Q&A for How to Dress in Italy

No. The Italian fashionista stereotype is very dramatized. While Italians typically dress nicer than Americans do, clothing is not nearly as judged as people say.

It sounds like a really classy outfit is expected. For women, that might mean a dress and heels, or dress pants and a camisole. For men, shirt, tie, and jacket should be good. It's really important to wear the right colors: tan, beige, black, white, and grey are perfect. Hints of color can be added with details in the dress or accessories. For males, the safe thing to do is just stick to black.

Yes.

Long formal pants would be best. But the shorts might be okay if they're not too sporty.

Italian young girls usually wear skinny, nice looking jeans (make sure they fit well!). They're usually not ripped, light in color, and often high-waist. It's also pretty common to wear a longer shirt or blouse with skinny jeans, to avoid exposing your back and butt. For males it's common to wear very simple, straight-legged jeans. Super low-waist is not common, and rips and tears are usually considered weird.

It's an important holiday, so dress up: A classic dress for women, and a blazer with nice slacks and shoes for men. It will be pretty chilly if you're in the north, so bring a sweater and jacket too.

Usually tennis shoes are wore only by young girls and teens, usually with skinny jeans and a nice shirt or blouse. For male teens it's generally okay to wear sporty shoes. It's really uncommon to see a grown woman or man with sporty shoes though. A woman can wear ankle boots for cold weather and flats and such for hot weather. A man can wear nice leather shoes. It's generally weird to wear very colorful shoes if you're not a teen, and I'd rule out heels completely because of the cobblestone streets.

Be yourself. But, when going in certain places like churches or art museums, be sure to check on the web for what the dress code is.

Wear a nice dress, but you should not wear a lot of jewelry. Accessorize with a nice pair of shoes and purse.

Yes, a long dress in a darker plain color would work best. Accessorize with shiny jewelry. Use silk scarf to cover your shoulders or a light cardigan if it gets cold.

No. You can dress as you like, but keeping up with local trends will help you stand out less.

Italians men tend to opt for darker-colored jeans with a belt, but you could wear khakis if that's your preference.

Wear what is comfortable for you. You are visiting, not moving there. I have feet issues and wear Echo and Mephisto shoes and look great all over the world when we travel.

Jean jackets are not exactly common. For girls, it's okay to wear a jean jacket, but they're usually pretty short (reaching the waist, not the hips). It's also weird to see a girl wearing a buttoned-up jean jacket. It's very uncommon for males to wear them.

Capri pants and a nice blouse, or a maxi skirt and a nice shirt are great choices. A sundress or jeans with a fancier shirt can work too. The jeans should not be scuffed, but should be fitted and in good shape. Wear flats, not flip flops or tennis shoes.

Yes, but they could be a problem if you want to visit churches.

Yes, you can wear whatever you would like as long as you are comfortable with it.

Yes, you can.

It means that they do not like their family member's bride and are trying to steal her thunder. (Or it's a summer wedding and they just want to wear white.)

Sure. Just make sure you wear some cute shoes.

Skinny pants are popular, as well as pants that are tight around the ankles. (This is the case for both men and women.)

I would advise against that, as Italy is a traditionally conservative country. But it really depends on how formal the shorts are. Dress shorts might work, but a dress or a skirt is always the best option.

Children typically wear well-fitting dresses or trousers or shorts. They also wear light-colored tops, often with English words or slogans. Converse and Nike are also popular.

If the weather permits, sure, no problem. Nobody bats an eye if you wear tank tops, shorts and sandals. However, some museums might refuse entry, churches will more likely refuse entry and the Vatican itself will definitely not allow you to enter. You'll need to wear a more modest dress, covering the arms and legs, or wear trousers and a sweater.

Yes, but this would be bordering on inappropriate. Long pants and sleeves are recommended.

As a tourist, it is okay to wear anything. However, take into account the amount of walking you will be doing. Other shoes may be better-suited for your routine.

Simple, comfortable items such as fitted jeans or sports trousers, a shirt/blouse, and a warm jumper/cardigan. Bring something waterproof to wear on top, as it can get cold and wet, depending on geographical location. A scarf, gloves, and hat may be useful, too.

Avoid wearing ripped jeans, acid-washed jeans, or jeans with unfinished hems in Italy. The trend is not as well-received as it is in America.

Avoid open-toed shoes in most Italian cities. For an equally comfortable option, go with a high-quality sneaker that you can dress up on occasion.