Going to Italy in Oct and don't want to look too touristy, but?

Question

at the same time, I want to be comfortable....so:

I'm wearing the forbidden tennis shoe (it's a grey NB running shoe)

Bringing several pairs of comfy khaki pants

One dark pair of jeans

and several button-downs and knits (all dark colors and patterns)

Will I be okay and not look too touristy. I'm more concerned about comfort than fitting in, but I still want a compromise.

Answer 1

Your running shoes will give you away no matter what else you wear -- if you are serious about not looking like a tourist you should get some stylish Italian walking shoes -- there are plenty of very comfortable shoes designed for cobblestones and tough walking.

Answer 2

I wear tennis shoes, jeans and T-shirts most of the time. I'm Italian and many Italians just dress like me.

Answer 3

if youre pale and in the south youve got no chance,i got called a mozzarella amongst other things hehehe

oh and be very careful in naples

Answer 4

you will be fine. Thats what I wear and I live here. They are going to tell if you are a tourist or not the minute they see you by the color of your hair/skin and the way you look and the way you talk. The cloth just helps detact people. Me and my husband and my baby live here. We are americans. I can go places without my son and husband and dress wearing the above and I'm fine till I speak. my husband and son go places they know they americans right a way because they have blonde hair, light skin, blue eyes. Italians dont look like that at all. So dont worry about it.

Answer 5

Do not wear a f***y pack or carry a camera where people can see it and you will be fine.  Italy is full of tourists whether you want to look like it or not.  Beware of the polizia waiting at the end of the train station.

Answer 6

+ Running shoes are a dead give away. Get your self a pair of black tennis like dress shoes made by Pirelli or Geox. You'll walk for miles looking sharp.

+ Leave the khakis and get some some light weight wools. You'll look dresser (and less touristy). You'll feel cooler and not have to worry too much about wrinkles.

+ Dark jeans and even Levi or CK blue jeans

+ Button downs are a classic so you're OK. By a fancy tie when you get there.

+ Don't forget the three button blazer. You can even wear it while wearing your jeans. Pick up a nice fancy pocket hanky ("fazzoletto da taschino") when you buy the tie to pop into your blazer pocket. Note that the pocket hanky should NEVER match your tie.