What to pack for Tuscany...

You are going to look like an American no matter what.

Be comfortable and casual and dress for the level of walking you plan on. I stopped counting how many people I saw wearing shorts, all tourists. That was the end of May. I did not wear jeans, I did bring shorts and wore them constantly. I think blending in just means 'being cool'. Younger people were wearing logo shirts. Mine were plain colored, solids.

Example: Florence: I had a black shirt, black pants, black shoes on and walked in to get a bottle of water. I didn't utter a word. The man at the counter didn't hesitate to say, in excellent English, 'That's one Euro sir.'

Thank you. I quess by blending in , I mean I just do not want to stick out. Interesting that you did not have to say a word and yet he knew you were an American.

We had heard a lot about wearing shorts and casual clothes made you stick out like a tourist. We just got back yesterday from 3 weeks in many areas of Italy, and this is what we found:

Firstly...you are not likely to fool anyone that you are a tourist,

Secondly...we found that a lot of Italians were very casually dressed, especially during the day and then dressed up for evening. We saw a lot of shorts and its not even summer yet.

By casually dressed for day, do you mean slacks, skirts & a nice top for the women?

I have blond hair so I quess the clothing will be the second thing noticed.

White tennis shoes are also a hallmark of an American tourist.

Weather in Tuscany can still be quite warm that time of year, so be sure to check weather.com shortly before you leave and adjust accordingly. I've experienced high 80's on at least 2 stays in Florence during last week of September. Allow for layering in case it's cool. As far as blending, Italians tend to wear a darker, more muted palate than Americans, although women sometimes add a splash of color (e.g. a colorful scarf). As others have said, you won't fool the locals (especially in smaller towns where everyone knows everyone) but you can stick out less.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. It will greatly help!

My sister went on the shirt and scarf craze for our trip. It is very European, and easy to pack. One multi-colored scarf can be paired with serveral different colors of thin, knit shirts for a different look each day. I don't like to wear pants, so another easy ensemble are the gauze peasant dresses that never need ironed and are very cool and breezy. You can pretty much ball them up and they will come out the suitcase looking good.
Most people we came across did not think we were American. Most actually thought we were from South America. And I can't mention how many times I was addressed in Italian by business owners or random people on the the street, only for them to find me looking totally clueless as they spoke and then change to English. I'm not saying it was the clothes, but it is possible to "blend in" sometimes, I think.

Hi Karen,
I always like to try and blend in as well. We were in Florence/Siena/Montalcino in September and there were hot days, cool days, etc. I always like to pack a "dressy"
tank top, cardigan/sweater and a pretty scarf. You can then alternate with slacks, jeans, skirts, etc. You DO see a lot of sharp dressed Italians, but also a large amount of tourists from all over the place. I think the dark shoe advise is spot on.

We just got back and "blending in" was a prime concern of mine as well. It ain't gonna happen. Just forget about it and be comfortable. You see Italians wearing EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that Americans, Brits, Germans, French, etc. all wear. Anything goes. Even white tennis shoes. I saw so many Italians wearing them I just had to laugh whenever I see comments now about Americans and white runners. Actually, the Italian younger folks are really into Converse in wild colors. Actually, tennies in wild colors period, are in. Raggedy-looking cotton scarves wound around the neck are also in. Plenty of Italians wear shorts. Fewer wear skirts than you would think (unless you're a woman over 50 who always stayed home and the majority of them definitely wear skirts with frumpy blouses and clumpy heeled shoes). Italians under 45 prefer very tight clothing. They definitely wear jeans - tight (but you see normal fitting ones as well). Longer tops with a low-slung belt. High heels (don't risk it!!). Lots of capris on men were seen. You will not blend in unless you stay away from tourist sights, walk like you know where you're going, eat only in local restaurants (just try finding them without looking like a tourist), and speak fluent Italian. Bottom line, don't worry about blending in 'cuz it won't happen no matter what you wear. There are so many tourists you'll blend in, believe me.

You are spot on Kay!

We just got back, too, and you see anything and everything on the Italians.
Yep, lots of tight jeans on the gals, and high heels. My wife would marvel on how they could walk on the cobblestones in those shoes.

My wife has been wearing jeans and her white tennis (walking) shoes for quite a few years, when we have traveled in the EU. (daytime exploring) I don't think that she stands out anymore than anyone else. In fact, each time she has been approached by a local asking for info, and we don't speak French, or Italian, etc.

Karen, it will probably be warm, so dress for the weather, in whatever will be comfortable for you.

Great post, Kay. I agree 100% Another post that I thought was very appropriate was one that said use some common sense when dining out in the evening, and be respectful of the establishment.

I think the Italians (and French for that matter) dress very classically. And I agree with the scarf suggestion ~ the most stylish women I saw were wearing them. My husband is part Italian and he and our two daughters were often mistaken for Italians and spoken to in Italian. When he told one Italian woman he was American she actually got mad at him ;) So I guess "blending in" is relative.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I have been reading that one is respected more if you tend to dress nicer??? But after reading your replys it sounds like it has not been a problem. Things must be changing!Thanks again!!!
Karen

Rick would tell you to pack half the clothes.
He conveniently leaves out the rest of that phrase--
Twice the money.

Have fun.

I've spent time in Tuscany during these months. I agree with most posters above, and suggest just dressing for the weather. It will probably still be warm. Any nice summery, casual clothes, (but perhaps no shorts for either men or women), would be my suggestion. Also Tuscany is a place that makes you want to dress in lovely summery skirts, blouses -- and there are many places to buy such things that may tempt you. Just be sure you have appropriate clothing if you plan to pop into any churches, of which there are many.

Karen, I think you are right, all the way around with travel you are better received if you are dressed nicer and look put together. Even if you have comfortable walking shoes, just keep your clothes basic and well put together. I always take a scarf and some costume jewlery just to look a little dressed up for dinner. With travel so unpredicatable you don't want to show up at the airport in PJ's. You get a lot more help when you look put together.