Attire for Italy

Italians definitely wear shorts, sneakers are part of the national uniform practically but white socks are definitely a no no. They will wear black socks with white sneakers instead. In any case, wear what’s comfortable for you . . . Except Birkenstocks with white socks :))))

Thank you! Saw that you are from Milan-the fashion capital of Europe-so I especially appreciate your advice.

Look, out of consecrated churches nobody cares how tourists dress. There are too many of them to actually notice what they wear.
Keep in mind there is no Italian translation for dress code and denying service because of clothes (if they are clean) is forbidden by law.

White long socks, shorts, sandals, middle-age and a German accent are a no-no if they all occur at the same time, but the worst that can happen is a joke you wouldn't understand anyway. You are free to wear white socks and white footsies in other circumstances.

First of all, are you male or female? And what time of year are you going to Italy, and where? Cities or countryside or both? Shorts may or may not be fine, but it depends. I (female) never wear shorts in the city, but I do for hiking in the countryside. As an “older” woman, I am more comfortable in capris or skirts in the city.

As for sneakers, everyone wears them, from teens to 60-somethings, but they are not white tennis shoes, they are “city sneakers” or “lifestyle shoes”. And they are not worn with white Sox. Women were them with low-cut hidden socks if wearing them with shorts or ankle pants; I don’t know how men wear them with shorts (my husband only wears long pants and then wears his black city sneakers with black Sox).

Trainers (sneakers) are worn in Italy and all over Europe. They can be white, black or any colour you like. They can be worn with white socks, black socks, no socks or those low cut or hidden socks. It's not only women who wear hidden socks, men do too. I have no idea why this myth perpetuates that no-one wears shorts in Europe or white trainers are a no no.

A lot depends on your age, there is a current trend for young men and boys to wear long socks with their trainers, you won't see many older men wearing them. Trainers that are worn by adults tend to be 'street' trainers rather than something like a pair of running shoes.

Ultimately, no-one really cares what you wear.

Shorts have become much more common among Italians, especially men, and white sneakers are now trendy. Sneakers are typically worn with no socks or low-cut socks. Athough anything goes among tourists, I personally avoid dressing in anything that resembles a travel "costume." For example, I've seen people in large cities that look like they're about to go birdwatching, bicycling or out to do yardwork. I've found that I can wear my everyday temperature-appropriate clothes and still be comfortable. And while it happens, one thing that I think is inappropriate is showing up for dinner at a nice restaurant in a larger city wearing baggy shorts and a wrinkled T-shirt (nice shorts and a nice polo would be OK). If it's not something one would do when going out to a nice restaurant at home, why would it be appropriate when traveling? In case it applies, children can generally dress more casually than adults.

but they are not white tennis shoes, they are “city sneakers” or “lifestyle shoes”

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are now trendy

1971: https://www.dealsanimg.com/d/l400/pict/113773026528_/adriano-panattascarpe-supergapubblicita-originale-del.jpg

A pair of white Superga worn with white socks during the summer vacations is a common memory of most Italians younger than 70. I think all Italian boys have an old pair of rotten Superga white shoes hidden in the closet that they refuse to throw away.

It's the White socks to the knee with sandals and shorts that italians find funny and a crime against fashion. Mostly because it was something done only by German middle-aged tourists in the 50s; you are repeating an urban legend without understanding the context.

Make sure you add a money belt to your wardrobe and use it.

Buon Viaggio,

Certain white sneakers are now very trendy. Certain big running shoes still look silly outside the gym (but are common in Italy, along with other places)

My approach is to wear what is comfortable but looks nice enough when visiting tourist sights. For me that’s sundresses and sandals, jeans and sweaters and cute sneakers or ankle boots depending on the season. I like to change before dinner into something slightly nicer (no need for fancy attire unless you have a specific plan that requires it). More like dark jeans or pants, a blouse, a bit of jewelry and comfortable flats or low heels, that I can walk for an hour in.
As for shorts, I don’t wear them in European cities very often but do in beach places. If I wear them I try to dress them up - nice shorts and a blouse, I don’t feel comfortable in cities in the shorts and t shirt and sneakers look. Just doesn’t seem common on women who aren’t college students. But that’s my preference, you CAN wear them if you want, no one really cares. You will see it all!

Pretty much the same as you'd see in North America.......appropriate for the season, of course. Short, cargo pants, yoga pants, jeans, sneakers, etc. all all worn in those not headed off to work. No problem.

Nobody in Italy really cares about what you wear. Really!

I wish RS would change his writings about travel attire in Europe. This is almost 2020, times have changed.

On my very first trip I ever took to Europe I also bought into the "dress like a local". First day out was in Madrid. It was 89 degrees and I was in long pants. By 2:00pm, I was so uncomfortably hot, I headed back to my hotel and changed. I didn't wear a pair of long pants again until I reached Switzerland 2 weeks later. (This included a week also in Italy).

NOT taking shorts to Italy will be a regrettable experience. If you are traveling in the summer whether it be Milan, Rome, Florence or the hill towns of Tuscany, IT WILL BE HOT. I would imagine the people of Italy are so use to seeing tourists, they don't even give you a second glance. Dinner in the evening at a nice restaurant might warrant a pair of long pants. Otherwise, dress comfortably. You'll be glad you did.