Italy Packing Essentials: What to Wear in 2024

Intimidated by the prospect of packing for a trip to Italy, one of the chicest places in the world? Never fear. Your favorite European adventurer and packing expert has rounded up all of her Italy packing tips to help you fit in with the stylish Italians. I've even included my (free) ultimate Italy packing list. Let's dive right in - everything you need to pack for your trip to Italy...Andiamo!

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. I received free product from Wool&. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Updated January, 2024.

Wondering what to wear in Italy?

Sipping pinot grigio under the shadow of the Duomo in Florence. Strolling the Spanish Steps. Gazing over stunning Mediterranean vistas from the Amalfi Coast. Picturing yourself in the ancient world as you explore the Roman Forum. Nipping into a trattoria and sampling some of the most amazing food you've ever experienced.

Did I mention I love Italy?

Italy was actually the first non-English speaking country I visited 'across the pond,' and I immediately fell in love. You simply can't beat the food, wine, and culture combination the Italians have perfected over the centuries. 

That said, I'll admit that, on that first Italy trip, I was taken aback by some significant cultural differences from the U.S., which are what make travel worthwhile. One of those many differences was, perhaps unsurprisingly in hindsight, how people dress. Even if you've never yet been to Italy, we all know that that Italians are known for their fashion sense. And, we know, tourists are...known for exactly the opposite. 

And, if you're like me, you want to be sure you have all the right clothes in your suitcase to blend right in with the crowd, no matter where your travels take you in Italy. 

So, let's talk about some items you'll want to pack for your trip to Italy! My what-to-wear-in-any-city philosophy is always to tell you about my experience, what I wore, and what I'd recommend, and to suggest some options that worked for me/ may work for you. While there are tons of links to products and suggestions, of course assuming you have these items in your wardrobe, throw them into the bag and there's no need to buy anything new!

There's no reason that you can't find a happy medium and feel comfortable for touring, while simultaneously looking and feeling stylish in one of the most fashionable countries in the world.

Check-out my Europe Travel Essentials - the constantly updated list of all the items that I can't travel without!

FAQ: ​What's the weather like in Italy?

Perfect. Ok, you probably want more than that. Italy is a long, skinny country, with a fairly wide variety of temperatures, though on average, the weather is fairly moderate, and frankly lovely. Italy experiences all 4 seasons, but it doesn't snow much in Italy, even as far north as Florence.  


In the far southern portion of Italy, such as Naples, you can expect fairly hot weather. That said, the average low up in Milan in January is 35 (in Indianapolis, it's 18. In Naples, it's a stunning 56). 


Assuming you'll be spending most of your time, as we have, in Rome and Florence, you can expect fairly moderate temperatures. There aren't too many rainy days, and honestly....Italians just enjoy excellent weather. 


Florence in April is 67/46 and Rome is 67/48, with an average of 8 days of rain.


Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip, but plan to leave the winter coat and mittens at home. Save the sweaters for Scotland. Bring an umbrella, but hopefully you won't need to rely on it too much.

A Few Preliminary Rules about Dressing in Italy, ​Before We Dive In

I think it's helpful to walk through a few basic 'rules to dress by,' in Italy, before we get to specific items you'll want to pack for your trip.

Finish the outfit

One of the easiest ways to look polished and put together as a tourist is to do what I was taught when I worked at Nordstrom: "Finish your outfit." Add jewelry, a belt, a scarf, a jacket - so that it's clear you've put time and effort into this outfit. A shirt and pants just won't cut it. Add something to tie it all together.

Keep it modest

Even when it gets toasty in the Italian sun, keep your outfit reasonably modest. Leave the tank tops, sleeveless tops, booty shorts, and deep v-cut shirts at home. In Italy, more so than many other European countries with different religious traditions, you are likely to run into dress codes at religious sites, particularly in Vatican City. If you're strolling along and want to pop into a Catholic church to look around (one of the most incredible things to do in Rome), you don't want to be prevented from doing so by your attire.

Light layers

It's likely going to be hotter in Italy than you're anticipating, especially when spending a great deal of time walking around in the sun. Keep layers light and minimal.

Neutral colors

While Italian style can veer into the flamboyant, if you want to fit in as a tourist, stick to more neutral colors. A more neutral palate also makes it easier to mix and match items during your trip, in the event of a pasta stain.

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse

Whenever possible, pack items that can be worn more than once and recycled into multiple outfits. I would avoid, at all costs, including 'special' outfits for specific events, unless you're going to a wedding or another event that you know you will not miss and that requires particular attire.

Don't forget the packing cubes

After the first time I used packing cubes, I became an instant convert. Packing cubes keep you organized before, during, and after the trip, and making packing for your flight home a breeze. They're also a great option for securing souvenirs for your trip home.

Italy Packing Essentials {2024}

What to Wear in Italy:
​Finding the Right Shoes

First things first! Comfortable walking shoes (broken-in well in advance of your trip) are non-negotiable for navigating cobblestone streets on a trip to Europe. But don't get me wrong! Comfort doesn't mean that said shoes have to be frumpy and unattractive.

Over the years, I've gotten my Europe shoe selection down to a formula. There are several types of "essential" pairs of shoes for Italy: loafers, boots/booties, and sneakers.

For day-to-day touring, I the best shoes in my book are classic loafers, which, in addition to being comfortable, trendy, and classic, keep my feet clean and protected during lots of walking. I alternate my loafers with sneakers. 
WAIT, WHAT!
The age-old advice for tourists has always been not to wear "clunky, white tennis shoes," because they make you look like a tourist. Ironically, "kids these days" are rocking some seriously giant white tennis shoes as a fashion statement and low top sneakers are incredibly trendy. So much for that age-old advice! That said, some European restaurants do ban sneakers ("trainers" in the UK), so be sure you have an alternative, if needed.

For warmer weather, evenings, or more formal events, if you're attending them, I'd recommend some espadrilles/shoes with a hemp or cork base. In warmer months, I'd bring a pair of sandals for giving your feet a break and helping you cool off. Unless you will be spending significant time at the pool or beach, avoid plastic "beach flip flops."

For colder months, I like boots or booties from Blondo. They come in *waterproof* options and are very comfortable.

Piazza Navona, Rome

FAQ: Are sandals OK in Italy?

Yes, you are welcome to wear sandals in Italy. Both because they are not comfortable for walking, aren't good for protecting your feet, and are banned at high-end restaurants, I would avoid bringing beach flip-flops unless you're actually spending time at the beach.

What to Wear in Italy:
Picking the Perfect Purse for Italy

Piazza Madonna dei Monti

There are a couple qualities we need to look for when when selecting a bag for your trip to Italy. 

First, and most importantly, in touristy areas, of which there are many, many, many in Italy, you need to beware of pickpockets. I say this not to worry you unnecessarily, but to prevent a totally avoidable situation. I highly recommend a purse that zips and/or closes fully, and cannot be easily opened without you noticing. 

Second, I like a small bag. It's easier to carry, and will force you to bring only must-have items. Remember that some museums will make you check large bags during your time there. It sometimes costs money, separates you from the items you wanted so badly, and slows down your trip. 

I'd recommend a simple, leather cross-body.

FAQ: How much cash should I bring to Italy?

Not very much. Assuming you have a travel credit card that does not have foreign transaction fees, you can pay with a credit card for most of your transactions. I would strongly recommend against carrying large amounts of cash with you in any touristy areas, for fear of pickpockets.

Do change your money at your bank in the US before you head to Europe. American banks generally charge little, if anything, for this service, unlike some of the places you'll encounter in airports/train stations in Italy. 

What to Wear in Italy:
​Skirts and Dresses

The Pantheon at night

If you're dreaming of Italian romance a la Roman Holiday, skirts and dresses should be in that suitcase. For dinners, drinks, or strolling piazzas after dark, I often opted for a casual dress. During our September trip, I was plenty warm, even at night, with a light jacket.

Many of the dresses I'm wearing in the pictures in this blog post are actually from TJ Maxx! I'd also recommend Wool& for sustainable, washable, lightweight wool in cooler months, when you'll likely also want stockings and boots.

A note on dress codes in Italy

Be mindful of dress codes at religious sites you may visit, particularly at the Vatican. For example, per The Vatican website: "Entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens is permitted only to appropriately dressed visitors. Low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not allowed."

And if these piazzas have you dreaming of sipping an apertivo, while overlooking the Pantheon at night, check out Rome's Best Piazzas. ​

What to Wear in Italy: Lightweight tops

Regardless of season, it just doesn't get terribly cold in Italy - and the sun is often quite warm. Particularly in fall, it might be warmer in Italy than you're expecting! So, I like to stick to lightweight shirts, and then to carry around that light jacket, in the unlikely even that you get cold.

What to Wear in Italy: Long Pants & Shorts

In the peak summer months, when the average high temperature in Italy is 86, the sun is hot, and the crowds seem to be multiplying, at least a couple pairs are going to be a necessity. JCrew Factory has incredible deals on shorts. J McLaughlin has some great longer options. As we discussed with skirts, avoid packing extremely short shorts. European don't wear them as much as we do, and you may run into occasional dress code issues.

For shoulder season and winter, and on flights, I'm all about those light-weight pants. Particularly crepe pants from Eileen Fisher.

FAQ: Is it OK to wear jeans in Italy?

Yes! You will see both men and women in jeans in Italy. I would stick to well-fitting (not too tight), clean, not overly-distressed jeans, but you should feel perfectly comfortable wearing jeans during your trip to Italy. In Italy, like many other countries is Europe, you're more like to find theaters or restaurants with dress codes than you are in the U.S. Be sure to bring non-denim attire as well.

What to Wear in Italy:
Add a wrap

Exploring Rome

I absolutely swear by a great wrap.
​Wraps are perfect for the plane, they can be good to have around if someone is underdressed for a religious site, and, most importantly, they'll make you feel at least a little bit fancy.

What to Wear in Italy:
​A Bit of Pizzaz with a Scarf

I remember getting to our hotel, after that long, Transatlantic flight, getting to the hotel (our room wasn't ready), and going to wander around, sweaty, waiting 'til we could get into the room and take a shower. The first thing I thought when I got back and started getting dressed after that adventure was..."I need to spice up the outfits I brought."

Thankfully, I had brought several scarves, and next thing you know, I am fully-scarfed and ready to go. ​

FAQ: Should I Bring a Hat?

Whether you'll want to bring a hat will strongly depend on the time of year you're visiting. In Spring/Fall it's likely not necessary, but in the Summer, it's always nice to keep the sun off your face! For long, outdoor activities, such as exploring The Roman Forum or Ostia Antica, a hat can definitely help prevent tourism fatigue.

Planning a trip to Italy? Check out my Top 10 Tourist Mistakes in Italy - and how you can avoid them!

What to Wear in Italy: Outerwear

A lightweight jacket for rain

No matter the time of year, be sure to include a jacket that you can comfortably wear in the event of a rainy day. You won't see as much rain in Italy as in many other parts of Europe, but in the event that it happens, the goal is generally to avoid that old tourist standby, the dreaded pancho. A light jacket or trench coat should do the trick.

FAQ: Should I bring my winter coat to Italy?

No. Unless you're going skiing or visiting Milan in the depths of winter, you generally should leave the Canada Goose at home. The average high/low in Florence in November is 59/43. While you'll want a coat in the event the weather gets down to the depths of that, you likely aren't going to need to dress the way you would in Minneapolis. A light down, puffer coat should do the trick.

​Top it off with a Blazer

Obviously it'll depend on the time of year, but wow can people in Italy rock a blazer (gents and ladies). This is a bit more of a "deep cut" as most people don't tend to think of blazers when they're packing for a touristy vacation, but I thought I'd throw it in here, just so you have the full scoop! I'm all about Boden lately - and they're available in a bunch of colors to suit any wardrobe!

Italy Packing List
​[10 Days]

• Outer layers:
  • Waterproof Jacket/ Trench coat
  • Topper/light coat/ cardigan
• Small travel umbrella
• 1 scarf and 1 wrap
• 3 pairs of comfortable shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, loafers/knee-high boots)
• Leather, crossbody bag
• 1 neutral belt
• 4 long-sleeved shirts/nice blouses
• 3 dresses
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 pairs of black ankle pants/joggers
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I hope you have the most fabulous trip to this enchanting country. Drink all the wine, eat all the pasta, and savor every minute. You should be fully armed with enough tips to help you channel that chic Italian style throughout your trip.

I have tons and tons of Europe travel content throughout the blog, from What to Wear on a 10-Hour Flight to Europe to more historic and tourism content on specific spots you need to see in Italy, including Rome and Florence.

• The Ultimate Italian Packing Guide for Summer​ {2024}
• Everything I Wish I'd Known About Italy
• Rome's Best Piazzas
• Roman Forum Cheat Sheet: What You Need to Know About the Roman Forum

Don't forget to sign up for the blog newsletter and receive my free, downloadable carry-on packing guide for Europe. 

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