Not sure what to wear in Italy this summer? I have visited Italy a lot over the years so I have put together a guide of what to pack for Italy -from outfits to other essential items that need to be on your Italy packing list.
What to Wear in Italy
• Scarf – I recommend bring a scarf even in the summer. A lightweight scarf will keep you warm on your flight and in buildings with too much air-conditioning. A scarf can also be used as a shawl when visiting churches or monasteries which require visitors to cover their shoulders.
• Sunglasses – Italy is very sunny (especially in the summer) so sunglasses are a must!
• Hat – Bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun especially if you are visiting during the warmer months.
• Comfortable walking shoes – You will be walking a lot for sightseeing so bring comfortable walking shoes. I recommend flats which are comfortable and do not take up a lot of room in your luggage. In the summer, you can also wear casual sandals as well.
• Dressier sandals/flats – Bring a dressier and stylish pair of flats, sandals or loafers (for men) or that you an wear at fancier restaurants and bars.
• Dresses and skirts – Bring at least 2 to 3 dresses/skirts. Some churches or monasteries require women to cover up their knees so midi or maxi dresses are best.
• Pants – Avoid wearing jeans in day during the summer as you will feel too hot! Instead, go for lightweight or linen pants.
• Shirts/tops – Pack short sleeve or sleeveless shirts for the summer. Also pack long sleeve shirts and/or sweaters if the weather will be cold.
• Jacket, gloves, hat, scarf (for cold weather) – If you are visiting Italy in the winter, late fall or early spring, you will need a jacket. You might also need a hat, scarf and gloves as well.
• Swimwear/shorts/flip flops (for summer) – If you are planning to head to the beach or your hotel has a pool, pack 1-2 bathing suits, shorts and flip flops. Women might also want to bring a sarong or kaftan to cover up as well as a beach bag.
• Underwear, socks and bras – Pack some in your carry on bag in case your checked luggage is lost, stolen or delayed.
• Day bag – You will need a messenger bag, tote or purse or small backpack for sightseeing.
What Not to Wear to Italy and What to Wear Instead
• Heels – Heels take up more room in your luggage so in general I try avoid packing them on my trips. Some small towns in Italy have cobblestone streets so heels are hard to walk in. Instead of heals, wear a cute pair of sandals or flat shoes. If you need some height, I recommend espadrilles or shoes or with wedge heels which are easier to walk in.
• Expensive jewelry – Wearing expensive jewelry will make you more likely to be targetted for pick pocketing. I try to avoid traveling with pricey jewelry. If you want to dress up your outfits, wear inexpensive or costume jewelry.
• Sweatpants/sneakers – Italians are typically more stylish than most Americans so I don’t recommend walking around in sweatpants or jeans with sneakers unless you want to look like a tourist.
Other Things to Pack for Italy
• Credit cards & ATM cards with no foreign transaction fees – Make sure you bring credit cards and ATM cards that do not charge extra fees for foreign transactions. I always bring at least 2 of each in case one of them is lost, stolen or declined.
• Passport – Take a photo of the first page of your passport in case it is stolen or lost and email it to yourself. Make sure to check your passport’s expiration date. Italy requires at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure date but it is recommended your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the start of your trip.
• Travel Adaptor – Bring an European or international travel adaptor for your phone or other electronics
• External Battery – External battery to recharge your phone or other electronics (this is one of my travel essential items for travel)
• Reusable water bottle – I always travel with an insulated water bottle to keep my water cold.
These are my travel outfit essentials for Italy. Is there anything else I should add to my Italy packing list?
