Italy doesn't call for a certain dress code, as you're free to wear whatever you please. With that being said, I'm sure that some trendsetters fear looking too 'touristy. ' If you want to blend in, there are a few aesthetics that you should know of.
I looked at several websites and the overall consensus was that wearing shorts would make you stand out as a tourist because Italians do not wear shorts unless it is in the middle of the summer or they are going swimming. Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts.
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!
There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals. Unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant, dark jeans or other slacks are acceptable.
Sneakers are fine also in Italy, but again, maybe not in a fancy restaurant. So consider taking also some nice pair of shoes with you.
You're free to wear whatever you want in Italy. But, I'm sure that some avid trendsetters do their best in order to not look like the common tourist. For those wondering what to wear in Italy in summer, we suggest packing some dresses, blouses, and skirts.
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.
The best ones to pack are those that come with a rubber sole and cushioning for walking. If you prefer to keep your feet covered, closed-toe sandals light summer sneakers are also a good choice; however, make sure they are truly breathable as the temperatures in Italy can be scorching!
Don't Wear Shorts.
The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead. But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up.
Italians change their outfits depending on the time of day. Daytime is more casual, so people wear comfortable skirts, nice jeans, and tops, with sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. People get dressier in the evenings and wear long dresses, skirts, or fitted trousers paired with a blazer.
A cute pair of flat sandals will be enough if you don't want to wear heels. But definitely stay away from hiking boots. Especially if you're visiting summer in Italy and you're not hiking! One of the biggest Italy travel mistakes you can do is dressing like no one's looking.
Layers are key: As with any flights, layers are particularly important on long flights. It's impossible to tell if the AC will be stalled while you sit on the runway, so start with a simple cotton shirt, and be sure to bring a more stylish cardigan or sweater to layer on top.
Avoid shoes made of light-colored suede, shoes with smooth/slippery soles, shoes you haven't worn in, sandals that are close to the ground with no front lip, shoes that you will only wear once on the trip. My Go-To Shoes for Italy Travel are sneakers from New Balance and sandals from Birkenstock.
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.
Keep Your Shirt On
The temptation to strip down to your bikini or whip off your shirt to catch a breeze may be hard to resist, but walking around in beach attire or, worse, shirtless, is a huge no-no in Italy, unless you have your feet buried deep in the sand.
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.
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.
Another very popular Birkenstock style is the Arizona. Birkenstock Arizona sandals are open-toed, rather than with a thong toe, so they are easily worn with socks. That sounds like a fashion disaster, but they are very practical and worn by people of all ages in Italy and elsewhere.
While there isn't a “Rome dress code”, when visiting religious sites like the Vatican please plan for modest clothing. You should cover your shoulders and knees. However, if you're traveling in summer, you likely won't want to cover up in the heat. The easy solution: an airy dress that covers your knees.
Italians tend to wear basic blue jeans a lot less often than their counterparts elsewhere. It's not that women are always in dresses, and men in suits; it's that when they do throw on trousers, they're rarely basic jeans or khakis. Instead, pants come in a rainbow of colors. And yes, that's true for women and men.
In religious places it is considered immoral to dress too revealingly and they will not let women in with their arms showing or a short skirt. Skirts must be ankle length, or wear pants.
Italian women show skin in the summer, but tastefully. Strappy and off-the shoulder tops are must-pack items, but remember: revealing tops shouldn't be worn when visiting religious sites.