{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for a Trip to Rome

Wondering what to wear in Rome? You've come to the right place! Today, I've rounded up all of my top outfit suggestions for exploring the capital of Italy- The Eternal City!

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Packing for a trip to Rome?

Rome was for me, as for most Americans, the first city I saw in Italy. My first time seeing ancient ruins, my first 'real' pasta, and was actually my first time visiting a country with a language barrier (you don't count, Scotland, though sometimes I felt like you do...). And how do you even describe the experience of first seeing the Trevi Fountain...


I fell in Rome immediately, and was unsurprised to find Italian fashion as exciting as I'd expected. That said, Rome is a major tourist destination, and you will see many tourists looking as tourists look. I'd also say that actual Roman women dress far more conservatively (in the choice of colors, lack of logos, etc.) than I may have expected. Don't show up in full Gucci logos thinking you'll fit right in.


We will walk through a few different discussion as we talk through what you should bring to Rome: first, a few rules I've created (I am a lawyer, after all), then what NOT to wear in Rome, frequently asked questions about packing for a trip to Rome and then a few suggestions on items to bring, including specific suggestions and shopable links. Sound good? 


I so appreciate you being here! I hope you'll take a minute to peruse the many free resources I've created to help you plan and pack for your trip to Europe! Buon viaggio!

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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 bare shoulders.
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.

What NOT to Wear in Rome

• Mini skirts
• Tub tops, tank tops
• T-shirts with political slogans
• Baseball caps for women
• Full athleisure
• Leggings as pants
• Beach flip flops (you might as well have bare feet! ICK)
• Tiny shorts

why can't I wear these items in Rome?

I get some pushback on my lists of items NOT to wear in Europe. No, it's not illegal or morally wrong to wear these items. Neither the real nor the fashion police are going to get you. You will see other tourists wearing these items and worse. But if you want to fit in with locals, look classy, learn about Italian fashion (who wouldn't) and not attract unwanted attention, I'd recommend avoiding the aforementioned items. There's nothing "wrong" with being a tourist, but you will have a better experience in this beautiful city if you make an effort.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Packing for a Trip to Rome

How should tourists dress in Rome?
Rome is one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world. You will see tourists in any manner of things. As we will discuss, the only real "rules" about what to wear in Rome are regarding entrance to religious sites and restaurants with dress codes. That said, I would say most tourists look very much...like tourists.

Do people wear sneakers in Rome?
Yes. Just as in the United States, sneakers truly have cornered the market on everyday footwear. If you want to wear sneakers and fit in with the locals, keep the logs to a minimum, and opt for clean, low profile sneakers (not the ones you wear to mow the yard).

Is there a dress code at the Colosseum in Rome?
​No. There is no dress code to visit the Colosseum, which is not a religious site. The Colosseum is a major world tourist attraction. You will see people wearing all sorts of things. I'd definitely stay away from flip flops/sandals as you navigate the stone steps.

Is there a dress code to visit the Vatican?
Yes. The Vatican museums have a dress code, if you want to visit the Sistine Chapel (and you absolutely want to visit the Sistine Chapel), even on hot summer days. You do NOT want to miss the Sistine Chapel because you didn't do your research. 

"It is preferable to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
Hats, low-cut or sleeveless dresses, shorts, miniskirts are not allowed. Torn trousers and T-shirts are not recommended."

Read the full Vatican dress code here.

What should men wear in Rome?
While this post is geared toward women (I find that almost all of my readers are ladies), if you are a man or are shopping for one, I've started writing some posts on men's Europe travel packing considerations! {2025} Packing for Europe in Fall: A Guide for Men.

Can I wear leggings in Rome?
​Just because you "can" doesn't mean you should wear leggings in Rome. Europeans do not wear leggings as pants the same way as Americans (unless you're young and very cool. I find that most of my readers are, like me, neither of those things). Additionally, during much of the year, you would be uncomfortably hot in Rome in leggings, in addition to unfashionable. Opt for longer shorts, or for long pants: linen pants, joggers that look like trousers (no sweatpants!!)

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Comfortable Shoes

In Rome, as on any European vacation, you can plan to be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Particularly in Rome, expect cobblestone streets, meandering tiny roads that might be alleyways, and to (when allowed) be climbing up and down on stone steps. No one wants you falling into the lion pit at the Colosseum. Wear sturdy walking shoes everyday. 


If you want to slip into something cuter for evening meals, or sandals on days with less walking, then go for it! No beach flip flops, please. Not only will you stand out as a tourist, but also your feet will get filthy!


If you have an incredibly special event planned or are attending a wedding, etc., then obviously pack special shoes. If not, I'd say save the space in your suitcase and opt for flat shoes throughout your trip. A pair of comfortable sandals will work fine for evening with a dress, etc.


Here are the best shoes I'd recommend for walking in Rome: 

Pickpocket-proof purse

The reality of spending time in Rome is that you need to be smart. In any tourist destination, you need to keep an eye on your valuables, etc. but certain areas in Europe are more prone to this sort of thing, and unfortunately Rome is one of them. I adore Rome, but it is the only city where I have actually gotten scammed.

​So, in addition to reading up on the newest scams before your trip, invest in a crossbody purse that zips closed. And don't talk to strangers or buy things from random people on the street. Be smart, just like you would in NYC.

Should I bring a backpack to Rome?

Many American visitors to Europe consider a backpack an essential part of their tourist attire. Personally, I find a backpack to be an unnecessary burden, as I don't need to carry that much with me on a daily basis, and checking it at museums or wearing it on my front simply isn't worth it to me. If you have many items you need with you that can't be left in the hotel room, I'd recommend a very small backpack, in a dark color, or even leather. And be mindful of pickpockets.

Pants & Shorts

What sort of pants and shorts to wear in Rome? As far as long pants, for colder months, I'd recommend linen pants, travel pants/joggers that *aren't* sweatpants (too hot, not classy), or non-distressed jeans. For warmer months, longer shorts are fine. More on this, below:

Can I wear shorts in Rome?

Yes! You can absolutely wear shorts in Rome. I would recommend staying away from short shorts, workout shorts, cut-off denim, etc. to avoid being inappropriately dressed for religious sites or standing out as a tourist. I definitely would not wear shorts to a nice restaurant in Rome.

A couple dresses

Whether for everyday tourism, or for more special evenings, no suitcase to Rome would be complete without some romantic dresses. I like to change into a dress for dinner and drinks, if I have time. There's nothing better than relaxing in a piazza in the perfect light dress.

Tops, tops, tops

Obviously, the types of tops you'll bring to Rome will depend on the time of year. Short sleeve shirts are generally the name of the game. In fall and winter, cover them up with a jacket. In spring and summer you generally won't need one on a daily basis. Avoid tube tops and tank tops for the reasons we describe, but if you're desperate to wear a tank top, just consult the specific dress code of anywhere you'll be visiting. 

Plain, clean, tailored t-shirts are completely acceptable. I never wear a t-shirt with any sort of writing or logo on it (though I don't really wear those in the U.S. either).

A light jacket for rain

The last thing we'll discuss is jackets for Rome. Even in the toasty summer months, it's a good idea to include a light jacket for your trip to Rome, in the event of rain. In winter, I'd stick to a jacket or trench, as it just doesn't get that chilly, compared to what we're used to in the US.

If it's not jacket weather, I like to bring a travel wrap on chillier days or out for evening.

{2025} Rome Packing List
[10 Days]

• Outer layer: Waterproof Jacket/ Trench coat
• Small travel umbrella
• 1 scarf/ 1 travel wrap
• 2-3 pairs of comfortable shoes (sneakers; loafers/ankle-high boots; sturdy, non-flip flop sandals)
• 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/light pants
• 1 pair of longer shorts
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you have the most wonderful trip to Rome, and I so appreciate you stopping by my blog to help you plan your trip! I have tons of free Europe travel advice that I've created since I started this blog in 2018. I hope you'll take some time to poke around the Italy section, and my general Europe travel advice!

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