Appropriate clothing for Italy?

We just got back from a vacation which included a few days in Venice. There were lots of people wearing shorts - both men and women, although they were not short shorts - generally knee length. In fact, I would go so far as to say that we would have stuck out more wearing long slacks as the weather was quite warm.

I did a double-take when I read Bob's comment. "Since when are the Philadelphia Eagles a baseball team?" Then I realized he was talking about hats!

To add to Kent's comments:

The younger generation generally wears whatever they want. Older people tend to dress a bit more conservatively. My dad wears jeans at home and to work, but I'm making him buy some khakis for Italy simply for the laundry convenience.

I don't recall seeing anyone wear baseball caps when I was there, but again...no one will care, other than wanting you to be respectful in churches.

You haven't seen anything til you have seen what some German men wear in the summer. Really short shorts, black socks, sandals, and add in the beer belly and the picture is complete. Add a wife with purple hair, a leathery tan and a tatoo or a facial piercing and both of them over 50. But see, they don't care and are perfectly comfy with this outfit.

Jenn: Oh no, not again! (no, it's not your fault for asking, you didn't know that there are already 1,984 prior golden thoughts on this subject posted on the Helpline). Enter the word "shorts" in the search box, upper right, and you'll get links to all of these golden insights of sartorial advice. Could it be that even veteran Helpline Repliers are getting bored with this subject? I can save you some time by saying opinion here seems to be approximately evenly divided between yes and no. About half of Helpline repliers say some variation of: Wear what you want and don't worry about blending in, you gotta be you!This argument is often accompanied by the irrefutable logic, offered by people who have worn shorts to Europe on their last trip: we saw lots of others wearing shorts. And the other half say something like:Most Europeans wear shorts pretty much only at the beach, lake, or maybe while hiking or at home--and perhaps you want to take that into consideration!For what it's worth, Rick Steves appears to be on the side of the latter group.There's only one hard and fast rule and it applies to Italy: Some of the better known Italian churches will not let you enter if you wear shorts, at those (St Peter's in Rome, St Mark's in Venice) there are enforcers at the door: knees and shoulders must be covered, regardless of gender or age.Here's the link to our latest philosophical insights into this age-old controvery: blend in? or you gotta be you? your choiceAnd, obviously, this question relates to summer weather, if you're not going in the summer it becomes a non-issue (doesn't it?).

And this is the look some on the Helpline appear to be going for:

Base ball hats are always welcome as long as they read........

Philadelphia Eagles !!!

Jo,

I guess that's why the Germans break out the traditional dress on special occasions.

Seriously though, shorts aren't appropriate in Italian churches and some won't allow you to enter. In other areas, you probably don't have to worry too much.

I don't wear shorts except to a beach, pool or for hiking. I also travel in shoulder season when the weather is cooler.