Strange question: My wife has a few skirts that come just to her knees and she's wondering if that is enough to get her into churches. The skirts in question basically cover the top bit of her knees but no more than that (the skirt ends at her knee joint, so you can still see some of her knee, especially when she's moving around). Do any of you ladies have any advice for her? Exactly how picky are the "guards" at some of these churches? Is she better off packing full length dresses/skirts/whatever just to be safe? We're trying to pack as ultra-light as possible so bringing different outfits for every occation is out of the question.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23340 posts
The guards can be very picky. When they want covered, they mean covered - not half way or a good intentions. You are taking a risk. I am sure that some place will not or not notice the length and others will. The same for long shorts. The Vatican is strictly enforced. Find something a little long and going full length is overkill. Why risk it?
Posted by
TN, USA
2115 posts
Best to pack the "church skirt" so a day is not ruined if she is rejected at the door. Why risk it? For two weeks, I pack only two skirts when I travel one JJill black cotton knit above-the-knee (short length is cool and great for hiking, stair climbing, trains, etc.) and one Eddie Bauer or LandsEnd black cotton knit ankle-grazing length. Roll both up for tucking into carry-on suitcase. I wear an identical shorter-length skirt on the plane. Black hides potential spots, etc. Add color with tops/scarves. If lots of hiking planned, such as Cinque Terre, I took a pair of summer zip-off-leg hiking pants w/ good storage pockets...used only in the shorts mode. Pockets good for what would have been in a purse/'money belt that day, so hands free. I find the basic black skirts easily dress up/down. Avoid packing full-length dresses...take up too much room and not as flexible. Wear one of the black skirts each day with a different top. Wear sensible, comfy shoes on plane and have one back-up pair. Hubby and I go for two weeks out of one RS rollaboard each. makes life easy :)
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
She may get in, she may not. It depends on the guard that day. My opinion is why risk it? Wear a longer skirt or some pants on days you know you will be visiting churches, and wear those shorter skirts other times.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
FWIW, the guards I saw in action in Italy the past two weeks seemed to be more strict with women than with men. Why take the chance?
Posted by
PNW
194 posts
I would take these skirts and add a pair of leggings for the churches. I love skirts and dresses, but always take leggings. Very comfortable on planes since it gets a little chilly. I think they're also useful when you need to dress a little more modestly. Takes up very little space.
Posted by
PNW
194 posts
Forgot to mention that she can remove the leggings after visiting churches if it's too hot.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
The leggings are a brilliant idea! I've seen women take really lightweight shawls/scarves for their shoulders but the leggings never would have occurred to me.