Ladies - what to wear in Italy in June?

Hi Kelly,

I notice that the women in France and Italy wear more dresses and skirts than we do in the US. Also, the trend in France this summer (perhaps it is the trend every summer?) was lots of flowy, loose fabrics in layers.

This makes for good packing because you can mix and match. Bring neutral, washable fabrics.

I hardly saw any Europeans in shorts.

Happy travels!

Hey Kelly:

Another safe and practical bet is black and colored scarfs. Further, I agree with April in that I have rarely seen shorts on the Europeans. I think flowing skirts and layers are comfy, easy to mix/match and pack. Also, I wonder if they wear leggings...they surely seem to be making a come-back here. I'm heading to Italy for three wks in June too...w/one carry-on bag so if anybody knows if they're donning THOSE, please let us know.

Have a fantastic trip.

Jan

I've seen shorts on other tourists, but not so much on people who appear to be locals. Some very young women may wear "city shorts". I notice a lot of capris and cropped pants, as well as skirts, paired with nice pretty tops, not the standard T-shirt common in the states. You didn't mention where in Italy you will be, but it may be more relaxed in the countryside and near the coast.

A lot of people recommend colorful scarves to dress up a neutral outfit, and it's a good idea. But for me, I find it's just too hot in the summer and it's just more stuff to pack and keep up with. Many people are comfortable in skirts, but I think it's harder to find comfortable walking shoes that look good with skirts. Some people may scoff and say not to worry about whether it looks good; comfort is paramount. But I think if you don't feel that you look good, psychologically you won't feel as comfortable. Since you asked about fashion and about not sticking out, I'm thinking you agree with that.

In the summer,my preference is to usually go with black or tan capris which will match any top or blouse I bring. I prefer darker bottoms because if you sit down on a bench or something, they won't show every little dirt speck. I bring a combination of easy care (so I can wash it out easily) pretty colored shell-type tops, floral or print non-wrinkle blouses or tops, plus a long-sleeved over-blouse that can be used as a very light jacket in the evenings. I don't wear much jewelry: small gold earrings that can be worn with every outfit every day, my wedding band, and sometimes a very thin gold necklace chain.

If you really want to fit in...if you are older than 30, then you will need to really dress up. I see the Italian women wearing beautiful suits and fantastic shoes. If you are younger than that, you can wear fashionable jeans with boots and a "one of a kind" top. Now, if you want to be comfortable, then wear capri pants and a nice top, with a sweater thrown over your shoulders and a scarf.

You really cannot "fit in", your clothing is American styled, not European. There just is a difference!

Don't let this bog you down. This is your vacation, so let it go, and wear your clothing that you wear at home when you get a bit dressed up, but can still be comforatble wearing. Skirts are fine, as long as they travel well.

It seems that darker clothing is more of the norm, but accented with something brighter like a scarf or necklace.

I've been to Italy 5 times in the last 5 years, and this is what I see the locals wearing.(business like clothing- they are going to work!) I've given up on trying to look like them. I'm only there for a week or two, and in a different place every 2 days. I don't subscribe to the "take the junk clothing and throw it away" I do take my nicer JCrew, Banana Republic tops and bottoms when I travel. I have taken a skirt, but only wore it to dinner at night.

June and July will be hot, depending on where you are, so plan for that. Remember to pack light, wear washable clothing (especially for those gelato spills down the front of your top and pants!)

These comments are from my personal experience in Florence, Rome, Milan, Bologna, Venice, Genoa, Turin, and in the country side regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Piedmont...as well as in Sicily.

In response to Jan's question about the leggings: They are very popular in England and Scotland right now. On the continent I didn't see anybody wearing them. In northern France the girls were wearing skinny, stretchy jeans and flat shoes. The further south I went, the looser the clothing became.

The European women have a way of looking incredibly fabulous in anything that they wear. Even in a casual linen skirt and top, they look like a million bucks.

Kelly it will be hot in June and July. Depending on how light you want to pack--I would not take anything that you aren't going to be wearing several times. As another poster stated scarves at that time of the year would be hot. I, too, like to pack using the black and khaki combo. Makes it alot easier and I don't seem to pack as many unnecessary clothes. I find lightweight skirts from REI or the like work well and dry quickly especially in the summer heat. Have a great trip!

Thanks so much, ladies! Lots of great advice, just what I was looking for! I'm going to Northern Italy, Venice, Bologna, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como. And I already thinking skirts and tops, so thanks for the specific ideas.

As one person said, it's hard to find shoes that look good with skirts - has anyone tried to Mary Jane-looking shoes from Magellans? I was thinking about trying those.

Magellan's sells Teva Ventura mary janes. I have not tried this particular shoe, but have tried similar styles from other brands. For me, they are good for shorter periods, but not all day walking on cobblestones. Plus they make my feet feel a bit sweaty. But they may work for other people. I'd certainly try them out all day before using them on your trip. Have you considered a Teva sandal?

Dansko makes some nice walking sandals that look fine with skirts, and can handle a full day of walking on cobblestones.

My favorite is the "Lolita":

http://www.rei.com/product/694636

Out of stock for the season at REI and Nordstrom, but you can still find them at places like Zappos.

Hi Kelly:

Funny you should mention shoes...I spent yesterday attempting to find comfy, yet stylish footwear. After reading the forum on the graffiti wall about shoes, I headed out to the shoe store, list in hand. (helpful suggestions on that forum too!) I tried on close to 25 pairs and ended up buying NAOTS. They have some super cute mary janes and sandals too...well, super cute for the purpose of comfort. What I discovered, and not surprisingly, is that all shoe brands fit differently and additionally, "practical" shoes can look good. There are huge selections of styles and makes...depends on the person. Of course, they don't make the same statement that heels make, but they are made for walking over uneven terrain for hours at a time. I have a "thing" for shoes, but have suffered before because of unwise choices. Live and learn (through hobbling). Also, all the summer shoes are on sale now. I queried if the styles were being discontinued, but he said no...just making room for winter stock. Apparently, these shoes do not go through the "fad" stages other shoes do.

Thank you April for the "legging" information...very useful to know. I wish they WERE wearing them in Italy. They take up little room and are super comfy.

Thanks for posting this question Kelly...I am getting a lot of useful advice too!

Take care.

I am a huge fan of my Naots,, I can wearthem all day , walk for hours in comfort.
I wear skirts the most,, good for hot weather, etc. Rome is grossly hot in summer( to me anyways0 so light airy fabrics are a must.I always wear darker colors on bottoms as I like to sit on benches etc and not worry about grime, and can't wash a skirt after wearing it just once!

I basically wore the same skirt and capris for 3 weeks. Love my skirt: it's easy to pack, colorful (doesn't show dirt) and cool. Got some black linen capris that keep me really cool despite the color. Linen really makes a difference. And on black the wrinkles don't look bad. Linen is supposed to wrinkle ;-)

I got some bright red Rockport walking sandals that work well for hiking or with the skirt in the city. Ecco and Naot do some of those too. You just have to try out which one fits YOUR feet the best.

Pat:

Thank you so much for the endorsement of NAOTs. I had never heard of them before (but I had never heard of Miphistos either), yet, now I have two pairs. I am amazed at how comfortable they feel. But, other than testing them at the store, I was still a wee bit concerned. There is nothing worse than sore feet while on holiday. It is re-assuring reading your post, so thank you again for sharing!

Jan

Once again confirming that shoes are such an individual thing!

I absolutely cannot wear NAOT sandals. I tried, and could barely walk after an hour in them. Mephistos, on the other hand, are great for me. My "other shoes" are Mephistos. They are very expensive, but you can find good deals on them at Sierra Trading Post (limited selection).

If you can find some Skecher Shape-ups, they are wonderful for all day walking and they are a dream on cobblestones. They have such a thick, soft cushy sole and because it is rounded it really helps you walk without making your feet hurt or your legs tired. I bought some in July, have worn them every day since, never got a blister and the arthritis in my big toe does not hurt when I wear these shoes either. They have several different styles, from sandals to sort of a mary-jane look up to tennis shoe look.

I am on my feet, walking for hours every day and these are the best shoes I ever had.

Thanks for the Sketchers idea, Jo. I own a pair, and live in them at home, but I wanted some a little cuter with skirts, so it's great to know that they make sandal styles! And good to know they work well on cobblestones. Thanks!

I love my Teva "Pretty Rugged" waterproof leather sandals for summer trips to Italy!

Birkenstocks are also a good choice and fashionable

It is so funny that you are all talking about nicer comfortable shoes. The family and I are leaving this weekend :} (hopefully if the volcano gods aren't angry)
and I just bought some Teva Ventura sandals- lightweight and super cute with a little wedge. I will let you know if they work out. We have been having the shorts debate here and it was decided that slacks, jeans and skirts are a better option than shorts. I like the city shorts but my 20 and 23 year olds do not. We are in Texas so we are used to hot temps and may not be ready for cooler weather- have a great time planning and be comfortable - it is your vacation!

And don't forget that the Vatican won't allow shorts. We saw a number of men turned away in April. But we also saw a lot of young girls wearing tights with very short shorts and they got by. For shoes try Clarks or Sofft. The comfy shoes may look frumpy but you don't have to wear athletic shoes to be able to walk about. Mine had a 1.5/2 inch heal and I never had a problem with the cobblestones.

Girls, a 20 something friend of mine just got back from Rome and she said she saw lots of leggings but no shorts. She also works as a buyer for JC Pennys so she thinks fashion. She did say shoes were difficult. She wore leggings and little dresses. I'm 50 something and figure capris will work for me. We leave Wednesday and I'm wondereing about guided tours for Vatican. she said the lines were very long but with a tour you got right in. Does anyone know if the RomaPass will get you in without waiting and then use Rick Stves guide book to get around? I dont mean to change subject but this group has the most input!! Thanks :)

Based on what everyone says, if you want to blend in, on weekdays you should wear business suits and high heels - but only those made in Italy - and don't go to any tourist sights or take any tours. On weekends, you can wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Of course, I'm kidding. After studying the subject of fashion and shoes, I gave up and went for comfort. I looked at some "live" cameras of the streets in Venice. There are hordes of tourists everywhere wearing all manner of clothing and shoes. You're going to be one of them so just be comfortable and cool. I'm wearing my trainers like all the other sensible Italian natives wear.

Annette, I am going to include a couple capri length leggings with short tunic dress tops (J Jills) on my trip next month. I think they will be easy to pack & wash the leggings in the sink. Glad to hear leggings are being worn.