Black in summer?

No. Wear what you want and in whatever color you want. Nobody really cares. Italians do seem to favor darker colors in winter with jackets but there aren't any guidelines or anything.
The church thing depends on the church. We've gone into plenty with shorts and knees exposed. The only time anything was ever said was in Palermo with my wife having to cover her shoulders. Carry a shawl with you to wrap around your waste in case someone says anything.

LOL. I think the shawl would work better for wrapping around your waist, than your waste. :-)

Holly, Regarding the Churches, don't forget your shoulders. Some Churches are extremely strict with this, and I've seen some brutal "reminders" for women to cover their shoulders.

Holly - some "leggings" look more like tights than pants - assuming you mean that kind, no, you can't wear those and a short skirt. The days that you visit the big churches - i.e. St. Peter's in Rome wear a longer summer skirt or sundress. You'll be appropriately dressed as well as fashionable (longer is back in again). And yes, be sure to cover your shoulders. If you are wearing a tank top then a light sweater or scarf is something that is easy to carry and put on/off as the case may be. And with black - No, it NOT the only color worn, especially in summer. I hate wearing black tops in summer - they just feel too hot and Italy is HOT in June. So go ahead and wear your summer colors, white, etc. The good thing is young people can get away with a lot more - but just don't dress as if you are heading to the beach (unless you are AT the beach) or going to Disneyworld.

Are you traveling the entire time? Or based in one place just traveling on weekends? In the larger cities, neutral colors (not necessarily black) for "women of a certain age" are more in keeping with the what women wear there. Color is worn as an accent by everyone. College students have a lot more lee way. Shorts are not worn. Jeans are still big but they will be hot! June in Italy (and all of Western Europe) has been very hot the last five years. Capris are fine. No athletic shoes! And flip flops will kill your feet and are hard to walk in on the pavers, cobblestones, and uneven pavement. Privo looks good and fits in. Trying to think of a website that shows what women really wear as opposed to the "not yet prime time" fashion magazines. Maybe check out the Italian fashion magazines or other Italian magazines in your local Barnes and Noble to get a feel for what to bring. Check to see if sundresses and crinkle skirts would work. You will never be considered an Italian, but I think it is fine to try to blend in as long as it doesn't bust your clothing budget. You will probably be buying some clothing for the summer anyway, so just tweak what you would buy. You will be fine. And have a wonderful time! Bobbie

LOL. I think the shawl would work better for wrapping around your waist, than your waste. :-) LOL....think you're right!!!! Holly, it's your trip and you should dress however you feel comfortable. I'm here every day and see plenty of Italians wearing shorts and sneakers. As soon as you open your mouth to speak every Italian within earshot will know you're not Italian anyways so why worry about trying to blend in with the clothing? In the bigger cities you'll be with thousands of other tourists and the smaller towns they'll most likely know you're not a local. You'll have long hot days sightseeing so be comfortable.

Holly, I'm about your age and traveled last summer during late May/early June. There is definitely a lot of black, and more neutral colors rather than bright, but it also depends on what area you are in. As you're in southern Italy and Sicily, bright colors are more prominent, northern tends to be more subdued (besides Venice, and any coastal areas maybe). More than simply black or color, it's the amount of style you have. People have mentioned shoesI did in fact wear sandals the whole time I was there, flat sandals with no support. My feet sometimes hurt after several hours walking on cobblestone and standing in museums, but I usually wear sandals back home so I was already somewhat used to it and it wasn't a problem for me. (My big accomplishment was being able to walk up and down the corso in Arezzo (large hill plus cobblestone) in heels like Italian women do!) Your shoe choice should somewhat reflect what you wear back home, what your feet are used to. While I have heard recently that some people have been fine with wearing leggings, they have not had any trouble with entrance into churches, this will change from church to church. Feel free to try it, and let us know how it goes, but it also might be smart just to play it safe and wear a dress that goes below your knees or wear pants. I sometimes wore things that went to my knees and did not cover them, and didn't have a problem, but this can change anywhere! It depends on the man admitting people, and the nuns inside the church!

My favorite travel item is a black spaghetti strap dress. I take one every trip I make... winter or summer. You can dress it up or down, put something under it or over it, add jewelry or scarves, shawls or jackets... wear leggings under it...etc. I find a dress or skirt so much more comfortable than pants, plus I never feel out of place as far as my clothes, I do not feel underdressed or overdressed. You can wear it many days and always make it look different. I am now in search of a new one as I have worn out many and don't have the perfect one right now for a few trip I have coming up. A travel dilema I am happy to have.