But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up. Don't Bring Flip-Flops. Italians can spot an American from a mile away; because, well, they are wearing flip-flops. And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops.
Sandals or flats might not always be a good idea when you're exploring an Italian city. Italy is one of those countries where there are a lot of cobblestones. They make uneven surfaces. On the long run, they will hurt your feet.
It is generally considered inappropriate to wear sandals in a formal Italian restaurant. It is best to wear dress shoes or dressy shoes to match the dress code of the restaurant. However, if the restaurant is more casual, then it may be acceptable to wear sandals.
In Italy, we do not wear sneakers in the office but we do wear them if we travel, if we are sightseeing and in any informal situation. Do not go for a less comfortable shoe out of this misconception, sneakers are perfect for Italy (see below for tips on stylish ones).
Italians wear a lot of lifestyle sneakers (male and female), while women often wear delicate sandals and boots and heels, and men often wear leather shoes (low and hi-top).
The slim, strappy design of the Birkenstock Yara is ideal for Italy as they can be dressed up for the evening along with wearing them all during the day.
Many Italians wear fanny packs/ satchels everyday. You can easily store your phone, wallet, passport, and other small items while traveling around. I recommend men to purchase a fanny pack or satchel as it provides more security than simply keeping your wallet in your pocket.
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
When traveling in Italy, don't ever wear short skirts. Even if you see Italian models wearing them, it is not considered the norm.
Dress Code for Women
It is not permitted to wear sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Belly crop tops are a big no! Make sure your shoulders are covered. If you're wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts, make sure they're at least knee-length.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a key accessory to any trip to Florence. Like many areas of Italy, Florence includes multiple cobblestone streets so it is advised to avoid high heels.
2: the "non - dress code": casual style
Smart casual is a style somewhere between formal and casual, so not jacket and tie, but still an outfit made up of sober and refined garments, always well matched. A jacket or blazer, a shirt with a mandarin collar for him, smart or skinny trousers, skirts and dresses for her.
It's fine for your sightseeing outfits to be casual in Rome. T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, sundresses and sandals are all appropriate for any of the Rome sights, including Vatican City and the Colosseum.
In Italy, shoes are customarily removed at the front door upon arrival at home. It is uncommon for Italians to go barefoot in the home, however, due to concerns over the spread of dust-borne pathogen.
To dress in Italy, opt for clothes with clean lines that fit you well, like button-down shirts for men and capri pants for women. Additionally, choose classy shoes such as boots or ballet flats, since Italians generally frown on wearing things like flip flops in public.
What shoes to wear at the Vatican. There are no special rules about shoes at the Vatican and you can wear closed shoes or sandals. While there is no specific rule about wearing flip flops at the Vatican, it is good practice not to. Flip flopr are impractical for the location, often noisy and considered too casual.
Pile on the neutral colors
Meanwhile, the “no white after Labor Day” rule in Italy doesn't exist: Locals love winter white, especially for jeans and sweaters.
You don't really need to bring this from home, of course — Italy does have toilet paper! — but it's a smart thing for ladies, particularly, to throw in their purses before leaving the hotel in the morning.
Italy's currency is the Euro (€). We recommend that you take a mixture of cash along with currency on a pre-paid currency card. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and autostrada tollbooths.
Cross-Body Purse
Sometimes I come home with a few. But I always use a specific kind of purse when I'm traveling (in Italy and elsewhere) – a cross-body purse. Wearing a purse across your chest can be a key part of travel safety. A cross-body bag makes it harder for a would-be thief to grab it and run.
Closed-back shoes or sandals: In Italy, Crocs are for gardening and flip-flops are for the beach, so please leave those at home.
Due to the cobblestone streets and walks, heels are not the most desirable shoes for exploring Italy. But if you're looking for something to dress up your look, a wedge-heel is suitable for nights out or more poised occasions.
Superga and Converse, for instance, are popular brands in Italy but do be careful if planning on wearing them for all-day walking: they are very flat and offer poor support: consider a supportive insert and test it at home if you are planning on packing this type of sneaker.