Appropriate attire for churches / museums

Some of the churches are very strict about their dress restrictions, St Peters being the strictest of all. If you aren't packing pants of any kind, not even a pair of capris, then bring along a lightweight large scarf or pashmina that you can wrap around your waist sarong style to cover your knees while you are inside. Museums aren't as strict, with the exception of the Vatican museum.

People wear jeans all over Europe.

"St Peter's Basilica - opening hours and dress code
St Peter's Basilica is open daily, April-Sept 7am-7pm and Oct-March 7am-6pm.
The dress code is strictly enforced at St Peter's Basilica. Men must wear long trousers (no shorts) and cover their shoulders, women must not have either bare shoulders or skirts shorter than knee length. "

From Rome Toolkit. https://www.rometoolkit.com/whattodo/vatican_stpeters.htm

It seems to be bare skin that gets the Guardians of Morality exercised. If you have on something with long sleeves and either a long-ish skirt or jeans (pants of any kind) all will be well.

The rules are about modesty in CHURCHES (which includes the Vatican museums). Non-church museums and tourist sights do not have dress codes.

Also it’s just about modesty. You could wear beat up 25 year old sweatpants if you wanted (not that looking like a slob is advisable- but it’s allowed). No need to dress up - just cover shoulders and knees. Jeans are perfectly fine on anyone, as are Capri pants. Heck,Ive seen people pull an oversized tourist t shirt over a tank top to abide by the rules. I saw a man make a long skirt out of a jacket to cover his knees because he was wearing shorts. I wear sleeveless blouses and just wrap a scarf around my shoulders when in churches.

I’ve often seen to-the-knee dresses and long shorts be allowed but technically it’s knees covered. I’d have a scarf or something just in case.

Ok thanks everyone! I'll have pants. I just wasn't sure if a dress just above the knees would be acceptable, and sounds like it's not. Thanks again!

Sometimes it is a dice roll but generally covered means covered not almost covered or mostly covered or slightly covered. You can try dancing around with it but play it save and have it completely covered. It will depend on the security at the door and if no one is checking then will see a variety of dress on the tourist. But it really a matter of respect and being a respectful tourist.

Ok thanks everyone! I'll have pants. I just wasn't sure if a dress just above the knees would be acceptable, and sounds like it's not. Thanks again!

Good call! Above the knees is not acceptable at some places (like St. Peter's/Vatican). Be advised that we saw them turn away a woman who had her knees & shoulders covered but whose top showed excessive cleavage. Modesty is the key here.

I know it may not be everyone's first clothing choice, but when visiting another country I always default to what I consider good guest rules to make them happy and my life easier! ;-)

Best to assume they will adhere to their published rules. You just never know. I was required to removed my sun-hat before entering the cathedral in Barcelona--something I usually do automatically if only to let my head cool off, but I had forgotten on that occasion.