What to pack in Italy

Recently traveled to Venice, Florence, hill towns of Tuscany. Weather was variable (late April, early May.) Did have capri pants with me and wore them in warmer weather. Wouldn't wear shorts, though.

I saw lots of below knee length skirts and sleeveless sun dresses (but don't forget to wear over the shoulders in churches). Italian women wear lots of linen for the coolness but I'd get linen clothes in the US. Linen clothes in Italy was expensive. I brought a pair of just below the knee loose linen capris and ankle length ones. The were much cooler than anything else.

Hi there,
I wears capris almost everyday when I go to Italia. Shorts are really only worn at the beach or seaside. It is gonna be really hot in August, you don't need to wear long pants or long skirts. As long as your skirts and capris go to your knees or just below, you will be fine. You will see lots of Italian women wearing super short skirts but they don't visit churches! If you are visiting major churches, you can always carry one of those light weight,long skirts in your bag to put on in case you run into a strict guard at a church.

Have fun!
I always wear capris with front, button pockets, they are great for keeping your money in a secure place, if you don't wear a money belt.

Just returned last week from Italy and have been numerous times before in the summer months. Always see lots of people wearing capris although I prefer skirts. My skirts were above my knees and I had no problem getting into any of the big churches in Venice or Florence. Have worn the same skirt into St. Peter's in past years too. Couldn't believe one year how short the skirts were that were getting into St. Peter's. They wouldn't let my teenage son into St. Peter's with khaki cargo shorts that hit below his knees but were letting all the mini's in! I would't want to be wearing a long skirt in Italy in any of the summer months as it would be way too hot. For tops--you must have sleeves/capped sleeves or be prepared to purchase (St. Mark's/Venice) a cover for your shoulders.

Italians wear shorts and capris and short skirts. Short jean shorts are never worn. I've seen so many yourn Americans in short shorts this summer. It screams 'AMERICAN!!!'. My Italian neighbor wears tan, black or linen capris with a plain tanktop to work. knee legnth skirts are also a cool option. Just don't be too revealing and you'll be fine.

Hi Kathleen, I was in Italy the beginning of June and wore capris everywhere! Also wore short sleeve tees and had no problems getting into any churches, St. Peters in Rome or St. Mark's in Venice. My 21 year old daughters wore more skirts and sundresses. They just made sure the skirts were down to there knees and they had a little short sleeve sweater to pop on if their top was sleeveless. (Easily carried in their purse.) It was warm most days in early June so I think it will warmer in August. You'll enjoy your trip more if you're comfortable and not too hot! We also used our purse umbrellas for shade instead of buying a shade parasol that were on sale everywhere! I'm sure we looked like tourists as the colors of our clothing were brighter than what the locals wear but we were visiting tourist sites so that was ok!

Ladies,

Thanks so much for the advise. At least I don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe.
Smiles - Kathleen

I was just there in late June / early July - it was HOT. I saw lots of capris, but I wore skirts - casual cotton, to my knee or just below. I also wore tank tops every day and then had a sweater in the backpack for going into churches. Some churches had wraps they would give out to those that didn't have one, but the Vatican did not. Saw girls/women being turned away for not having their shoulders covered and for skirts too short. I am sure it depends on the day and which wardrobe patrol is on duty for the day. In any event, cotton knee length casual skirts and capris will be fine.