what to wear in Florence in March

This will generate the big discussion about not blending in. My concern is not blending in as much as not standing out. We use a normal rain jacket in a dark color - for us dark blue -- and wear a fleece vest underneath if cold enough. Or just a jacket over a sweater. For that time of year you will find a wide range of temperatures and some rain. By using several light layers you can easily adjust to any temperature situation. My favor quote is, "You cannot avoid looking like a tourist. Just don't look like a stupid American tourist."

Mary--I travel in winter (Nov/Dec) and I don't worry about outerwear so much. It's generally hidden underneath a black rain jacket. To stay warm, I invested in some long underwear and wore a sweater over that. I did wear a fleece jacket and no one batted an eye. Jean jacket strikes me as being less useful for warmth, as well as somewhat heavy.

BTW, be careful walking around in Florence if it is raining. The street grates are very slippery and I saw several people slip and fall.

If you have your rain jacket, bring a variety of tops (preferably that can be layered if needed) and sweaters or fleece to layer over them.

I would prepare for rain and cool to cold. Layering will let you travel comfortably whether it's unseasonably cold or unseasonably warm when you get there.

If your clothes have any style at all and they mix/match, you will be fine.

Hi Mary, I love jean jackets but they're not so good for travel. They are heavy and bulky, not very warm and won't keep you dry. Denim is a serious impediment to one-bag travel. A denim jacket is also less mix-and-matchable less versatile.

Warmth isn't all about outerwear. Bring silk long underwear. Super light, comfortable, easy to pack, easy to wash, easy to dry-- and you won't feel like a stuffed sausage in your layers.

Why worry so much about looking like a tourist?After all is Florence not Angola(no offense).Just came back from over there and,believe me,at the points of interest(Duomo,ponte vecchio,etc),the non tourists were in a small minority.Go have fun and don't worry about what italians think about our clothes,because,unless we are naked,they...don't.If you'll have a camera you WILL look like a tourist,but so what? We never heard a peep.