Hello,
My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon in Europe for this June. We plan to fly into Rome, spend two nights there and then take the train to Venice where we will spend one night before taking off on a Greek Isles cruise. I know it's going to be a rushed time in Italy but we are going to make the best of it. I was wondering if someone could give me pointers as to what to pack to wear while in Rome and Italy. Any pointers would be helpful!
You will get a lot of opinion. You would wear the same thing you would wear local -- comfortable clothing. Personally I think you should be bit dressier than you might be locally. You will need to have shoulders and knees covered for churchs. Your posting will trigger the old and wore out "blend in, you cannot blend in" argument/discussion. My belief is that you should avoid inappropriate attire, loud colors, etc. so that you do not stand out. You can not avoid looking like a tourist but maybe you could pass as a French or Germany tourist. And, again, go read the Rick Steves, Through the Back Door book that I recommended earlier.
As usual I agree with Frank. While it is possible to blend in and not look as much like a tourist, it's really not necessary. The cruise is the bigger part of your trip, so let it dictate what you have available to wear.
Just keep in mind Frank's caution to be 'Cathedral friendly' in your attire -- some sites strictly enforce the no bare shoulders / no knees rules.
Beyond that -- dress comfortably, ready for hot weather, and have fun.
If you are concerned with looking like a tourist, avoid wearing Nike tennis shoes, at least this is what people have told me.
I was there two summers ago and Pumas were very popular. They make good walking shoes!
Things may have changed since I was there, but I always hear that tennis shoes are a dead give away that you are American.
If I'm wrong someone let me know :)
Hi Laura,
Congrats. Cool and comfortable. That's what you should aim for. I've been to Rome at that time and it can be quite hot and steamy. Linen is always a good choice for that time of year. As mentioned earlier - you need covered shoulders for churches. The Vatican doen't allow shorts. Comfortable shoes are also important. Hope you have a good time.
I think of a visit to Rome and Venice as Urban Hiking. The locals are quite stylish, and who doesn't want to look great on their honeymoon? But save your high heels for the cruise and wear shoes that can take walking on cobblestones all day. I wear Doc Martens in the winter and switch between Born sandals with flip flops in the summer.
In Venice you'll be getting on and off boats, too. Don't want to lose your balance on the Grand Canal...
I just don't understand why you would want to look like a tourist from Germany or France as someone suggested??? I have been to Italy many times and I dress the same as I do here in the USA. My sister lives in Garbatella (a suburb of Rome) and she laughs at peoples suggestions on this site. What is wrong with being or looking American?? Thats what we are! I live in Miami which is a very popular destination from people all over Europe and the come here to shop for clothing and also buy white sneakers. I'm sure they don't spend money on white sneakers just to wear here. Europeans don't try to blend in here so why should we blend in there??? This is only my opinion. Most importantly is to have fun!
Well said, Mark.
Laura - just in case you don't know this already - NEVER take fashion advice from a man.
So, to actually answer your very good question - there are variations in June as far as weather and variations in weather in the two cities you mention. There is a chance that you might get some cooler and/or rainy weather in Venice, so pack some kind of lightweight sweater, shawl, etc. I've used both during summer trips,especially at night.
Since you DO want to look nice, honeymoon pictures and all, and it sounds like you aren't doing any real hiking, bring lightweight casual summer clothing. I always bring longish (at least knee length) skirts to be able to visit churches like St. Peter's. I prefer skirts - again, summer style, casual - as does my 20 something daughter, but you can certainly wear capris if that is more your style. You also need to cover your shoulders during church visits, so if you are wearing cami tops or something like that, just bring the lightweight shawl/scarf with you in your purse. You can put it on top before you go in. And, unlike France, NOT everyone will be wearing black all the time- too hot. Make sure your husband knows to also bring at least one pair of lightweight long pants to wear for major church visits.
The BEST thing about traveling in the summer is that women's clothing is so lightweight and packs so easily that you can bring more than you may think and still go with the 1 carryon. The only trouble most women have is with shoes, especially thinking they may want to have some special evenings. But you really need to limit yourself on this - I always do 2 pair wear 1, pack 1. But you may be able to get 1 more pair in - maybe a cute, but flat sandal. I prefer clunky (not very pretty) walking sandals. I can wear them with both skirts and capris.
Don't know what your laundry prospects are - I bring at least enough to last 1 week and then wash, mainly the shirts. Congrats -have fun!
