packing - what to wear?

Read the article posted in the posting following this one.

We were in Italy in July. While my wife felt underdressed in Rome, Venice was another story. I believe it was Rick Steves who wrote "Accept that Venice has been a tourist city for 500 years". You will see everything (in the way of clothing!) there. Be comfortable; know that your shoulders must be covered -and no short pants or short skirts- in most of the churches, and you'll be fine.

We leave for Italy in a week. I have been to Italy 7x now. This time I've decided to bring some dresses. I found 2 cute ones just yesterday on sale at Banana Republic. Simple, pull over the head types that will travel well. I plan to wear them instead of my normal capri pants. Will bring 1-2 cotton sweaters to cover them, and 1-2 scarves as well. I am not so concerned about Italians knowing in a tourist - I want to be comfortable and cool (temp wise) Footwear will be sandals. I'm comfortable in them, can walk in them and regular closed toe shoes usually end up giving me a blister. I travel with a pair of Chaco sandals that have been in my suitcase since 2002. The pair I wear has a heel strap, so very secure on my foot. (Chacos are made for river adventures, so they stay on your feet, and you could even hike in them!) People in Italy are more concerned about looking at the sites and the views than at you as a tourist. Wear what YOU want to wear and be less concerned about what others might think of you. I do recommend dressing nicely - and it sounds like you have a cute style - go for the flowered skirts. You might set a new trend! Italians will be looking for flowered skirts after they see you!

We're headed to Italy next week and will be visiting several cities including Venice. This is what I am packing for my clothing: 4 pairs microfiber underwear 2 bras 3 pair Capri pants (black, brown and blue) 1 black broomstick skirt 5 blouses (black, blue, brown, tan, pink) 1 scarf 1 pair of Chaco sandals (which I will wear on the plane) 1 pair of Clarks' Wave Cruisers shoes
4 pairs microfiber "invisible" stockings to wear with the shoes Of course, one pair of underwear, a bra, Capri pants and a blouse I will wear on the plane. The rest will go into my carry on luggage. We want to travel as light as possible and are doing laundry in the hotel room at night. Good luck! Have fun! Wanda

You will look like a tourist no matter what you do, that's true. However, the trick is not to look like a clueless tourist. It's the people who show up in an "I LOVE ROME" T-shirt, wandering around with mouths agape and speaking English IN A REALLY LOUD VOICE and who treat Italy as if it's a theme park who are the problem. Sounds as if you'll be fine.

I wore nice light wt slacks,v-neck t shirt (chicos) and light long sleeve cotton knit shirt for eve with Naot sandals. It was fine . Your skirt will be fine but the flip-flops might be difficult with all the stairs Good luck

Hi Nancy, I would advise you to wear the most comfortable pair of walking shoes you can find. Venice has a lot of cobblestone (which are uneven) walkways and more steps (due to the many bridges) than I imagined. Venice is fabulous and well worth the visit, but your feet will hurt if you are not prepared. In my experience, wearing a money belt was more practical and easier than wearing a neck wallet. Skirts or capri pants work much better than a dress in that case. I brought a dress, tried to wear it once, and that was the end of that because the neck wallet was just too cumbersome with it. I wanted to add that many people in Italy that I saw (both men and women) like to wear scarves. They look very fashionable. Maybe bring a couple pretty scarves!
I hope you have a very nice trip. Venice is truly beautiful and completely intriguing! Ruth

Hi Nancy. We are currently in Italy and I was wondering the same thing before I left. You should be OK in your skirts, but I would get more comfortable walking shoes. I have a pair of Keen sandals that are really comfortable. The girls here seem to be wearing a lot of roman type sandals, which I find are just as comfortable. They also are wearing skinny jeans with converse shoes or grey new balance sneakers. Scarves are a big hit, but in my opinion it is just too hot to wear them. Hope that helps!!! Ciao! ~Nicole

Hi Nancy. We are currently in Italy and I was wondering the same thing before I left. You should be OK in your skirts, but I would get more comfortable walking shoes. I have a pair of Keen sandals that are really comfortable. The girls here seem to be wearing a lot of roman type sandals, which I find are just as comfortable. They also are wearing skinny jeans with converse shoes or grey new balance sneakers. Scarves are a big hit, but in my opinion it is just too hot to wear them. Hope that helps!!! Ciao! ~Nicole