We will be traveling in Florence, Cinque Terre, Siena & Rome during the first 2 weeks of May and I need recommendations for shoes and clothing to pack. I would like to pack light and only take 2 pairs of shoes (one to wear on the plane & pack one pair). Would appreciate your help.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA, USA
419 posts
Pack the clothng that you would wear at home, things that you are comfortable wearing. The same goes for shoes.
No one in Italy is going to notice or care about what you will be wearing.
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
We have been in the same area several times, at the same time of year. In fact, we're doing it again this year. Early May is a bit unpredictable. Layers is the obvious solution. I assemble my wardrobe a couple of weeks ahead; then I check the weather forecast a day or two before departure. If cold and/or rainy are in the offing, I add a light-weight wool cardigan. Worn under a water-resistant jacket or short raincoat, it provides enough warmth for any cool spell you are likely to encounter. I always include one pair of closed- toe shoes. By mid-May, however, it's just as likely that you'll get some fairly warm weather. I bring a couple of sleeveless or cap-sleeved tops, which can also be worn under cardigans and a pair of sandals, which are comfortable enough for a day of sightseeing. My color scheme is black, beige, and white. Everything goes together, and most items are classic in style, neither dressy nor ultra casual. A colorful scarf and/or some pretty earrings (inexpensive ones) dress things up when that's called for. Buon viaggio!.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
I agree, wear what you have. Pack your favorite outfits, the ones you feel the most comfortable in, and you will be fine.
I wear my jeans on the plane and have them for the week. I wear a closed toe pair of shoes as well, but mostly end up wearing sandals that I pack in my suitcase when we are walking in Italy. My toes like to breathe...
I usually create a packing list for every trip, print it out and then pack and mark off what goes into my suitcase.
For 2 weeks, 5-6 t-shirts, with 1 long sleeve. 1 sweater and I found a cute cotton/lycra dress at GAP last year that is a staple for me now. I always pack 1-2 scarves to brighten my look and to keep me warm if necessary. I've stopped taking shorts with me, but since you are going to the CT, you could wear them if you plan to hike the trails. A black skirt that won't wrinkle would be great for the cities for day time sightseeing...it would be cooler than jeans and nicer than shorts.
A rain coat always gets packed, or I carry it on for the cooler plane rides. I've always ended up using the rain coat...either for the wet, or just because the evenings get cool and I need a coat.
I've been traveling in an Osprey pack and I have extra room in it for purchases when I return! http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/gear_hauling/porter_46