Fashion/What to wear in Rome/Sorrento?

No matter what you wear you will still look like a tourist. Wear what you would wear at home. Knees and shoulders need to be covered for churches.
Check the average temps for March on a weather app and realize that no one can predict the weather this far out. Check the 15 day projected weather a few days before you depart and pack accordingly.

@Diane

I understand that I'll still look like a tourist, I just want to look like a somewhat seasoned tourist so that the pickpockets will go for people who look like they've never been to Italy before.

I was asking for what the temperatures in early March normally are. In no way do I believe that temperatures for March can be predicted accurately in October.

If you want to truly dress local, travel light with an minimally packed suitcase and buy everything else over there!

But no mater what you wear, a big fancy camera slung over your neck is a dead giveaway. I would probably take the camera but be selective where you bring it. Ask yourself do I really need it for this tourist site or can I get by with an iPhone.

@Carlos true!! I really want to get a pair of nice leather boots for walking over there, but I don't want to have to break them in so I probably won't. I don't think I'll have much time for shopping though, so I'll probably just pack most of what I'll wear.

By selective in where I bring it, do you mean to only bring it to the big tourist sites?

Rick Steves a seasoned traveler was pick pocketed.
But you can look up the historical weather averages including rain fall for any city on weather.com or on Wikipedia.

Okay, I know that it's only been a short period of time and I've only gotten three replies, but I'd just like the request that instead of being told things that I already know (I won't actually fit in well), people answer my questions and give advice regarding what I asked about? It's fine if you correct me on a misconception, it's just that I already know that I'll look like a tourist no matter what. I still want to dress somewhat like the locals because I personally care.

I wouldn't want to depend on average temperatures to decide what to pack for March. It's a transitional season. I'd want to know how chilly it might be; heat's highly unlikely to be an issue! The website timeanddate.com has over ten years' worth of day-by-day, historical weather statistics so you can look at March 2019, March 2018, etc., and get a pretty good idea of the range of weather you might experience. I'd check at least the last five years. I've linked to Rome's data for March 2019.

I really don't think you can dress to discourage pickpockets unless you're willing to dress like a total slob. They don't care whether you've been to Italy before. If you're a tourist, you're (correctly) perceived as being more likely than average to be carrying around more than a minimal amount of money. What matters is how well you protect your belongings, not whether you've been to Italy before. I was pickpocketed on my 11th trip to Europe. It didn't matter. I was careless, and I looked like the best option available at the moment.

We just returned from Italy and I was kicking myself for not taking my Supergas! I was focusing on packing light and they seemed a little too heavy. Everyone seems to be wearing black or white sneakers...with everything!

@sqs for me I bring my DSLR when I really need to get good coverage of smaller details, like at a museum or a cathedral, for wide open natural spaces I just use my smartphone camera, like at a beach or in the mountains.

@cathy Really? That's great! Love my Supergas for travel haha

@acraven Thanks for that new knowledge. Any tips for protecting yourself from pickpockets?

As for shoes, you will walk every where, mainly on cobblestone roads. We walked close to 10 miles per day for five days in Rome and at least six miles in Sorrento but didn’t go to Capri. Err on the side of comfort, not looks. Skip the heels. Are your boots made for walking? Or fashion? Wear them on at home and go for a long walk. There are no “short” walks or tours in Rome, three hours minimum. If you’re going to Pompeii from Sorrento plan on four hours plus on your feet.
Having a secure purse and being aware of your surroundings are better deterrents to pickpockets then trying not to look like a tourist. Use a money belt or neck wallet for more security.
Enjoy your trip!

@horsewoofie Thank you for the tips! I think I'll skip the heels and just wear some higher end booties or something for restaurants. I talked about boots because I read that most people wore leather boots.

Look for more fitted and tailored clothes. Tights with dresses and skirts are great. Joggers and athleisure, not so much. As others have said, comfortable shoes with good support are important. Leave the stilettos at home. If you like to take photos with a good camera, take photos with a good camera. It’s your vacation and you’re spending a lot of money to take it. You should enjoy yourself, be aware of your surroundings, have a confident attitude and listen to that little voice when you feel like someone is too close or something doesn’t feel right.

We didn’t dress up for any dinner. Our daily clothes worked just fine in any restaurant. We did not look any different than any other diner. Neither of us took a dress. I wore leggings and tunics.
I took 1000 pictures between my camera and phone. Where we were and what we were touring decided which I used.
We were in Italy in May so I can’t comment on weather in March. We had the coldest, wettest May since 1958. All I can advise is take a rain coat or poncho.

The white shoes/no jeans myth needs to be put to rest. In the 8 years I have been going to Italy including 5 years living in Rome, I have seen most everyone adopt athletic shoes — even white — and jeans. (Except little old ladies in tweed suits with their shopping carts.) Sure you will see businessmen in well-tailored suits and fashionistas in high heels teetering in the cobblestones, but the average person will be in reasonably well-tailored casual clothing.

Dark wash jeans, tees or blouses, and a cardigan or a dress with leggings are great ideas. I wouldn’t change a jumpsuit as not all the restrooms you encounter will be spacious nor have clean floors.

My two pairs of shoes are always an athletic shoe plus a pair of leather booties (flat, no heel) or MaryJanes.

Your protection against pickpockets is awareness and a money belt.

March is mild, usually. A light spring raincoat is a good idea but many days you may be able to shed it.

There is no "locals dress code" just as there is no dress code in most other major cities. Rome is no different to Paris, London, Madrid, Athens etc, locals wear whatever they fancy, there is no way of determining a Roman local to a Florentine visitor or a Parisian visitor. People wear jeans, people wear white trainers, people wear shorts. You'll stand out as a tourist simply by looking at tourist sites, it will be impossible for any pickpocketer to determine whether you are a "seasoned" tourist or not, you're simply a tourist and what determines your susceptability to being a victim is circumstance, opportunity and ease of committing the crime, what you wear will have no bearing on your chance of being a victim.

Take a common sense approach, be aware of your surroundings especially people close to you and don't make it easy for your valuables to be stolen. That's all you can do.

If you really don't want to look like an American tourist then all I can suggest is not to wear Under Armour, New Balance and any combination of synthetic tops accompanied with a baseball cap. Whilst all of this clothing is worn in Europe it is very rare to spot anyone wearing a combination of them all (unless they're in their teens) and particularly not whilst walking around in a large tour group.

msmith- while what you say may be true in churches, it is absolutely false, sorry, in other places.

Wear what you are comfortable in, is my credo. I am not a fashion maven, but whatmyou describe is common....though I agree jumpsuits get complicated. Your main aim, however, seems to be avoiding pickpockets. Locals get pickpocketed too, so all you can do is keep hold of your stuff. Use your DSLR but don't put it on the table to eat. Don't leave anything valuable on the table. Best is to put it into your day bag which is on your lap and ideally still across your body. ID, passport spare cards and money not needed for the day is under your clothing in some money belt pouch plan.

For March travel to Rome/Sorrento I wear mostly jeans (dark, fitted not baggy) with layered tops - short sleeve that will fit comfortably under thin cardigan under thicker cardigan with a very light weight down jacket that fits under a mid thigh length rain coat. Obviously you need several of the tee shirts and thin cardigans. Scarves (though buying those over there is something I do most trips) are not only great for an easy way to get warmer/less warm as the weather changes during the day, but they dress up the outfit. Short (ankle height) leather boots that are well broken in but bring flats that can be worn without sock just in case it's really warm. One dress with leggings. I don't go to fancy restaurants but what I wear is fine for 'regular' restaurants.

Re the pickpocketing. Not so much what you wear but protect yourself by having passport, extra credit/ATM cards and most of the cash in an under the clothes money belt. Not only does this protect you if you did get targeted but you are less likely to be targeted because you will be less worried about things and look more relaxed.

Wearing a camera around your neck kind of screams 'tourist'. I'm not sure why you do that anyway. I'm a photographer and travel with a SLR like (called a 'bridge') camera plus a smaller point and shoot. I always have the large camera on my shoulder and put it in my bag when I know I won't be using it for a few minutes. I find it uncomfortable to have it around my neck, and I do think it looks kind of silly. On the shoulder I find it easier to use plus it kind of blends in with the bag so is not so obvious.

I'm a tourist when I travel to Europe, but after 33 trips I would say I'm an experienced one and the last many trips I've followed my advice above (after the first few trips listening to people say things like 'don't bring jeans - they make you look like a tourist and are too heavy'. I always wear jeans now except in mid summer in southern Europe).

I always wear jeans now except in mid summer in southern Europe).

Jeans for this girl and her Other Half as well! They are the uniform at home so we go by the "wear what's familiar" rule for comfort and economy (no need for a completely separate travel wardrobe). Ours are not always dark but clean and tidy, and we've never felt out of place anywhere in them, although we don't dine at posh restaurants with dress codes either. And yes, Italians wear them too, oodles of them. No one cares what color your shoes are, and you shouldn't either as long as they'll keep you pain-free on your feet for miles and MILES of sightseeing. I'll recommend a non-slip tread as wet marble steps and cobblestone can be deadly slick.

Understand too that, just like at home, there's a difference between what locals heading to the office or a job in a shop might wear, and locals just running errands or doing heavy sightseeing themselves might be attired in.

Age and culture can come into play as well.... :O)
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/trio-of-women-in-floral-print-dresses-gm1030681068-276128033

One easy accessory for a bit of European flair? Scarves! Easy to pack, and a variety of colors nicely add jazz and style to an otherwise neutral palette.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXN5H7A5NtQ
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/rome-italy-january-24-2016-beautiful-644116840

Hi sqs,

I will share my experiences. Even though my trips to Rome have been in December -- a couple of weeks. (Other trips to Italy have been in the Autumn months -- warmer and different clothing.)

Perhaps something will stand out to you, and you can customize your own travel wardrobe.

I wore/brought black pants -- wore one on plane, packed a pair in carry on and packed another pair in checked luggage.

I plan a coordinated 'look' -- tonal, monochromatic, or muted. (I prefer Black, Cream/Ivory, Grey, Brown, Purple for winter months of travel.) I layer my V-neck, tunic-style sweaters with a spaghetti-strap (color coordinated) tank underneath.

Play with some outfits before your trip. Mixing and matching and coordinating will be "your friend."

I also bring a couple of scarves to change the look a bit. Wearing a coat out and about all day in colder weather, no one will see your outfit much.

I discovered this adorable little shop that sold "Made In Italy" wool scarves and other clothing. Very inexpensive! Most of their clothing were pretty muted tones and ivory. The store was jam packed the few times I went. It is in the Campo de' Fiori neighborhood. (If interested, I can give you the addy)

I wore a knee-length, "thinner" puffer coat with a detachable hood (saves for carrying an umbrella) My last trip to Rome saw a few very warm and unseasonable temps -- 70 degrees. So, weather can change. The year before saw very cold and windy low temps during the day and night.

What I noticed of a lot of women is that they wore fitted jeans or some type of trouser or slacks -- usually a dark bottom.

A lot of women had on puffer coats -- either a brown, champagne or cream color. I even saw them hanging in store front windows on display.

For shoe wear, I saw women with beautiful, leather "oxford style" tie shoes, loafers or some type of ankle boot. I may have seen one or two with knee-length boots. Teens usually wore some type of athletic shoe -- decorated and with a higher sole.

Many also carried a very large, satchel style hand bag.

Travelers wore athletic style shoes, boots or shoes. I wore & brought extra pair of cute black shoes. I saw many who had on fitted clothes and fitted jackets. Italians usually prefer that mode of style compared to maybe what we see in America.

I leave my leather bags at home -- they will become too heavy to carry after a while. I use one of my Kipling bags -- tote or satchel style -- black. They can be converted to cross-body when needed. It is also good for putting small packages, snacks, water, etc. to keep it all in one place.

I organize everything in my bag -- putting things back in the same spot for less confusion and fuss.

I also use a mini Hedgren cross-body (about 8") to carry my Passport, Phone, extra money, cards, and other pertinent information. It is not noticeable under my coat. Of course, during summer travel for some, it would be obvious.

I never put my bag on a table or on the back of a chair; even in a restaurant.

Even if you visited Boston, I would advise this: Keep a big city awareness. Rome is relatively safe. I had no issues. And, there are people who do help out if you get turned around or lost.

Try to focus on a known landmark as your point of direction. Take your hotel card or address with you. If you are staying in a major neighborhood such as Termini, Navona, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, etc. -- everyone knows where they are, and you can go from there if you get sidetracked.

I stayed in the Termini area my last two trips and am doing so again. I love the walk around Rome. You can see something different every day, every minute despite walking the same route.

Rome is an outside walking museum. Around every corner is a surprise. The city is beautiful, awe-inspiring, mesmerizing, crazy busy and fun. I love it.

Hope you have fun.

Also sqs,

Here is a link to the major neighborhoods in Rome. https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio.html

They may give you an idea of the busyness of an area as well as show what people are wearing.

TMI: I discovered awesome street musicians on my first trip (as I exited The Pantheon) one day. I was mesmerized by the vocals and the harmony of the band mates. I caught them a few more times on that visit. The second visit, I heard them a couple of times.

Once in a while, I click on Campo de' Fiori cam (during nightfall) and can catch them. They tend to hang out by Giordano Bruno. They play a great mix of music.

I can’t help you with fashion because I am not fashionable. Others can help you in that department.

You also asked about pickpockets. Here is my advice:
1. Only carry around what you need for the day.
2. Stash your guidebook and map and get them out when you need them. I used to carry these items in a tote bag — for ease of getting out when you need them. Recently, I’ve downsized to a purse.
3. Look like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t.
4. When you stop to look at something, find a place that is out of the flow. For example, I always sit down in a pew in a church and read my guidebook there. If I want to look at my map on the street, I stand next to a wall (so it’s harder to approach me from behind).
5. Don’t worry to much. Pickpocketing incidents are rare. If you don’t have much on you, you won’t lose much if you have bad luck.

I don’t carry a camera, but if I did, I would figure out a way to stash it. If you are interested in photography, I would hate for you to leave your camera at home because you are afraid of pickpockets.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

t I know that having a camera screams "uneducated tourist."

It doesn't, at least not to Italians who barely notice tourists and couldn't care less about the way they dress.

Pickpockets do not think so much about their targets: If you are distracted and you are in a crowd you can be hit.

Asians before anglo-Saxons because Asians love going around with tons of cash.

Anglo-Saxons before Italians because foreigners need more time to block their credit cards; more, a non EU citizen will never be back for a trial and won't hire a lawyer.

Since the usual pickpocket is a foreign girl under 14 (or a pregnant young woman from a non-existing Country), an exasperated Italian could also retaliate with a slap in the face while foreign tourists are mostly harmless.

If an Italian teen gets on Rome's metro during the rush hour, with his face glued to the smartphone and wearing an open backpack this teen immediately becomes a primary target. That's all.

SQS, more power to you for wanting to blend in more than someone who looks like they're there to mow the lawn (in Rick's famous phrase). I share the same philosophy. Yes, the locals will be able to tell that you're a foreigner, but they will also be able to tell that you're a savvy foreigner, not some clueless newby. I've found I get an appreciative attitude from the locals, along with a bit of a "Thank you for showing some respect!" in their interactions with me. It's the same reason that I study the language. My goal is not to be mistaken for a native speaker - it's to have a more in-depth experience of the place.

I've found I get an appreciative attitude from the locals, along with a bit of a "Thank you for showing some respect!" in their interactions with me.

Michael, I doubt very much that this has anything to do with being a seasoned traveller vs a "newbie". A 'seasoned' traveller is more likely to be wearing those horrendous zipped trouser/short combo because they're interested in the practicality of them yet nothing screams tourist more than a pair of those!

I've said it many times before but I don't get this obsession with trying to be like a local. Why? What do you stand to benefit from it and how is it going to improve your visit? I've been visiting Spain multiple times for years, I'll still wear shorts as I have done from the start, my pasty complexion will stand me out as a non local as soon as I set foot in the town square. What does improve an interaction is being able to converse in the local language no matter how limited it is. The only times I've experienced genuine and honest warmth is from those restauranters who know me as a regular patron.

My best fashion advice for Rome: neutral tones and fitted/tailored looks--think Banana Republic. You can dress up any pair of comfy jeans or pants with a great dark blazer. Or a belted beige trench coat if it's cooler. If you stick with mostly neutrals, everything will coordinate with each other. You can shop for interesting scarves or jewelry as you travel to add some color.

Shoes are a bit tougher if you want to be truly comfortable for all of the walking you might do. I have gone through 3 pairs of Easy Spirit wedge heeled booties in black leather on my travels. They have about a 3 in. heel, but on a soft rubber wedge, and they look dressier than regular walking shoes without the stiffness of leather dress shoes. You can walk for miles on these and feel like you are floating. (I know exactly what you mean--I care about how I look when I travel, too. Have fun :) )

On the advice of every dermatologist on the planet (plus good common sense), I wear a sun hat every time I go outside--at home as well as in Europe. Locals, who may not be outside more than a few minutes at a time, rarely wear hats in spring, summer or fall, so I am marked as a visitor instantly. I also wear 3/4-length or full-length sleeves no matter how hot it is. I'm not going to risk skin cancer to try to blend in. The bonus is that I do not need to think about whether I might want to go inside a church as I get dressed every day. (In Ukraine, where a scarf is standard even if not necessarily mandatory, I carried a scarf around with me daily).

I'm also not going to wear fashionable shoes with the certainty that my feet will start hurting long before the end of the day. I'm there to have fun, not to impress people with my wardrobe. I envy people who can wear cute shoes and be on their feet all day; I am not one of those people.

The Travel Tips on this very website are very good. I especially recommend "Money" and "Theft and Scams". No, problems are not terribly frequent, but how can it not be a good thing to know about some of the time-tested techniques pickpockets use to separate visitors from their valuables? The bird-poop scam is alive and well in Paris this year.

My experience has been that Italians pay attention to details as much as fashion. On my first trip to Italy, I traveled with my mother, who at the time was about 78 years old. She lives in a rural area and doesn't pay much attention to the latest styles. However, whatever she wears is always well tailored: hems and sleeves are always the right length, nothing is too loose or too tight, everything matches, and her hair and makeup are always neat and tasteful. She wouldn't be caught dead in jeans or hiking pants. The only concession to extreme comfort is that she started wearing athletic shoes for walking after she broke her ankle. When we were in Italy, she was treated like absolute royalty everywhere we went. She was always greeted with a smile and a kind word, and the waiters always fawned over her in restaurants. I recall going to Musica a Palazzo in Venice. At the end of the first act, the tenor came up to her, offered his hand, and escorted her into the next room for a glass of prosecco. It was like that everywhere we went. Now, some of that might have been her age, but I think that part of it was that folks were happy to see someone who wasn't dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt.

As for weather in March, it's variable, but my recollection is that it tends to be light jacket weather -- lows in the mid 40's and highs in the low to mid 60's.

Oh, and don't worry about the camera. There is always a small risk of it getting stolen, but, on the other hand, you probably didn't buy your camera just to keep it locked in a closet at home. If you enjoy it, use it.

Nobody really gives a toss. There are many young Italian men in Rome who look like they've just stepped out of a Kmart or Walmart changing room, resplendent in their shiny puffer jackets, tight jeans and white runners. Few women dress like Monica Bellucci in a fashion shoot. Nearly all the people you'll bump into are working class men and women, and they don't spend their last pennies on clothes. In March, they dress for warmer weather.

I use a point and shoot camera. Am I an uneducated tourist? Maybe. Do I care? Not really. Do I care about what other people think of my clothes? Of course not. I look good in anything, unfortunately the same can't be said for most.

Ditto on wearing your most comfortable walking shoes no matter the color or style. And, we also never changed clothes for dinner, just wore our day clothes and I never felt out of place.

I visited Rome at the end of march 2017 for about 2 weeks on a business tour. I can tell you it was quite chilly in the mornings and late evenings which was a surprise for me as I hadn't anticipated it would be this cold especially when I read reviews about roman weather in march which stated it would be balmy and pleasant. The temperature in the mornings would be in the range of 5-6 degrees Celsius and that during late evenings would be around 12-13ish. Personally I wan't prepared at all and had bought just a blazer and light shirt and trouser for the meetings.

So in my opinion since you mentioned that you are going to visit in early march I guess it would even be colder than when I had been there. So, please pack accordingly and dress in layers. If you wanna dress fashionably you could also try something like this 'Woolen Nehru Jacket' which would keep you warm at the same time would look trendy.

For accurate forecast I would recommend you checking w underground everyday during your journey. Their forecasts are almost 100% accurate.

Happy journey in advance for your journey. Thank you.

I was in Rome at the beginning of February 2018 and the weather was very pleasant. I was expecting it to be on the cool side but I found myself walking around during the day in a polo shirt. The evenings required a light jacket or, for the locals, the sort of clothing I would wear in the Scottish Highlands mid winter.

Conversely my wife visited in February two years prior and experienced heavy snow which she was wholly unprepared for.

There is no one size fits all approach to travel. Some people don't care what they look like; some do. The OP clearly cares, as do I. It's possible to look nice and be completely comfortable. "You do you," as they say.

white shoes make you look like a tourist and will attract pickpockets.

Not certain about that, but wearing white shoes on Rome's grimy cobblestones would not be my recommendation.

Shoes in general are the bane of a light traveler. I can't tell you how many of our female acquaintances seem to travel with one bag for clothes and stuff, and one for shoes. I would focus on one pair of "good for walking" shoes that look stylish and go a bit formal or casual. They should be more neutral in color, to match everything. Then at the most one other pair, based on what you view the activity to be that "pair one" can't meet (Beach...then sandals or a lighter shoe, Sporty Casual, maybe more of a sports shoe, planning fancy dinners, then heels) but not 3-5 pairs of shoes.

I just got back from a great Italy trip with a Rick Steves' Group. We met in Venice eventually ending up in Rome. I noticed that many of the young women in Rome were wearing large white sneakers with black skinny jeans or dresses. Also, they wore shorts and t-shirts with writing on them in English. Some of the women in Florence wore baggy black cropped pants with sneakers too. In other words, all the clothing that we are told will mark us as tourists is also worn by locals. I assume these women were not tourists because they were speaking to each other at a rapid clip in Italian. Frankly, if you want to blend in wear black.

Your description of what you are taking sounds fine. I wore black sneakers or sandals with a short heel for going out (SAS brand). I didn't take shorts though but did take hiking ankle length pants and a black cardigan and a black skirt. It was a fun trip! You will love it.

What I do: look at department store websites closer to the time of travel (like January for March) to get a real idea of what is being sold. Look at street fashion and fashion blogs for another perspective. Read travel blogs and look at the photos. Look at live webcams. You might also look at the RS Scrapbooks to see what other Americans have worn, and in the background you will be able to observe what locals are wearing. Take advantage of scenes on the internet to inform yourself. If you apply yourself to some online searching, you will be able to locate a website or blog by someone close to you in age that will show you what the going look is.

My first time in Italy was November. I wore a hideous (though I still have it) Goretex jacket with fleece interior. I looked totally out of place in Venice and Florence, but surprise!, when I got to the Dolomites, I passed for a local (unless I spoke:-)). Give yourself permission to visit department stores on your trip and partake of anything calling out to you. Little things added to the wardrobe are great souvenirs.

I have lived in Rome in March. It can be very cold and wet or, if you're lucky, warm and delightful. Jeans are good and everyone wears them. Stick with comfortable shoes, not boots. I would cut the heels out also and take nice looking flat shoes. Do make sure that you take a rain coat and a small umbrella or you can buy one there if need be. You're only going to be there 9 days. Don't over pack. Take about 3 bottoms and maybe 5 light tops and a sweater. Mix and match makes it easy to take less. Remember the old saying. Put all of your money and all of your travel clothes on your bed, then cut your clothing in half and double your money. Have a great trip.

I have great news for all of you aged 60 and above - the 90s are back in a big way in Europe. All the teens and twenty year olds are rocking the mom jeans and fat white sneakers. Now is your moment!

I will add something that I didn't see mentioned. I would not travel to Rome (or New York) without my PacSafe shoulder bag. The strap can be extended for cross body wear. The strap also has a locking mechanism - I can detach one end, loop it around part of a chair back then reattach it to the bag and lock it. The zipper to the main compartment can also be latched, thwarting the "bump and grab". The interior has lots of pockets and card slots and well as a key ring - if I carry a wallet it will also have a ring that I connect to the bag's interior.

I will echo good fitting neutrals. I favor traveler lines from a variety of retailers - they can be washed in a sink and dry quickly. My friends are amazed that I don't feel clothes deprived when traveling. I find it refreshingly simple.

@ Emily, I think you mean the 80's? Mom jeans with white sneakers are back in style? Not a look I wish to revive in my 50's.

No, it’s all very 1992 around here in Europe. 80s is a whole different vibe. Been there, done that.

@kath "Mom jeans with white sneakers are back in style? Not a look I wish to revive in my 50's".

You should see how the Italian ladies are sporting this look, especially the large white sneakers. The 90s never looked so good.

Most locals carry a motorcycle helmet...try that :)

The young people...at least in Sorrento and Ischia...are wearing ripped jeans

I took my camera everywhere, in a cross-body bag that also held items normally carried in a purse. On the subway twist it slightly in front of you and under your arm. Protect your cash, credit cards, and phone by keeping them in an interior zippered pocket of the bag (phone) or money belt under your clothes. Change your SD card daily or upload photos to the cloud every night so if something happens to your camera you don't lose more than a day of photos.

I don't think a pickpocket will care how you are dressed - if you aren't paying attention to your stuff, they will try and take it. And we've been traveling internationally for decades - didn't think there was a dress code for seasoned tourists. We just wear what's comfortable and appropriate. And my wife says to pass on heels - you'll regret it.

I carry a DSLR around my neck - before that, it was a 35mm SLR. Been doing it for 35 years and I don't consider myself an uneducated tourist. Just like everything else you be aware of your surroundings and belongings and you'll be fine.

We were in Rome this past March and enjoyed warm, sunny weather, but keep in mind that it is a transitional time - I would prepare for a variety of weather.

Thank you for all the helpful feedback everyone! I feel much more relaxed about clothing now.

I'd say that I'm on the younger side, so hopefully that means that how I dress matters even less.

Again, thanks!