What To Wear In Italy

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for my upcoming trip to Italy. I’m heading to Anzio, Rome and Ponza over the course of 12 days this fall (2024) with friends in order to explore the area and enjoy a destination wedding for one of our old college buddies. Follow my guide as I plan out what to wear in Italy broken down by each season and I build out separate Italy packing lists for a stylish guide to comfort and culture!

Italy, a country synonymous with style and fashion, is also a land of diverse climates and landscapes so you’ll have to choose your Italy outfits wisely. From the snowy Alps in the north to the sunny beaches in the south, Italy offers a unique experience each season. Understanding how to dress in Italy by month is not just about comfort; it’s about immersing yourself in the local culture and climate.

What To Wear In Italy In Spring (March to May)

Spring in Italy is a time of rebirth and beauty. The weather gradually warms up, and the countryside blooms with flowers. For this season, think layers. A light jacket or cardigan will serve you well for the cooler mornings and evenings. During the day, comfortable jeans or slacks paired with a breathable blouse or shirt will keep you at ease while exploring. Don’t forget a stylish pair of sunglasses and a scarf for that Italian flair!

Packing List For Italy In Spring (March to May)

Here’s a curated packing list for a spring trip to Italy:

Lightweight clothing such as T-shirts, blouses, and breathable fabrics for the warmer days.
A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings, as temperatures can vary.
Comfortable walking shoes to explore the cities and countryside.
A scarf and a foldable umbrella for unexpected showers.
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect against the spring sun.
Long pants or skirts and flowy dresses that can be layered with other pieces.
A raincoat to stay dry during those spring rains.

Remember to check the weather forecast a week before your trip, as conditions can change and vary by region. Packing smartly can make your trip more enjoyable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Italian culture, history, and cuisine comfortably.

What To Wear In Italy In Summer (June to August)

Italian summers are known for their heat, especially in the cities. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are your best friends. Women can enjoy flowy dresses and skirts, while men can opt for linen shirts and shorts. A wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen are essential to protect against the strong sun. And remember, Italians respect a smart-casual dress code, even in the heat, so keep it elegant!

Packing List For Italy In Summer (June to August)

Here’s a curated packing list for a summer trip to Italy:

Light and airy clothing: Shorts, sundresses, and tank tops are perfect for the warm weather.
Swimsuits: For beach trips or lounging by the hotel pool.
Comfortable footwear: Sandals or walking shoes that can handle hot pavements and cobblestone streets.
Sun protection: A sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential to shield yourself from the strong Italian sun.
A compact travel towel: Handy for beach days or impromptu dips in the sea.
Casual clothing: Embrace the relaxed vibes with items like light maxi-dresses, linen shirts, tailored shorts, and relaxed t-shirts.
Breathable fabrics: Choose clothing made from natural materials like cotton or linen to stay cool.
A cardigan or light jacket: For cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
A versatile bag: A daypack or crossbody bag to carry your essentials while exploring.

Remember, less is more when it comes to packing. Stick to versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience. Enjoy your trip to Italy!

What To Wear In Italy In Fall/Autumn (September to November)

Fall brings a palette of warm colors and a drop in temperature. This is the time to enjoy the layered look when packing your clothes for Italy. A waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are perfect for those rainy days. Sweaters, long-sleeve tops, and light scarves provide both warmth and style. It’s also the season of the grape harvest, so if you’re visiting vineyards, and wondering, what do people wear in Italy? The short answer is to wear comfortable yet chic clothing to enjoy the festivities.

Packing List For Italy In Fall/Autumn (September to November)

When packing for a trip to Italy during the fall months of September to November, consider the following items to accommodate the fluctuating weather and cultural norms:

Layered clothing: Include long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a jacket to adapt to changing temperatures.
Pants and jeans: Opt for these over shorts to align with local fashion and cooler temperatures.
Comfortable walking shoes: Prepare for cobblestone streets and scenic walks with sturdy footwear.
Waterproof jacket or umbrella: Be ready for occasional rain showers.
Elegant attire: Italians value a well-dressed appearance, so choose smart casual outfits over very casual or sporty clothes.
Accessories: Scarves, hats, and gloves can be both stylish and functional as the evenings get cooler.
Lightweight luggage: Consider a suitcase that is easy to carry, as you may encounter stairs and uneven paths.
Travel documents and cash: Keep your passport, tickets, and euros organized and accessible.
Toiletries and makeup: Pack travel-sized essentials to save space and weight in your luggage.
Gadgets and adapters: Remember chargers for your devices and an adapter for European outlets.

Remember to check the weather forecast closer to your departure date and adjust your packing list accordingly.

What To Wear In Italy In Winter (December to February)

Winters can be quite cold, especially in the north where snow is common. A warm coat, thermal undergarments, and waterproof boots will keep you cozy. In the south, winters are milder, but a jacket is still necessary. Don’t forget a stylish beanie or hat and gloves to complete your winter look.

No matter the season, Italians value a well-put-together appearance. So keep that in mind for your packing list for Italy. It’s not about wearing the most expensive clothes but about how you wear them. When it comes to clothes to wear in Italy, tailored fits, coordinated colors, and a touch of personal style go a long way. And always remember, comfortable shoes are a must for the cobblestone streets and long walks.

Packing List For Italy In Winter (December to February)

Here’s a concise packing list for a winter trip to Italy:

Warm layers: Long-sleeved tops, sweaters, and cardigans.
Outerwear: At least one heavy jacket or coat.
Footwear: Warm boots and comfortable sneakers.
Accessories: Scarves, gloves, and a woolen hat.
Essentials: Socks, underwear, and sleepwear.
Technology: Phone, charger, and possibly a digital camera with extra memory cards.
Toiletries: Travel-sized items and any personal medications.
Extras: A portable battery and international adapter for your devices.

Remember, layering is key to staying warm and adapting to changing indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Best Shoes For Italy By Season

Spring/Autumn: Ankle boots for versatility and comfort on varied terrain.
Summer: Breathable sandals with supportive straps and cushioning for long walks.
Winter: Waterproof boots to handle rain and snow, ensuring dry and warm feet.
All Year: Comfortable sightseeing shoes with good arch support for exploring cities and historical sites.

When packing for Italy, consider the climate, your activities, and local customs. Embrace the Italian way of life by choosing outfits that are both practical and chic. Also remember that Italy (especially Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples) is well known for its fashion. Don’t feel like you have to bring every single outfit with you, it’s a great chance to explore the local shops for some famous Italian leather shoes or have a high-end suit crafted for you by a master-tailor and remember your travels every time you put it on. Since Italy is such a large and diverse country there are a lot of nuances to what to wear in Italy by city. Check out the links below for more detailed Italy packing lists by specific location. Buon viaggio and enjoy the Italian seasons in style!

Popular Destinations:

Rome	Venice	Milan	Positano
Florence	Amalfi	Sorrento	Verona

All Locations:

A Acerra Acireale Adrano Adria Afragola Agrigento Agropoli Alatri Alba Albenga Alcamo Alessandria Alghero Alta Badia Altamura Amalfi Anagni Ancona Andalo Andria Anzio Aosta Aprilia Aquileia Aquino Ardea Arenzano Arezzo Argenta Ariano Irpino Arpino Ascoli Piceno Assisi Asti Atri Augusta Avellino Aversa Avezzano Avola	B Bagheria Bari Barletta Bassano del Grappa Battipaglia Belgioioso Belluno Benevento Bergamo Biella Bisceglie Bitonto Bobbio Bologna Bolsena Bolzano Bordighera Bormio Brescia Bressanone Brindisi Brixen Bronte Burano Busto Arsizio	C Cagliari Caltanissetta Campobasso Canazei Canosa di Puglia Cantù Capannori Capua Carbonia Carloforte Carpi Carrara Casale Monferrato Casalnuovo di Napoli Cascina Caserta Casoria Cassino Castel Gandolfo Castelfranco Veneto Castellammare di Stabia Castelrotto Castelvetrano Catania Catanzaro Cava de’ Tirreni Cava de’ Tirreni Cefalù Ceglie Messapico Cento Centuripe Cerignola Cervinia Cesena Chianciano Terme Chiavari Chieti Chioggia Cinisello Balsamo Città di Castello Cividale del Friuli Civita Castellana Civitanova Marche Civitavecchia Comiso Como Conegliano Corato Cori Corleone Cortina d’Ampezzo Cortina d’Ampezzo Cortona Cosenza Courmayeur Crema Cremona Crotone Cuneo
D Desio Dolomiti Superski	E Eboli Empoli Enna Ercolano Erice Este	F Fabriano Faenza Fano Favara Feltre Ferentino Fermo Ferrara Fidenza Fiesole Finale Ligure Fiumicino Florence Foggia Folgarida Foligno Fondi Forio Forlì Formia Forte dei Marmi Fossano Frascati Frosinone
G Gaeta Gela Genoa Gioia del Colle Giugliano in Campania Gorgonzola Gorizia Gravina in Puglia Grosseto Grottaglie Guastalla Gubbio Guidonia Montecelio	H	I Iglesias Imola Imperia Isernia Ivrea
J Jesi	K	L L’Aquila La Maddalena La Spezia La Thuile Lamezia Terme Lanciano L’Aquila Latina Lecce Lecco Legnano Licata Livigno Livorno Loano Lodi Loreto Lucca Lugo
M Macerata Madonna di Campiglio Magenta Manduria Manfredonia Mantua Marano di Napoli Marino Marsala Martina Franca Massa Matera Mazara del Vallo Melfi Merano Messina Mestre Milan Milazzo Mirandola Modena Modica Moena Mola di Bari Molfetta Moncalieri Mondovì Monfalcone Monreale Montagnana Monte Rosa Monte Sant’Angelo Montecatini Terme Montepulciano Monza	N Naples Nardò Narni Nocera Inferiore Nola Noto Novara Novi Ligure Nuoro	O Olbia Oristano Ortisei Ortona Orvieto Otranto
P Padova Padua Palazzolo Acreide Palermo Parma Passo del Tonale Passo Rolle Paternò Pavia Perugia Pesaro Pescara Pescasseroli Peschiera del Garda Pescia Piacenza Piazza Armerina Pietrasanta Pinerolo Piombino Pisa Pistoia Pomezia Pomigliano d’Arco Pordenone Portici Porto Cervo Porto Torres Portoferraio Portofino Portogruaro Positano Potenza Pozzuoli Prato	Q Quartu Sant’Elena	R Ragusa Rapallo Ravello Ravenna Reggio Calabria Reggio di Calabria Reggio Emilia Reggio nell’Emilia Rho Rieti Rimini Riomaggiore Rivoli Rome Rovereto Rovigo Ruvo di Puglia
S Salerno Saluzzo San Gimignano San Giovanni Rotondo San Giuliano Terme San Remo San Severo Sanremo Santa Margherita Ligure Sarno Sarzana Sassari Savona Scafati Schio Sciacca Scicli Senigallia Sessa Aurunca Sesto San Giovanni Siena Siracusa Sondrio Sora Sorrento Spoleto Stresa Subiaco Sulmona Syracuse	T Taormina Taranto Tarquinia Teramo Termini Imerese Terni Terracina Tivoli Todi Torcello Torre Annunziata Torre del Greco Tortona Trani Trapani Trento Treviso Trieste Turin Tuscania	U Udine Urbino
V Val di Fassa Val Gardena Valle Isarco Vallombrosa Varallo Varazze Varese Vasto Velletri Venice Venosa Ventimiglia Verbania Vercelli Verona Viareggio Vibo Valentia Vicenza Vigevano Viterbo Vittoria Vittorio Veneto Voghera Volterra	W	X
Y	Z	0-9