nannita

You're probably anyway going to look like tourists so what's the big deal? Churches and similar places should be visited dressed respectfully, but otherwise I don't think you should worry too much about clothing in Italy when on holiday. In the evening if going to opera or some high end restaurant a jacket so similar would be advisable, but in general it's pretty straightforward.

There are really smart dressing people (esp gorgeous young women) in big cities like Milan and Rome, but they are a minority. What you see in fashion magazines is not what you see on the streets in general, unfortunately.

Absolutely: there seems to be an idea in the States that European cities are full of sophisticates sniggering at badly dressed Americans. Yeah, and we all dress like catwalk models - not.

Rule number one: wear what is comfortable for YOU, forget anyone else. It was very hot when we were there, so I wore knee length shorts most of the time, my wife culottes. Smart casual is the order of the day, who cares whether it is smart American or smart Mongolian ?

Rule number two, in churches be respectful. Would a middle aged woman wear beach shorts in a church in Ohio ? no, so she shouldn't do it in Rome.

There are dress rules for St Peter's and the Sistine but these seem to be ignored when we were there.

As regards footwear, sandals will be fine everywhere (but no socks for the gent !), but athletic shoes will also do. Restaurants want your money, not your dress sense. Obviously if you go upmarket then dress accordingly, but otherwise be yourselves.

Remember the story of Mrs Thatcher when she was prime mininister: at one of her weekly audiences with the Queen she was horrified to see that she was wearing a dress very similar to her Majness. The following week she told one of her flunkeys to call the Palace and ask what the queen would be wearing. Why ? asked the palace. On being told the reason the reply was 'Don't worry, Her Majesty never notices what other people are wearing'. Exactly.

I wouldn't count on dresscodes being ignored in Italian churches.

Last year at St.Peter a young girl was denied access due naked shoulders. I wore sneakers, no problems.

My fiance and I just returned from our 2 week trip to Italy (more to come on reviews). I was really nervous when planning what clothes and shoes to bring. It really doesn't matter. The look is different in Europe than it is here. But even then, you still see people wearing all different types of clothing; shorts, tanks, sneakers, sandals, etc. Wear whatever is comfortable to you, especially shoes, you will be doing a lot of walking. We both had two pairs of shoes for walking. I had two different pairs of sneakers, he had one sneaker and one sandal. It was nice to switch every other day because your feet do hurt at the end of a long day. Don't worry if you will look like a tourist, there are plenty of them there so you won't stick out.

The only place we came across that truly enforces dress code is the Vatican. Knees and shoulders must be covered. On days I wore tanks, I kept a shoulder wrap in my bag and I was set.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. Like I said, I will be posting a full review on the trip soon.

I think people worry too much about clothing when visiting Rome. The people there will not be critiquing your attire. Yes, people in Rome wear sneakers too. They also wear shorts and t-shirts. The difference is that they will be going to work as just as in America, in Rome, shorts, t-shirts and sneakers are not appropriate attire for work.

Relax and enjoy yourself. Dress as you are comfortable. Wear the same clothing you would wear if you were visiting these places in your own country.

Also, the dress code in churches is not about style or formality, it is about modesty. No one cares if you are wearing sneakers. The concern is that you are dressed modestly and that you don't look like you are going to the beach.

"I wouldn't count on dresscodes being ignored in Italian churches."

Bit of an odd one, this: we saw loads of people, especially young women - one was wearing a pelmet that left nothing to the imagination - clothes in direct contravention of notices on the doors.

On the other hand, I have heard comments like yours: the advice seems to be, err on the side of caution.

Thank you all very much! I'm taking in all your advice. I will dress respectfully but yet comfortably. I'm so excited, I've never been to Europe! I'm 47 with both kids off to college and my husband and I are finally getting a chance to see the world. We've been married and raising kids for 23 years. Next year, we'll take the kids, but this trip is just for us. I'm learing Italian and loving it. Thanks again for all you help. - Nancy

nannita, I can feel your enthusiasm. good for you. hope you and hubby have a most memorable trip. i see we're neighbors. I'm a little north of you at 23 on the Michigan line. My hubby was born in Findlay and we are there often to watch my son tend goal. Findlay is a big hockey town.

Nancy,

We are leaving 9/21 and are very excited also. Your questions were ones I've wondered about too. Have a great trip!