Vacationing in Italy is a dream come true for many but packing can be difficult if you've never been there before. Consider what area you're staying in before you begin packing and remember to edit the day before you leave. Europeans often wear the same items again and again, so get mileage out of basic pieces.
Remember to dress up. While you don't have to wear your Sunday best on a daily basis in Italy, know that Italians of all classes dress up more than North Americans. Italian men wear suits in casual fabrics like lightweight cotton or seersucker in the warm weather and stick to year-round wools for cooler seasons. Most men wear a collared shirt around the clock and typically tuck in their shirts and wear a belt. Italian women wear dresses even if they are only going to the market. Think business casual when dressing for a vacation in Italy. While comfort is essential for traveling, you also do not want to stick out like a sore thumb with a fanny pack and white sneakers.
Keep Italian church attire in mind. While in Italy, you are likely to visit landmark cathedrals. It's essential that your arms are covered and you are not wearing very casual shorts to enter the majority of these churches. Women should keep a lightweight sweater or shawl in their purse to pull on when entering a church, if wearing a tank top or sleeveless dress. Men should wear pants but long shorts that reach the knee are often acceptable. For women, all dresses and skirts must be at the knee or longer.
Wear comfortable shoes. Leather shoes create a polished look for your vacation outfits but also can be comfortable when they are broken in. Women should wear flats, which are common throughout Italy. A ballet-style flat will do and it's best to go with a neutral color like black or navy so it coordinates with the bulk of apparel you pack. Men should wear leather oxfords or tonal wingtip-style shoes, which work for day with a linen shirt and cotton trousers or at night with a sports coat for a nice dinner.
Consider the weather. If you are traveling to Italy during the warm weather months, you may still need a lightweight jacket or long-sleeved shirt for cool nights. During the fall and winter season, a medium-weight coat or jacket will serve you well along with light layering underneath. Pack thin items that can easily be layered for warmth. Consider fabrics like Merino wool and cashmere, which are lightweight and warm.
Take your jeans. Italians regularly wear jeans for day and night. Choose a dark wash, which allows the jeans to translate for day or evening. Jeans tend to be heavy to pack, so pack one pair for your trip, as you can wear them again without washing.
