It's hot in Florence NOW!! What 2 wear? Sandals? Jeggings?

Teresa,
I was in Florence in early fall last year when it was in the 80's. Heed Roberto's advice--it's cooler in the morning and evening, so the key is layers. I brought nice tank tops and wore them with cute scarves (which you can also use to cover your shoulders when visiting the churches), skinny jeans and ballet flats or Puma's, and wore light sweaters at night. I wouldn't take flip-flop type sandals. Keep in mind that there are stores like Zara and H&M right in the city center as well as nicer shoe stores all over the city; Florence is the home of Ferragamo, right?

Teresa, I think you are just looking for an excuse to go shopping. When you are going to Florence they forecast temperatures in the high 70's, maybe 80 degrees max, with night lows in the upper 50's. That's pretty much what you have in San Diego today and tomorrow, however Florence will get cooler than San Diego at night. So look at yourself in the mirror today and tomorrow, see what you are wearing, and that will be fine for during the day in Florence. Since I lived there for the first 28 years of my life, I can guarantee you that in early October you'll need a light jacket or light sweater early in the morning or late at night because it's crisp. However during the day you'll be warm enough for just a shirt or T-shirt. Florentines dress less casually than Californians (especially outside of summer), therefore dresses and slacks are more appropriate than shorts or jeans in October. Long sleeves shirts or dresses are better, but nice short sleeves are acceptable also if it's warm enough. If you don't want to appear like the typical American tourist (most of whom walk through Florence wearing their oldest gym attire they just pulled out of the dirty laundry hamper), I would dress with what in California we call business casual, summery but ready for cooler weather after dark and in the morning (have a jacket or light sweater). Earth colors are more appropriate for October than bright colors. Florentines will not dress like it's full summer in October, even if temperatures soared to 100 F. They are just made that way, what can you do?

Great advice, and thank you so much. In Southern California, I walk around in short skirts and brightly colored (tight) skirts and jeans, so these won't work! What to wear as shoes? What about wearing sandals in early October??

From the way you describe your attire I guess you are probably a very attractive young woman. In that case Italians won't mind the short tight skirts. LOL (you pretty women always get extra slack, somehow!)
Young Italian women dress also more casually than their older peers. So I wouldn't worry too much. Sandals in October are probably acceptable (I'm not an expert on women's shoes), but take some regular shoes as well, just in case. I'm sure, being a woman, you'll pack at least two pairs for each day you're there. I wouldn't take boots though. Those are considered more appropriate for winter and temperatures are too high for boots anyway.

Just got back from Florence on Tuesday and it was HOT. I wore my Chaco sandals and a skirt with a t-shirt. There were a TON of people there, so crowded and it was pretty miserable with the temps. Saw all kinds of outfits. From the obvious Americans and Germans in their nylon zip off pants and hiking boots to the Italians in t-shirts and jeans. No shorts that I could see, expect on the teen age American guys and a few gals. Basically, who cares what you wear as long as YOU are comfortable in the temps. There are so many tourists in Florence, it's hard to find a local. Don't wear boots unless you are really comfortable in them all day on the cobblestones. Did see lots of ankle boots, but I'm sure those were on the Italian women and not tourists. Wear sandals so you will be comfortable. And I can tell you, dont' go shopping there for clothes unless you have tons of money. It's expensive (even in the H & M) with the dollar/Euro exchange. So, if the temps hold in the 80's I'd suggest a skirt and t-shirts, perhaps a maxi dress if you have one? Capri pants would work well too. Sandals are great. Bring a sweater for evenings when it cools off.

Thanks everyone for your help. Looks like I may need to leave those Roberto Rodriguez pencil skirts (one yellow, one orange) at home. If I have to buy any suitable clothes, I'll buy them there. I just went out and bought an (expensive) pair of Naot flats, the Kirei, in place of the boots I was going to wear, so thanks for the advice on the boots. Any more ideas on what to wear without having to buy new things are welcome.

I am in Florence now, and the temperatures have gone down....forecasted highs in the upper 60's this week, some rain possible. It has been hot, though. Come prepared for anything, I think...

OK I thoght I had it worked out . . I am leaving aabout the same time, staying until 10-26. I did get a pair of ankle-high low heel boots to take. I was concentrating on nights and possible rain. I can return them -(I love Zappos)- did someone say that boots are only worn in winter there in Italy?

And from what I remember, Oct 1st "starts" cold weather dressing, no matter what temp it is outside, my italian friends were worried about me when I was dressing according to the temperature, so you could definitely dress for fall colors....