The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (2024)

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One of thebest ways to choose the right clothing for your trip to Italy is to research and find out how the locals dress. Rest assured, these stylish women will help answer all your questions about what to wear on your trip to Italy in Summer!

For additional tips for Italy, check out this Italy Packing List!

Written by Chantelle Mallin

To help you pack the best clothing for your summer vacation, we’ve sought out guidance from some of our favorite Italian fashion bloggers, taking outfit inspiration from their amazing style shots and outfits of the day.

Learn more about how to create a capsule wardrobe, which can easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes!

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (1)

Dress |Sneakers |Stripe BagThe Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (2) | Sunglasses

Italy Inspiration: Style photograph courtesy of Erika Boldrin. Check out her stylish blog My Free Choice and Facebook Page

Italy is considered one of the major style countries of the world, fashion is important in the Italian culture and locals take pride in what they wear and how they accessorize.

Italians are famed for their sense of style, when packing for your trip to Italy in summer think effortless style, breezy neutrals and timeless tailoring. When in Rome in the summer, dress as the Romans do.

Summer is a great time for a trip to Italy, the season is filled with Italian festivals taking place across the country, from big cities to tiny villages you’ll often find outdoor music and entertainment performances in a main square or historic venue, it’s safe to say you’ll never bore of things to entertain you.

Read more about Roman style in What to Wear in Rome!

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (3)

Top |Bag|Sunglasses | Sneakers | TrousersThe Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (4)

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy ofGiulia Bruni. Check out her awesome blogThe Fashion MAMA’S and Facebook Page

The summer season is a great time to experiment with color, Italians are rarely seen in a basic pair of jeans or khakis and instead prefer to wear a kaleidoscope of colors, opt for a pastel pair of skinny jeans or sleek capris this summer to embrace the style and be totally on trend.

Be prepared, the weather in the summer can get HOT, it’s essential to protect your peepers from the strong suns glaze with a pair of stylish shades.

We all know the Italians love their labels, but any frame will do, the bigger and sleeker the better, a sleek wide brimmed hat or stylish trilby won’t go a miss either.

My favorite travel pants for women are also available in colors for a fun splash of Italian style!

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (5)

Dress|Shoes|Bag|Hat

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy ofFederica Romani. Check out her amazing blogVanilla & Soap and Facebook Page

Italians LOVE to accessorize make sure to pack lots of oversized costume jewelry, tribal and Aztec designs are perfect for S/S 14. A scarf or shawl is essential for a trip to Italy; travel wardrobes are usually condensed.

A scarf is great for adding a splash of color or print and changing up outfits being used as a headband, belt or accessory, they take up minimal precious luggage space too as an added bonus.

It is considered disrespectful and is often forbidden to enter a place of worship without being significantly covered; a scarf is great for storing in your bag to throw on if you plan on visiting the tourist areas on a trip to Italy.

Read this post about dressing stylishly and respectfully when you travel.

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (6)

Wedges |TeeThe Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (7)|SkirtThe Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (8) | Hat

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy ofLucia Del Pasqua. Check out her inspirational fashion blogThe Fashion Politan and Facebook Page

Italy is renowned for its high quality leather craftsmanship so it’s no surprise that Italian’s opt to wear high quality leather shoes, mainly heels.

If the thought of walking around the rustic cobbled streets in stilettos give you nightmare go for block wedges instead.

If flats are more your bag choose a pair of stylish leather strap sandals or a cute pair of ballerina flats, stay away from flip flop unless you plan on paying a visit to one of the country’s beautiful beaches.

Check out this post for stylish and comfortable wedges for Europe.

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (9)

Tank|Shorts|Sandals|Bag | Sunglasses

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy ofIrene Colzi. Check out her stylish blogIrene’s CLOSET and Facebook Page

Your guaranteed to give yourself away as a tourist walking around town with a bulky backpack or bum bag, instead choose a chic oversized leather handbag with a secure zip for safety.

If you fancy treating yourself, buy yourself a new handbag whilst traveling, you’re sure to find amazing designs and high quality creations in the treasure trove markets or high class boutiques of Italy.

Read about discreet anti-theft options to avoid carrying bulky money belts.

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (10)

Blazer|Wedges|Bag | Dress

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy ofAmanda Marzolini. Check out her awesome blogTHE FASHIONAMYand INSTAGRAM

When dressing for for your trip to Italy in summer loose and light clothing is key, skirts and dresses are great for a pretty feminine look while exploring the beautiful country.

Try a variation of lengths from mini (ish) to midi to maxi and play around with playful prints or pastel hues for a stand out look this spring summer; pair with neutral colored tank tops and camis to complete the look.

Remember to pack a light jacket or cardigan for your travels, a lot of restaurants and bars have al fresco dining/drinking so a cover up is great for if the evening temperature turns chilly.

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (11)

Bag|Skirt|T-shirt|Sneakers

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy ofBarbara Materi. Check out her stylish blogVOGUEBUSTER and Facebook Page

Traveling in Italy in the summer is generally a relaxing experience and truthfully you can wear what you want, however, you’ll fit in better and feel more at home adapting to some of the local style.

Take bits of inspiration and form an outfit you feel comfortable in. If you really want to make an effort to dress like a local keep an eye on Italian fashion magazines and the style blogs above to see what is in vogue and on trend.

Find out our top picks for cute and comfortable ballet flats for Europe.

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (12)

Skirt|Bag|Necklace|Heel | T-shirt

Italy Inspiration:Style photograph courtesy of Mariagrazia Ceraso. Check out her inspirational fashion blog Venus At Her Mirror and Facebook Page

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (13)
Sunglasses|Scarf|Sandal|Flat|Tote|Phrasebook

Hope this post helped clarify any misconceptions about what Italian women do and don’t wear.

Do you have any other tips on Italy fashion guide for summer travel? Please share in the comments!

For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:

  • What to wear in London
  • What to wear in Berlin
  • What to wear in Amsterdam
  • What to wear in Madrid

Suggested travel resources:

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The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (15)

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The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer (2024)

FAQs

The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Your Trip to Italy in Summer? ›

Although summer in Italy can be rather hot, you'll rarely see Italian women wearing shorts. The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead. But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up.

Can a woman wear shorts in Italy? ›

Although summer in Italy can be rather hot, you'll rarely see Italian women wearing shorts. The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead. But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up.

How do people dress up during the summer answer? ›

Wear breathable light-colored fabrics like cotton, linen, and jersey to stay cool and attract the least heat. Opt for looser styles of clothing that are short-sleeved or sleeveless to let your skin breathe and avoid sweat pooling. Accessorize with protective gear like sunglasses and brimmed hats to look and feel cool.

What is the dress code in Italy? ›

There is no dress code in Italy except for churches. Wear what makes you comfortable. Being a tourist or dressing comfortably is not a crime. You will see locals and visitors wearing short and (white) sneakers.

What to pack for 2 weeks in Italy in July? ›

Your Italy packing list for summer should include:
  • Light and airy clothing, such as shorts, sundresses and tank tops.
  • Swimsuits for beach trips or time spent around the hotel pool.
  • Sandals or comfortable walking shoes for hot weather.
  • Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Aug 23, 2023

Can tourists wear jeans in Italy? ›

Italians appreciate people who are well-dressed and give them more respect and attention. Pants were fine, especially the black, gray and khaki. Blue Jeans are not as commonly worn as they are in the United States, however one or two pair would be okay, depending on your packing practices.

Is it OK to wear leggings in Italy? ›

Yes, you can wear leggings in Italy. Leggings are comfortable and versatile, and many Italian women wear them as part of their everyday outfits. However, it's important to note that leggings are not considered appropriate attire for some occasions, such as formal events or religious sites.

What is the best cloth to wear in summer? ›

We should wear cotton clothes and light coloured clothes in summers. Cotton is a good absorber of water. Since we sweat a lot in summers, cotton clothes absorb sweat from our body and exposes the sweat to the atmosphere, making its evaporation faster.

What is the best color to wear in the sun to stay cool? ›

Typically, the lighter gray tones will reflect more light, and will keep your body cool under the sun. Similar to yellow, gray is known to reflect about 90 to 95% of available light and heat, which also makes a great alternative to white. Plus, gray tones have become a popular, contemporary color for home interiors.

What clothes should you avoid during hot days? ›

Avoid wearing synthetic materials like polyester in summer to prevent sweat odours and moisture as much as possible. Instead, opt for cooling natural materials like TENCEL™, SeaCell™, linen or thin cotton.

What not to wear in Italy as a tourist? ›

Avoid bright colors and opt for more neutral or muted tones. Italians generally dress up a bit more than casual tourists, so bring some stylish outfits. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring, but leave the flip-flops for the beach.

How an American should dress in Italy? ›

Leave casual t-shirts and shorts at home

Filter out your concert tees and cargo shorts and instead skim the best from your closet: plain white or colored t-shirts, ironed bermuda shorts, or dress jeans—in short, anything you would wear to meet your grandma for brunch or on a casual first date.

How do you dress classy in Italy? ›

Italian style is less about having a uniform and more about an in-the-know approach to fashion. Confidence is key. Consider well-fitting (not necessarily tailored), smart pieces such as a pencil skirt or a sleek knit dress, always freshly pressed and snag-free.

What am I forgetting to pack for Italy? ›

Packing for Italy? 10 Things You Shouldn't Forget
  • Clothes that mix, match & layer well. ...
  • Shoes made for walking. ...
  • A good looking, comfortable day pack. ...
  • A scarf or lightweight cover-up. ...
  • Your finest clothes. ...
  • Your proper camera. ...
  • Adaptors, chargers & a portable charger. ...
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen.
Oct 3, 2019

What to wear on a plane to Italy? ›

​The best clothing to wear on a plane is lightweight layers, comfortable shoes for airport walking, that aren't too tight in case your feet swell on the plane, and a bag that you can easily access under your seat during the flight.

Do I need a jacket in Italy in July? ›

Italy will be hot and it's best to pack lightweight fabrics, linens are great and flowy dresses. I always recommend some sort of jacket for the evenings. We will be on the lake where it will be cooler. A denim jacket is great for throwing over a dress at night.

How should a woman dress in Italy? ›

Italians often wear jewelry and Italian women usually wear natural-looking makeup. Consider adding both of these to your outfit, but don't wear anything too obvious if safety is a concern. Remember that Italians value clothing with elegant fabrics and clean lines, so avoid the messy patterns on your scarf or handbag.

Is Athleisure acceptable in Italy? ›

Though rubber flip-flops, yoga pants, and “athletic wear” have become day-to-day staples in many countries, Italians keep beachwear at the seaside, yoga wear on the mat, and athletic wear in the gym.

Can you wear shorts to churches in Italy? ›

But come hot summer months where tank tops and shorts are worn by many if not most visitors, the question of proper church attire pops up quite frequently. The dress code rules when visiting churches are simple: cover your shoulders and knees, and you must wear shoes.

Where can I wear shorts in Rome? ›

At the major tourist sites, the people you see are almost all tourists, and even Italian tourists wear shorts, yes, even in Rome. Also, in the streets in the major tourist areas, you'll see mostly tourists. Business people are heading to work in air-conditioned offices, and not walking around under the sun all day.

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