Italy is simply one of the best countries to visit. It’s a popular destination in Europe and there is just so much rich history, incredible food (I mean, pasta everyday? Yes, please!) and stunning architecture.
Depending on where you visit in Italy, you can explore wine region in Tuscany, or explore the metropolitan cities of Milan and Rome, or the beautiful coastal cliff towns of Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast. No matter where you choose to visit in Italy, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
But the question is, what do you wear in Italy? When traveling to a destination that requires lots of walking, cobble stone streets, and usually minimal air conditioning, you must be very careful with your outfit planning.
You’ll also probably want outfits for sightseeing that are comfortable and allow you to walk 20,000 steps while taking in all the history, but also want to pull an outfit together for a nice dinner over a big plate of pasta and endless wine.
We’re breaking down what to wear in Italy from spring, summer, fall and winter. From day to night, to beaches to the countryside. Let this be your ultimate Italy packing list. And keep in mind when you’re going and to what part of the country.
Keep in mind, depending on what part of Italy you’re visiting, and at what time of year within each season, your weather may vary quite drastically. If you’re heading to the northern/central part of Italy at the very beginning of spring, you’re looking at a weather average of mid 50s. Lots of light layers and maybe even a sweater.
Yet, if you were heading south on the coast of Italy like Amalfi Coast and visiting at the end of spring, it’s going to be quite a bit warmer. You may even get a beach day in! Always check the averages, and the weather forecast as close to your trip to Italy as possible before packing your suitcase. So use these packing for Italy lists as a guide to help you figure out what to wear for each season in Italy.
These guides are also just the basics. I would obviously pack a few more tops and maybe an extra dress or two for each season. But want to show how easy it is to pull together outfits for each scenario you may find yourself in while visiting Italy.
What To Wear In Italy In Spring
Spring in Italy can be warm enough for beach days, but also depending on what time of year you visit, may be a bit crisp and cool! This season is all about lightweight layers, easy dresses and embracing sandals and new fabrics like jute, rattan and linen.
Effortless Dresses And Skirts For Day To Night
Take your dresses from day to night in Italy. Since you’ll be out and about exploring, it’s nice to be able to be in something that is easy to transition from your day time exploring to the evening for dinner.
Dresses are also just really easy and comfortable. You can add a light jacket if you need it or cardigan to cover your shoulders. Wear with sneakers or a sandal for spring. And finish off your look with a great crossbody bag. I love all of these
Everyday Sightseeing Outfits For Spring In Italy
Comfort is key when sightseeing in Italy. Since the spring isn’t super hot just yet, you can get away with cotton or linen pants, or shorts and a light sweater or jacket you can take on and off if you get hot.
A pair of trousers would also be great paired with a relaxed tee or tank and thin belt. Very polished, comfortable, and still casual. Be sure to wear a comfortable sneaker or a sandal you know for sure you’ll be able to walk miles in.
Here are also some of the best travel shoes for women that are cute and comfortable!
Beach Outfits For Spring In Italy
If you’re heading to the coastal villages of Italy like the Amalfi Coast, Positano or the Italian Riviera, you may be able to lounge by the water a bit. The water itself will probably be pretty chilly, but if the sun is shining, you can definitely enjoy some time by the water.
Bring a bathing suit you love, and maybe a one piece to make life easier and to double as a bodysuit. Choose easy beach coverups that can easily go from the beach clubs to shopping or lunch. Pack a hat (and a TopTote clip!) to protect your face from the sun.
I love both of these outfits for the beach as they easily can be worn as is out exploring the city too. Don’t overthink needing a ton of cover-ups if you’re just visiting the beach one or two days. You can probably get away with wearing separates like a cotton tank and skirt, or a dress that you can also style for a day of exploring.
If you have room in your suitcase though, feel free to throw in a matching cotton short set like this that you can wear out from day to night and to the beach. Wear them together or as separates, these are a great item to pack for spring and summer trips.
What To Wear In Italy In Summer
Summer months in Italy can be VERY hot. Keep fabric in mind when packing and always choose lots of cotton and linen whenever possible. You’ll probably want to also pack a water bottle to have with you and a hat for some sun protection.
And don’t forget the SPF while exploring. I always have my SPF powder on me when I’m exploring in the summertime to reapply throughout the day. It has saved my skin time and time again.
Summer is a very busy season in Italy so be prepared for crowds. And if you’re exploring any churches, you may need to abide by a dress code and cover your shoulders. A silk bandana can sometimes do the trick so just tie one to your bag to have it handy. Let’s dive into some outfit ideas to mix and match for when visiting Italy in the summer months.
Everyday Sightseeing In The Italy Sumemr Heat
Italy can get VERY hot in the summer. And there is not a lot of air conditioning to be found anywhere. Keep your outfits light and flowy and always in 100% cotton or linen. Matching sets are great so you can mix and match your suitcase throughout the trip.
Flowy breezy dresses double as outfits for the day, and coverups for the beach. I love a traveler’s dress – basically a workout dress – for something easy to wear to sightsee or go on a hike in.
Choose comfortable shoes like a sneaker or true walking sandal like a Birkenstock or Teva. Throw your hair up with a cute hair clip so you feel stylish and keep cool.
Summer Dinner In Italy Outfit
For nice dinners out in Italy, try a pretty rattan or woven heel paired with dresses and matching sets. It can still be quite hot in the evenings if you’re visiting Italy in the middle of summer so I’d still keep fabric in mind if you can. Dresses are so easy to pack and don’t take up much space so I’d throw in a few extra for your summer trip.
Add pretty gold earrings and a red lip and you’ll easily turn your breezy dresses into something a little more special for dinner. Many areas of Italy are quite casual so you can get away with a flat sandal, just maybe not a flip flop or Birkenstock, to wear to dinner in Italy.
Your Italy Coastal Summer Outfits To Visit The Beach
Italy can get VERY hot in the summer. And there is not a lot of air conditioning to be found anywhere. Keep your outfits light and flowy and always in 100% cotton or linen. When heading to the beach or coastal cities, you’ll want to be in flowy dresses, or easy pieces like flowy matching sets.
Wear your one piece swimsuit with denim cut offs as it can be it’s own outfit as is. Or throw on a matching tee or tank. Mesh dresses are also a great option to wear over bikinis when heading to the water.
Keep in mind footwear if you’re visiting the coastal towns. These beaches are usually quite rocky so I wouldn’t suggest a flip flop, but instead a more substantial sandal. You can see everything I packed for Amalfi Coast here.
What To Wear In Italy In The Fall
Fall is going to see mild temperatures in Italy. Think lightweight layers. This is also a great time to visit Italy as it’s not as busy as the spring and summer months. Sure you probably won’t get any beach days in, but if you’re visiting the major cities, you’ll be grateful for the cooler temps.
Be sure to pack lightweight jackets like trench coats, leather jackets or blazers. And you can totally bring a pair of boots to wear with jeans, skirts and dresses.
Sightseeing Italy Outfit For Fall
Fall temperatures in Italy can vary greatly. But stick to light layers that you can easily add or remove so you are comfortable. Dresses will probably be a great option that you can wear during the day with a sneaker. And throw on a trench coat or leather jacket if it’ll be a little chilly.
A midi skirt is also a fantastic option for fall. Pair with a cotton tank and leather jacket for a really casual everyday look with your sneakers. For cooler days, wear it with a sweater (but keep that tank underneath in case it gets warm!). And yes you can totally wear a slip dress during the day for sightseeing. Layer a sweater over it and a sneaker for a cool casual street style look.
And as always, your favorite straight leg jeans or trousers are great for fall. Style with tees and tanks, and a light trench coat with sneakers for a complete outfit that feels put-together.
Fall Dinner Outfit Idea In Italy
To dress up your looks for fall in Italy, try a slip dress with heels and a lether jacket like I did here in Paris. But even a pair of denim with a white waistcoat, heels and a leather jacket is an edgy outfit to try.
What To Wear In Italy In The Winter
Depending on where you are in Italy for winter, you may actually see a little bit of snow. Keep this in mind when checking the weather and packing your suitcase.
Bring layers, a cozy coat and a scarf to keep warm. Pack a stylish pair of gloves too. Or maybe pick up a nice leather pair in Italy and be like the fashionable Italian women!
Sightseeing Italy Outfit For Winter
To stay cozy and warm, but comfortable, aim for trousers, straight leg jeans or corduroys for exploring during the day. A dress can be a great option if it’s not super cold and layered with a great long coat and scarf.
Keep in mind that when sightseeing, you’ll be walking a lot, and in and out of buildings. This always is a reminder to me to dress in such a way that I won’t overheat. So while you may be a bit chilly when you first step out of your hotel, you’ll definitely warm up as you get moving.
Keep your shoes comfortable with a sneaker. And if it’s going to be wet, try a flat leather boots like a Chelsea boot to keep yourself dry. Don’t forget a scarf and hat too.
What To Wear To Dinner In Italy In The Winter
To head out to nicer dinners in Italy, just add a nice leather boot to your jeans, trousers or versatile dresses. These ankle boots are great for instantly dressing up your looks.
If you have some nicer dinners, throw in a few blouses to pair with your bottoms. This long camel coat is great for winter in Italy. You can wear it casually during the day, but it’s polished enough to wear to a nice dinner too.
Now you’re prepared to pack those suitcases and head to Italy. This will be an adventure of a lifetime to visit this beautiful country. No matter where you choose to explore, you’re sure to be amazed by all the beauty, culture, history and incredible food, you are about to experience.
