What should I wear while traveling in Italy? - Other travel advice needed as well.?

Question

I am an American who is going to be visiting Italy this summer. I am at loss as to what to wear. I know that Italians dress better than Americans, typically. I don't want to compete, I just want to semi blend it.

I know not to wear tennis shoes, I have that covered. I was just going to wear khakis and maybe nicer tshirts or nice shirts. Would this be acceptable? If not, what should I wear?

Also, any other random travel advice you could give me? Things to do and not to do? Thanks

Answer 1

I definetely agree with Korinne

Jeans, Tennis shoes, and TShirts

Answer 2

I spent most of my years in rome, but this pretty much applied wherever:

darker fabrics, and they never think its as warm as we do...for instance, on days when winter is giving way to warm sunny spring, they haven't shed their down coats.  no italian could seem to explain this to me.  wear sunglasses, you'll feel more confident with your eyes hidden, it sounds primal but you'll look and feel more comfortable and sure.  Don't acknowledge gypsies/homeless folks.  Keep your bag SECURE SECURE SECURE but make it look effortless, the last thing on your mind.  

I do have to say, if you're only there for a touristy jaunt, like a couple weeks, just do your thing, be a tourist, who cares, as long as you're not obnoxious.  Its when you need to acclimate and be there for a long time that you should be thinking of these things.  If you ARE a tourist, be a tourist, thats okay, they're going to be able to tell no matter what if they bother to try.  If you want to pass as an italian, thats a whole act you have to commit to, and you can't convince your excited american family to follow suit  :)  

important note: try "suppli al telefono" (pronounced sooplee).  any casual place where you see balls of bread crumbs a bit smaller than your fist, there are often many varieties, ask if they have suppli al telefono.  Its a quick-fried oblong ball of al dente rice and sweet marinara, with a marble of fresh mozzarella tucked in the center, so when it is warmed you bite into it and the cheese stretches out like a phone cord!  Sounds like a gross combo, but O MY GOD i had to teach myself to make them when i came home, i was jonesing.  and many things aren't labeled so you'll show you came looking for something authentic and unique, and not any old pizza slice (which of course you'll have, and in many varieties, dont bother going if you dont try zucchinni pizza)

have fun, and make sure to enjoy the culture, not just the sculpture!

Answer 3

Ok, get this from an italian. Jeans and T-shirts are perfect with tennis shoes why not?.

Do not wear visible jewerly or not at all is better. Keep all your cash/cell/docs in your ffront pockets as you can keep a hand on it.

It's not dangerous but better be safe than sorry.

Mini pocketable italian/english dictionary will help too if you dont speak italian.

Answer 4

dark jeans, flowy tops, sundresses, skirts [not jean skirts] with a nice blouse, flats, sweaters, a trusty leather bag, and sunglasses are staples of italian fashion. khakis are fine as long as they are not grandma-ish. if you wear tshirts, make sure you have some fun accessories to dress them up. always look nice: italians look good even when they go to the grocery store.

make sure you have your bag zipped and close to you at all times, don't walk alone at night, and ignore the men who stare at you haha.

DO eat at the local restaurants and cafes to get to know the locals. bring a phrase book and use it when you talk to them - we appreciate it when foreigners try to speak the language. eat plenty of gelato, pasta, and pizza: it's 9094504 times better here than anywhere else.

DO NOT be obnoxious and loud. while italians may be loud and expressive, it's different than what a lot of tourists do. also, don't drink to get wasted - enjoy the flowing alcohol.

have fun. CIAO!

Answer 5

Have fun in Italy I have been there 8 times and hopefully will be going back this summer.. I think that what you have planned should be fine.. When I go I usually just hang around these two small towns with some family.. we don't really do the tourist thing.. I have though gone through Rome and seen all of th emajor attractions.. My biggest tip is becareful there are a lot of pickpockets and you need to make sure you arent a victim.. keep everything close and just have fun!

Answer 6

I lived in Italy in the fall. I found that knee length skirts were great. Get lots of mix and match items. Be sure to have sleeves when you go into church or they make you put this cape thing on. I racked up on lots of Gap favorite Tees and matched them with patterned skirts.

Black Chacos were the best thing I could have bought for Italy. They blended in since they were black and I could wear them all day without my feet hurting.

Bermuda shorts would be great with mix and match tops. Bring a couple of cotton dresses that are easy to throw on with sandals for a night out. Good colors for Italy: Black, white, navy, grey, red, kahki, brown. Those mix together pretty well. Buy silk scarves from the markets to tie around your next for pops of color.

Hope that helps some! Be sure to learn some basic Italian. It shows a sign of respect and the people over there will be more likely to help you if you try to speak their language. You will find many speak at least a little english, so just show them you are trying! Good luck and have a great time!

Answer 7

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 8

what about normal jeans?????????????

and why khakis?it sounds a little old...

we love colors.. how about a really nice purple shirt?or pink? or black?????

just please, don't go around in your pajamas or in your gym's clothes... we really care about fashion.