| Every travel starts with a big question: what kind of | | | | Always bring comfortable shoes, get ready for a lot of |
| clothing shall I need? | | | | walking: after all renaissance town were not build for |
| Packing the wrong gear can make you feel out of | | | | cars and most city centers are closed to traffic. Keep |
| place, uncomfortable and spoil your well deserved and | | | | in mind high heels can be torture on the paved streets |
| meticulously planned vacations. The right clothes, on | | | | of Rome. To truly enjoy Italy you'll need your feet in |
| the other end will let you feel in tune with your | | | | good shape: no foot, no tourist! |
| surrounding, will help you blend in, feel at ease and | | | | If you plan to go skiing you'll need all the specialized |
| enhance your experience. | | | | gear including those snow booths, woolen hats and |
| This crucial decision depends mainly on the time of the | | | | gloves that might look unnecessary during your |
| year and the destination of your trip. Italy is blessed | | | | everyday town life. |
| with a mild climate but don't expect to wear fip flops if | | | | Swimming costumes in Italy are often lighter and |
| you go skiing on the Dolomites! | | | | smaller then their American counterpart, if you are so |
| During the summer (July/August/September) you'll | | | | inclined, a beach vacation in Italy can be a good |
| need light clothing, but don't forget to pack a pullover or | | | | occasion to show off that tiny bikini. |
| a light jacket for the evenings when, especially at the | | | | The general dressing style in Italy is smart casual and |
| seaside or on the mountains, the temperature might | | | | allows for a lot of improvisation. |
| suddenly drop. Shorts are not often worn in the cities | | | | When deciding the amount of clothing to bring with you, |
| and they might be a problem if you plan to visit | | | | keep in mind that in Italy public self service laundry |
| churches and religious shrines especially if worn with | | | | facility are a rarity; check before hand if your |
| tank tops. | | | | accommodation offers a laundry service at |
| Spring (March/April/May) and Autumn (September | | | | reasonable prices. |
| October/November) are characterized by unstable | | | | All said, you can choose to have a completely |
| weather and often require a layering system of | | | | different approach to the big question |
| clothing. Generally a first layer of cotton with a jumper | | | | what-to-wear-in-Italy. A very alluring perspective would |
| and a jacket over a pair jeans will do in most | | | | be to start your trip with an empty suitcase: after all |
| occasions allowing you to remove what is not needed. | | | | Italy is a well oiled fashion producing machine and you |
| For winter (December/January/February) the same | | | | might just decide to buy what you need on the spot! |
| system will work if you make the layers a little | | | | Enjoy your shopping! |
| warmer. | | | | |