Let’s face it – the Italians have to be the most beautiful people on the planet.
If you are heading over to Europe this summer (lucky you!0 and are wondering what to wear in Italy, then I have just the post for you.
We have spent many, many months in Italy (and have learned a lot of Italian mistakes along the way!)
We have been backpacking with our kids, had weekends in Rome, spent months drinking wine and eating fabulous food in Tuscany, and (I wasn’t going to share this) were cautioned by the police in Saint Marks Square for not knowing the dos and don’ts in Venice.
Finding some alone time to enjoy Pompeii
There are many, many places to visit in Italy, in summer, and whether you choose to go exploring the ruins of Pompeii, visit San Gimignano in Tuscany, or search out a hidden spot in Florence, know that you must not only look gorgeous but feel comfortable too.
With a few Italy tips, we will tell you what to bring on vacation and send you off to Italy wearing outfits that will make you look like a movie star and feel every bit as relaxed!
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Are you ready to learn what to wear in Italy so that you look gorgeous and feel relaxed?
What To Wear In Italy in Summer to Feel Totally Gorgeous & Relaxed
Italians are the Queens of style, and their secret to looking so good is that whatever they wear, they never look as though they are trying.
No try-hards in Italy, thank you very much.
When deciding what to pack for Italy in summer, try to keep things simple, light and comfortable.
Clothes To Wear In Italy in Summer
When packing for your summer vacation to Italy, bear in mind that you only want to pack what you will wear.
I was surprised at how reasonable the Italian clothes were, so save some space in your luggage for clothes to bring home.
1: LONG Shorts
Long shorts ooze class. Especially when paired with comfortable flats, a cute vest and and an oversized white shirt.
You will love these Belle Poque Women’s Bermuda Shorts
I normally say to bring two pairs of shorts, one pair for relaxing and sightseeing and one that you can dress up, but these high-waist Bermuda shorts work for both.
These elegant, classy shorts magically make your legs slender and longer (don’t ask me how; I’m not complaining!)
They have an elastic back waistband with a belt, which is about as comfortable as you can get in Italy in the summer. They have a folded hem, which makes them look chic and unique.
I love these shorts, and paired with a linen shirt, wooden bangles and a pair of comfy flats, you will feel like a $$$ in Italy this summer!
— Click here for prices.
2: Tops
to Wear in Italy in Summer
Take no more than three tops with you on your Italy trip, and make sure they are ones that you can mix and match.
❤️ I advise packing two lightweight cami tops for when you visit Italy. This cami top is chiffon and hangs beautifully. It will pair easily with everything else that you pack — Click here for prices
❤️ This lovely top is so very Italian and is the perfect thing to wear in the evenings while sitting people-watching! It comes in lots of gorgeous earthy colours — Click here to check prices.
Sweater For Italy (nights can get breezy!)
If you visit Italy in the Autumn or winter (or even spring on a cool night), you will look absolutely gorgeous in this turtle neck long sweater.
How Italian is this? I love it.
📣 Paired with skinny black jeans and flats or dressed up with ankle boots and a poncho for those cold wintery afternoons, you can’t get more of an Italian look than this — Click here to check prices
💕 I love V-neck tops – they are incredibly flattering, and this gorgeous soft pink style blouse with the wide sleeves is perfect for Italy; it cries out class!
Also available in black and white, wear this with slim-fitting pants or a tight skirt.
Shoes for Europe
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect ballet flats to be my Europe go-to, but they’ve carried me across cobblestones, through museums, and into boulangeries without complaint. (Unlike my daughter, when I ask her to take another photo.)
Naturalizer Women’s Flexy Flats:
I love, love, love these Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flats:
They are super stylish and supportive. These flats offer a chic look without compromising on comfort
Next, You Could Read:
How to Sleep on a Flight (Italy is a lonnng way after all!)
3: What Pants to Bring on Vacation in Italy
Take no more than three pairs of pants to Italy.
I can’t believe I’m actually saying this about jeans, BUT these Lee jeans will make you never want to take them off.
They are the comfiest jeans I’ve ever tried and very flattering too.
For the summer months, these high-waisted cropped pants are perfect. Gorgeous colour too. Lightweight, comfortable and stylish.
4: Skirts to Wear in Italy
Take two Skirts to Italy.
5: Dresses to wear in Italy
If you are a dress wearer, then I would take two or three dresses to Italy.
THE Dress for Europe
Before we start, let me share my ultimate FAVOURITE dress for Venice, Rome, Athens, Paris…anywhere in Europe really…
This little beauty will have you feeling relaxed, feminine, comfy, sexy, and everything in between.
I know you are here for the Italy outfits, but if you are looking for the ultimate travel dress recommendation, this is it, ladies…
Check prices here.
It oozes Italian chic. The sleeves are flattering, and the V-neck is perfect for showcasing a tan and a piece of jewellery. I am wandering the streets of Venice just looking at this dress! — Click here to check prices
This ruffled dress would look just as fabulous at the beach (for the warmer months) or – if you want to go totally chic with a pair of laced boots and a cute cropped jacket and scarf.
I love the colour selection – so very Italian — Click here to check prices
It has to be the comfiest (and altogether flattering) dress on the market. It is made of super-soft stretchy material and comes in loads of different colours.
It is the perfect length for those who are conscious about their legs, but the split at the side gives a flirty, stylish touch. Gorgeous sleeves, too – very flattering for those of us with bigger-than-we ‘d-like tops of the arms! —Click here for prices
This gorgeous smock dress would look just as fabulous at the beach (for the warmer months) or – if you want to go totally chic with a pair of laced boots and a cute cropped jacket and scarf.
Love the colour selection – so very Italian — Click here to check prices
6: Shawl/ Poncho
Yes, I know you are visiting Italy in the summer, but whatever the season, you should always carry a shawl, and Italy is no exception (and this shawl is my secret to how I manage to sleep on every flight I take).
You will love this versatile wrap for short-sleeved dresses or tops.
Remember, when you enter a church in Italy, you must cover your shoulders — Click here for prices
A beautiful scarf should be at the top of your travel checklist when deciding on what to pack for Italy.
You can dress any outfit up with it — Click here to check prices on Amazon
Poncho for Europe
What better way than to hide a multitude of sins underneath this beautiful, (and so very Italian) pure cashmere poncho. I love it and so will you.
It comes in lots of different shades, but personally, I think black is the only way to go in Italy.
Pair it with little ankle boots and jeans in the autumn or winter in Italy and you will look (and feel) utterly divine — Click here to check prices
7: Jacket
Take either a stylish poncho for rainproofing or else a lightweight jacket. Unless you are travelling to Italy in the wintertime, taking a coat is pointless. You won’t wear it in the summer months.
This lightweight waterproof jacket is something you may want to consider for those cooler evenings or if you plan on spending time in the Italian hills, not the most stylish of coats, but practical all the same — Click here for prices.
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We have just left New Zealand to travel the world for a year. We are having the year away — living the dream!
We work online remotely, something that I have worked hard to achieve over the last five years. Digital nomad life isn’t just for the twenty-somethings!
You can join my inside circle, Frontrow newsletter, here.
We have a YouTube channel where we’ll be documenting our travels. I also have a podcast with my husband, and I write a newsletter or three.
You can find our YouTube channel here.
You can find our latest podcast, “Our BIG news”, episode here.
8: Underwear for Italy in Summer
When packing for Italy, take a pair of Knickers and two bras for each day.
I love love, LOVE these travel knickers. They are 95% cotton and are the comfiest underwear I own.
They have a soft and stretchy double-layer waistband, perfect for those days when your tummy is bloated.
Honestly, take my word for it. Buy these knickers, and you’ll wear nothing else. Ever. —Click here for prices.
9: Swimsuit
A gorgeous swimsuit, a large sun hat and some dark shades will see you looking (and feeling) the height of glam.
This push-up one-piece swimsuit with full tummy support is classic, comfortable and flattering — Click here for prices
Halter-Neck swimsuit
A halter neck is always flattering and this swimsuit comes in lots of lovely colours love the cheeky opaque strip that reveals just enough to look classy— Click here for prices
Shoes to Wear in Italy in the heat of summer
10: Comfortable Day Shoes
You will be doing a lot of pounding the pavement while in Italy and these sketcher shoes will provide you with miles of comfort — Click here to check price on Amazon.
11: Best Travel Sandals (Ever)
When you first try them on, you’re like: ‘Meh? What’s all the fuss about?’ And then…After two weeks or so…you’re saying: ‘WHERE are my Birkenstocks??!’
If you could only choose one pair of comfortable shoes for Italy, this is your pair. Lots of different colours, super comfortable and stylish — Click here for prices.
12: Heels (to wear at night in Italy)
If you want to take heels to Italy, then I would go for these classy, simple and elegant low-heeled pumps.
Lots of cobbled streets in Italy, so be careful! — Click here for prices
13: All-In-One Sandal
If you would prefer a cross between a flip flop and a walking shoe, then you won’t go wrong with taking these Clarke’s sandals to Italy with you — Click here for prices.
Sun Protection In Italy
You are visiting Italy in the summer months (between May and September), and it will be hot.
Think about what to wear in order to protect yourself from the rays!
14: Hats to Wear in Italy
A lightweight hat with a foldable brim is a must when travelling in Italy. This one is simple and elegant — Click here for prices
If you are a ‘bigger is better’ kind of girl, then you will love this wide-brimmed hat. It is very Sophie Loren and would be perfect for walking around Italy! — Click here for prices.
15: Cover Up For The Beach
Perfect for those Italian beaches, this cover-up dress is very boho and comes in a beautiful shade of cream.
Pair it with skinny black jeans, a hat and some flip-flops for the evening boho look — Click here for prices
16: Travel Umbrella For Shade
If you are doing a lot of standing in line, believe me, you will thank me for this tip!
This is the perfect travel umbrella, fabulous in the wind and for sun protection — Click here for prices
17: Sunscreen 
Do I have to tell you about protecting your skin in Italy? I thought not.
If you do find yourself caught out with sunburn in Itlay, then use this travel sunburn relief tip. You’ll thank me for it.
I love this sunscreen; it is fabulously priced, easy to rub in and has a tropical smell, just wearing it makes me feel Italian!— Click here for prices
18: Sunglasses
Don’t bother taking expensive sunglasses with you to Italy, you will either scratch them or leave them on a bench somewhere.
Instead, I advise you to buy a couple of these gorgeous (but cheap) polarized UV400 sunglasses they are oversized and look very gorgeous (and Italian!)— Click here for prices
Bags For Wearing In Italy
19: Leather Handbag
This buffalo leather handbag is simply gorgeous.
It oozes class and Italian charm, and for the price I don’t think you’ll find a better genuine leather handbag this would look beautiful paired with an off-the-shoulder black or white top— Click here for prices
20: Anti-Theft Handbag for Italy
Personally, I have never experienced pickpockets in Italy, but I know there are stories about this happening, so if you would rather be safe than sorry, then this cross-body anti-theft bag is the bag for you.
It’s not totally unglamorous either, which is a bonus! — Click here for prices.
Books for Reading in Italy this Summer!
While there are many books about travel I could recommend you read while taking your Italy vacation, there is one in particular that I am going to recommend. The Travel Bog Diaries!
Here’s why I think you will LOVE the Travel Bog Diaries.
1: If you are this far down the post, you obviously like my writing style. This is the book to read for YOU!
2: You love Italy. There are two chapters within this book dedicated entirely to Italy. One was written from Venice, the other from Pompeii.
3: It’s as FUNNY as hell.
4: It was written by MEEEEE!! (Sorry. Couldn’t resist..!)
The Travel Bog Diaries. One Woman’s hilarious confessions of Surviving Family World Travel!
And lastly….What NOT to Wear in Italy This Summer
So. To recap. If you want to be perfectly dressed for your Italy vacation this summer, don’t buy clothes in too many colours that will clash and look gaudy; instead, opt for classic colours: black, white, cream, navy, olive green, mustard yellow, sandstone pink and shades of grey.
You won’t go wrong with those.
Talking of going wrong…
Let’s quickly talk about a few things not to wear in Italy this summer, and the reason why it’s best to leave them at home.
What not to wear when you are out on the streets of Italy
1: Short shorts. (fine for the beach, but it’s best to cover up the bum cheeks anywhere else. Wearing short shorts is not practised by Italians, and you will stick out like a sore thumb).
It is not respectful to visit ancient sites half-naked. If you love shorts, I suggest bringing longer, more stylish ones.
2: Mini skirts (see above).
3: Crop tops, tank tops, tube tops, low-cut tops (see above)
4: Shirts with sayings or logos (unless it’s a vintage that says “Frankie says relax “, then don’t bother. It draws attention to you and lets pickpockets/hagglers know that you are not Italian and are on vacation. They don’t need to know that…
5: Beach flip flops (uncomfy for the cobbled streets. Best kept for the beach).
6: Bathing suits outside of the pool area/literal beach (Crikey, no,.., please don’t.)
7: Athletic wear (not unless you’re sporty Spice)
Before you go, BEST Italy Tip Ever. Don’t Ignore Housesitting!
We are big fans of housesitting. We estimated that while housesitting throughout Europe, we saved ourselves approximately ten grand.
Honestly, I can’t understand why more people don’t do this!
It’s VERY straightforward: You can sign up for TrustedHousesitters FREE here to check out the beautiful properties in Italy and around the world, and then, if you wish to join (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you??), you can use my exclusive discount code to save yourself 25% on the yearly subscription by Clicking here.
From there, you make a profile, and then twice a day, you are sent emails (such as the screenshot from my phone below) listing available properties in Italy!
Mamma Mia, it’s easy!!
One of the daily updates you will receive about houses in Italy looking for sitters!
This is one of the emails that I get twice a day. At least consider housesitting! You will save a fortune and get to stay in places that are unbelievable!
If you are planning a trip to Italy, do not rule out the possibility of Housesitting!
It’s not hard and is a fabulous way to experience living in beautiful parts of Italy in return for looking after someone’s property (and maybe a pet!)
Click here to see more housesits in Italy.
Italy Travel Insurance
🟩 looking for the BEST Italy Travel Insurance?
There is only one company that we use (and only ever use when we travel), and that is World Nomads. Over the years, we’ve made three claims (sorry, guys), and the service has been superb each time.
Click here to find out what unbeatable value you can expect when you book insurance for your trip to Italy.
Please note: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Staying Connected While in Italy
The Best eSIM for Travel to Italy?
📱 Holafly – Why? Unlimited Data for Families, Creators, and Digital Nomads
When we’re travelling as a family (with kids on their phones and us trying to upload videos), we need serious data. That’s where Holafly comes in — they offer unlimited data eSIMs in over 190 countries.
It takes minutes to set up (promise), and it means we never have to stress about running out of data or tracking usage. Whether we’re navigating, uploading, or sharing stories from the road — it just works.
Perfect for longer trips or if you’re a heavy phone user like us! Use our special code below and get 5% off any plan!
👉 https://itsadrama.com/eSIMdiscount
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21 Travel Purses That Are Both Gorgeous & Practical
Planning a Trip To Italy. Mama Mia! Don’t Make These Mistakes!
Italy Travel Tips. What The Locals Don’t Want You To Know
Arrive Feeling Beautiful. 10 Essentials Fort The Plane That You Will Never Forget Again
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There you have it!
The 20 essential items you should pack when you find yourself asking what to wear in Italy this summer.
Now, Off You Go To Plan What To Wear in Italy!
Italy is a fabulous country – you will have a ball.
I’d love it if you could comment below and tell me if I missed an essential that I could add to this post and remember!
If you enjoyed this post, then PLEASE share it with someone else who is travelling to Italy and is also wondering what to wear! Ciao!
Don’t forget to join my email list!
We have just left New Zealand to travel the world for a year. We are having the year away — living the dream!
We work online remotely, something that I have worked hard to achieve over the last five years. Digital nomad life isn’t just for the twenty-somethings!
You can join my inside circle, Frontrow newsletter, here.
We have a YouTube channel where we’ll be documenting our travels. I also have a podcast with my husband, and I write a newsletter or three.
You can find our YouTube channel here.
You can find our latest podcast, “Our BIG news”, episode here.
