Weather

It'll be hot. If you want to go sleeveless, but be sensative towards conservative/religious sites, pack and carry a shawl to cover those lovely shoulders. Did I mention it gets hot in Rome?

Linen is very popular in Rome. Conservative Bermuda shorts are fine to wear as well as skirts, dresses, etc. Really, anything you will see here in the U.S. as far as clothing you will see in Rome. Except for short shorts on women. You won't see that in Rome except on American tourists - and they really stand out in a bad way. Any kind of shoe will be in style including white tennis shoes, Birkenstocks, Tevas (flipflops are not sensible and will look silly and unfashionable), etc. It will be dusty and dirty in the Forum. I suggest wearing closed shoes on the day you're there.You will also see people carrying an umbrella on super hot days and definitely hats.

We were in Rome in early Sept 2009. It was hot & muggy. I wore cropped cotton pants every day with a short-sleeved top. I wore tennis shoes only because I have foot problems...otherwise I would have worn walking sandals (i.e. Teva, etc.) Definitely wear comfortable shoes though because you will do a lot of walking. You can get away with sleeveless tops unless you're going into churches. I would wear fabrics that breathe. Have a great time; Rome is wonderful.

I am here now and every day have worn a short sleeve tshirt (stylish ones from Talbots or Eddie Bauer) and cropped pants. I am dressed just right for weather and going into Churches. On the first day it seemed like everyone we saw was wearing pants - and most of the Italians do. They must be used to the heat.

Birkenstocks are really popular right now especially the thong type with the loopy thing on top. A lot of women are wearing impractical shoes though - locals and tourists alike. I bought Merrels which were so comfortable when I tried them on but boy are my feet tired and blistered. Fortunately I have mole skin.

You also see a lot of women with long skirt or capris and tank tops and a scarf at the ready for the churches.

I think the tackiest tourists I have seen yet were German - overweight middle aged women in tight shiny pink and leopard print pants and tanks. I am quite certain they were speaking German although I have to say German women did not dress that way 20 years ago when I lived there. They were with their families too. I have seen women at home like that too but not too many tacky American tourists yet.

Hi, Donna,

We've been in Rome in Sept. twice. First time, it was in the 80's in the daytime and low 60's (chilly) at night. A couple of days/nights we had rain.

Last September it was hot, high 80's daytime, low 70's at night, humid, but only 1 day of rain. I wear mix & match skirts (long & short) with tops that are interchangeable.

When it rains, many shops put out cheap travel umbrellas for sale, we always pack one. A light sweater or jacket/windbreaker is good for chilly nights.

Have a wonderful vacation!