican and other places where shorts are not appropriate. I'm reading alot of info about no shorts in Italy - we won't be wearing grubby old shorts but comfy casual shorts - mostly Eddie Bauer - I've read Rick's books and we are trying to pack light - each taking one small suitcase and a carryon. We don't plan on going out to fancy restaurants but possibly some nicer casual places. We don't want to stand out like a sore thumb but if it's hot we'd like to be in shorts. Please let me know if you wear shorts/capris in Italy. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle
922 posts
During a trip to Rome in May 2004 and a trip to Florence in October 2006, I wore capris almost exclusively. No one looked at me weird, and I was comfortable. The only day I wished I had worn long pants was when we went up to the Tuscan hilltowns. It was flippin' cold up there! Otherwise, capris worked well.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Please use the search feature for hundreds of responses to the age old shorts question. IMO, wear whatever you want. It ain't no fashion parade! Have a great trip.
Posted by
Milwaukee
194 posts
You'll definitely want to bring at least some pants along. The last time I was in Germany and Austria was in late September, and I didn't wear shorts or capris once, although I did wear a skirt with sandals the first day in Vienna. Expect it to cool off at night, and be somewhat cool in the mountains.
Posted by
Bellevue, WA, USA
81 posts
I was in Italy in September in 2006. Florence and Tuscany area was warm and I wore Capri's. Rome and Sorrento were much warmer for shorts.
It will probably be a little cooler in Bavaria so bring a pair of pants just in case.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
I don't wear shorts when I travel, only capri pants. They are just as cool IMO, and they look a bit nicer than shorts. I've also started to travel with a skirt, and I really enjoy wearing it in cities, on hot days, and out at night.
You really don't need shorts to travel in Europe...that being said, if you feel comfortable, and just can't live without them for a couple of weeks, then take them - it's your vacation, and as this board always tells people...no one will see you again!
Posted by
Alabama
108 posts
Darlene, We were in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany, including portions of Bavaria last September 3-18, 2007. It was in the 90s when we left Atlanta, but once we arrived in Brussels, we were greeted with high 30s and the first frost of the season. I was somewhat prepared for cooler weather, but still had to pick up some heavier socks, and a heavier jacket, and regretted not having a couple of fleece jackets. Only 3 or 4 afternoons of our trip did it warm up enough for capris, but that was only for a couple of hours, and then it started getting cold once the sun went down. My advice would be to keep a close track on the weather prior to your trip, so that you can pack appropriately for the cooler temperatures in Bavaria, and Austria. By the way, I'm hot natured, but was still having problems adjusting to the unexpected colder temps. Having said all this, you may experience a heat wave in Germany/Austria while on your trip. Just keep an eye on the weather, and plan for the unexpected.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I agree with Bob; wear whatever you want. I always dress for comfort just as I would at home. The locals won't remember what you wear. As long as you use good sense you can't go wrong. Just remember to dress modestly for tours of cathedrals and other places of worship.
Posted by
San Clemente, Ca.
408 posts
Darlene,
I went on the R/S Best of Europe in mid Sept in 2006. The weather was great. It was warm in Amsterdam, Germany, Austria and Italy. We did have some rain in Paris and it was cold in Switzerland. It is cool in the mornings and then warms up so take a light sweater or jacket. I wore shorts in many of the towns. I have some walking shorts so they are not really short shorts. I wear what I want. I don't wear them in churches. Be comfortable when you travel. Have a great trip.
Posted by
OP
High River
3 posts
Thanks to everyone for your comments - we will take shorts (none of my shorts are short shorts) and would never consider wearing shorts to any of the cathedrals. I've picked up a couple of nice skirts and hubby bought some of those slacks that zip off into shorts - they are from Eddie Bauer and little dressier than the really casual ones so should work well.
We are so looking forward to our trip.
Thanks again.
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
Darlene, I have twice been to Europe in September. Weather can vary from day to day of course, but in Siena, in about the third week of the month, I wore absolutely everything I owned, it was so cold. I was at the point of buying a warmer sweater! Even Rome was much cooler that a week prior. Up in the Italian Lakes district it will also be cooler.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I would expect a lot of nice, but not hot, weather (maybe hot in Italy). Plan on layering clothes for cool nights and warm days. Bear in mind that the weather during your trip may be colder, hotter or wetter than normal so try to pack to cover those bases.
This is what I pack:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1440268
It's designed for travel in shoulder season. Hopefully it can give you some ideas.