fashion, white after Labor Day

I saw very little white in Italy when I was there in early Sept 2 years ago. Europe in general seems to tend towards darker fashion. As for Labor Day, I don't believe they celebrate it in Italy (and if they do I'm sure it's not on the same day), so I think that's irrelevant for Italy. The main reason I would recommend not wearing jeans is simply because they're so much heavier and bulkier than other types of pants, and also because they are just so casual. I was just as comfortable in cotton/poly/rayon blend type "business casual" pants, I felt like I fit in better, and I had no problem washing stuff out and fitting in my little carry-on.

It's definfitely too hot for jeans. Capri and cropped pants are extremely popular in Italy and all over Europe.

Ellen, I would really recommend not wearing white pants in Italy--particularly not in large cities like Rome, Venice, and Naples. I love Rome to death, but it's dirty and it's already difficult enough keeping one's clothes clean on the road. Dark colors hide dirt and stains better and also blend in with the European population more.

However, the fashion police will not arrest you for violating the no white after Labor Day rule, so if you really want to wear white pants (perhaps being on a cruise makes it easier to wash clothes?) then go for it.

Labour Day in Italy is in May. Italians will change from summer wear earlier than we northerners would consider necessary! White is generally considered impractical for city living because it can get grubby looking easily. Maybe ok on the beach or in a resort area.

We were there in July and it was really very hot..I would recommend stay away from Jeans.

When we were is Venice I saw lot of ladies wearing white capris...but Venice, Rome & Naples is quite dirty.

Take liberty with colors, I loved the fact that women as well as men dressed so well...

You would enjoy wearing colors..

Thanks everyone for your input. I will leave the jeans behind and save the white pants for dinner on the ship.

I am an older adult woman and going to Italy in Mid-November. It surely isn't too hot for jean then, is it? Any hints on the type of dress for that time of year would be appreciated. Thank you.

No, it won't be too hot and you can wear jeans if you wish. It's probably a little more common for "older" (i.e., non-teenaged) women to wear slacks or skirts but no one is going to notice if you wear jeans--not even in churches.

The only thing I would caution against is that jeans are heavy and hard to wash/dry. If you travel carry-on only or plan to wash clothes in the hotel room sink, you may want to limit or eliminate the number of jeans you pack. I packed 1 pair for those days I might be likely to get dirty (going through the catacombs or sitting on the steps of the Grand Temple at Ostia Antica), and otherwise wore black slacks.

This pertains to Patty's ?? for older woman & mid Nov travel. I'm in same boat only going later in Nov. We visited Rome in Aug 2001 & i remember locals wore lots of dark colors (black, charcoal,etc)I'm wearing jeans on plane w/Tneck sweater & blazer, so i look presentable upon arvl @ fancy hotel. But while i'm in Rome, will probably wear black or gray slacks & sweaters. Taking warm dress coat since we will be out walking alot,even if sun is shining, in shady areas & if any wind, cud feel chilly real quick). Think temps w/b in mid to low 50's, nites cooler. I want jeans w/me in case we have a rainy ugly day & for plane ride home. Any other mature ladies got ideas?