I'll be on a Rick Steves 7 Days in Rome tour in September. I've heard that it will be summer weather during that time and I'd like some advice on how to dress and what types of shoes work. I've never been to Italy, but I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb! Thanks, all.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
Hi Sue,
This is frequently debated on the Helpline, so I'll keep it simple. Wear comfortable, cool clothing and shoes you can stand and walk miles in--up and down stairs and across cobblestones. There are plenty of natives in Rome who will stick out a lot more than you (unless you do something odd like go naked), so don't worry.
Italians prefer darker colors, which are also well suited to travel, so I like to lean in that direction. Jeans are heavy and hard to wash and pack, but you won't look "strange" in them.
Use a moneybelt to protect your valuables. If you don't like the around your waist kind (I don't) use an alternate. I like the kind that goes around your neck. I wear the strap long and the pouch lies flat against my stomach. There's also one that will strap around your leg or sit inside your bra. Find what works for you. The moneybelt is designed as "deep storage" so you want it secure and hard to get to.
Churches--especially St. Peters'-- require shoulders and knees to be covered. If you intend to wear tank tops or shorts, make sure you have something to put over or a pair of long pants/sleeved shirt for your Vatican day.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Also, there's a big difference between what urban and village Italians wear. Rome versus Cinque Terre, for example. Just as here, city dwellers put more emphasis on style and fashion than do village and resort town residents. I understand that a lot of smart women travelers will take along some nice big scarf or shawl to dress up what they're wearing when they want to.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
To avoid the "obvious American tourist look", avoid white tennis shoes, baseball caps, sweats, shorts, tank tops, sandals, fatigues....you get the picture. Romans tend to dress more upscale. Dress in lighter weight, breathable fabrics to keep cooler in the strong Italian sun and heat. Dress casually, but well put-together. Definitely get a pair of comfortable shoes. No stillettos!
Posted by
Newark, CA, USA
16 posts
Have fun in whatever you dress:
1) Make sure you have some comfortable shoes, once you have them you are all set, the amount of walking you have to do this would be really helpful.
2) Also remember to cover yourself, so no tank tops. I think we should respect the church, I saw lot of women being not let in and then buying some stole kind of thing.
3) If you love to dress wear them...capris, cotton clothing helps from all those heat and walking...
if someone in your family is carrying a money belt you are safe if not, please always carry one for safety.
Have fun....
Posted by
PD, California
3 posts
Hi Sue,
Just got back from Rome. My daughter and I wished we had packed light, cute day/night summer dresses. That is what most Italian women (young and old) were wearing. Shorts just seemed too casual, and pants too hot. The Italian women seem to manage well in shoes that would kill me, however!
Have fun !!