I recently came back from a week in Venice, and as I was preparing for my trip, I found myself at a bit of a loss with what to pack for Italy in the Fall. I’ve been to Italy many times before—Positano and Capri on the Amalfi Coast, as well as Lake Como and the surrounding region—but those trips all took place in the summer.
So when it came time to decide what to wear in Italy in October, I felt unprepared! And searching on Google proved to be a fruitless effort. I ended up turning to Pinterest for some Italy outfit inspo, and was pretty amazed with how many chic fall-appropriate outfits I was able to come up with using things I already had in my own closet.
Whether you’re on an Amazon fashion budget, or prefer designer pieces, below you’ll find go-to outfits and staple pieces that you should plan to pack for Italy, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. I’ll also share tips about how not to look like a tourist while in Italy—the ultimate sin (lol).
In this post, we’ll cover:
- What to Wear in Italy
- How to Pack for Italy by Season
- How to Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
- Best Walking Shoes for Italy
Let’s get to it!
What to Wear in Italy
Italians are known for their effortless style, so it may feel a bit intimidating trying to figure out what to wear when you’re visiting. Beyond the weather, and of course, comfort—you’ll also want to consider the vibe of the place your visiting.
Milan is a very fashion-focused city, for example, so I chose outfits that were chic, minimalist, and in a neutral color palette—with a lot of black. Places like Positano and Capri, especially during the summer, have a more laid-back style featuring light, airy clothing and vacation wear.
Below, you’ll find a selection of outfits I’ve worn in Italy for each season. Of course, what to wear in Italy in September is very different than what I’d recommend wearing in June. You’ll see my recommendations for all different types of weather and styles below.
What to Wear in Italy in Fall
(September, October, November)
In fall, the temperature in Italy can range from 59-72 degrees, so a few staples I always recommend packing are a lightweight scarf, trench coat, comfortable shoes, and a pair of boots.
Layering is so simple and gives your outfit so much character. It also gives you the ability to adjust your outfit when the weather warms up or the sun is out. Think about what you’d wear in the spring, but with heavier fabrics. Wool, cashmere, or thick knits are great options for a cooler evening.
Trousers
Trousers | Top | Trench | Shoes
I love these trousers from Aritzia. I own them in multiple colors and they’re my go-to item to wear in Italy. They truly make every outfit look effortlessly chic—hence why they are called the effortless pants. Since it can get pretty chilly at night during the fall, layering with a lightweight cardigan, knit scarf, and trench coat is the perfect way to stay warm while still looking non-touristy.
Classic Black Dress
Three words: little black dress. Whether with sneakers or heels, this is a great option for both day and night and can be styled with fun jewelry or a statement bag. Plus, it serves as the perfect base layer underneath a trench coat or blazer for the cooler months.
If you’re sticking with neutrals, the fun part is in the accessories. This is key to elevating any look. A stylish scarf, sunglasses, and a nice handbag can transform a simple outfit into something much more polished.
Classic Trench Coat
Trench | Jeans | Sunglasses | Tank
A trench coat is the ideal piece for fall weather since it’s not too heavy, and not too light, but it elevates every outfit. The one I’m wearing above is pretty pricey, but I also have a GREAT trench from Amazon that is such a steal and looks equally chic.
Trenches are a great seasonal transition piece, and I feel like they help to pull together an outfit with very little effort.
What to Wear in Italy in Winter
(December, January, February):
Winter in Italy can get very cold—especially if you’re traveling to the northern region near the mountains. While it’s often difficult to look chic when you’re bundled under several layers, I always find that the best work-around it a great faux fur coat, layered on top of a cozy cashmere sweater.
Faux Fur Coat
A good winter coat is a must, especially if you’re visiting northern Italy. I love this faux fur coat from Revolve. It is so chic and perfect to bring as a statement piece.
Cashmere Sweater
A cashmere sweater is incredibly soft and warm, offering the ideal balance between comfort and luxury. Add a cashmere or wool scarf for good measure.
I love to stick to a specific color scheme when wearing cashmere. If I’m wearing a cream, I stick to lighter colors to complement the top. If I am wearing a darker cashmere, I’ll stick to a darker denim or trouser.
Black Blazer
Another great staple piece to pack for Italy in the winter is a black blazer. It’s timeless, and looks polished, even if you’re pairing it with denim. I especially love belting a black blazer at the waist and wearing it with a pair of black split hem leggings, like the photo above.
What to Wear in Italy in Spring (April, May)
The average temp in Italy in spring is around 60-70 degrees, so you’ll want a good balance of clothing for warmer days and cooler evenings.
I pack a couple of long-sleeve shirts, a lightweight cardigan or blazer, denim, a lightweight cardigan, and a pair of cute boots. (I’ll share my list of recommended shoes further down)
Lightweight Cardigan
You can add a light cardigan or a thin jacket to the mix for extra warmth during early mornings or cooler evenings. Look for breathable fabrics like long-sleeved cotton, linen, or a cotton blend.
Denim
You can never go wrong with denim. The jeans I’m wearing in the photo above are a new favorite, and I love that they look good with a low heel as well as with sneakers.
What to Wear in Italy in Summer
(June, July, August)
When it comes to packing for Italy in the summer, you’ll want to think about easy breezy resortwear. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a swimsuit if you plan on enjoying Italy’s beautiful beaches or coastal towns. For footwear, I love packing flat leather sandals or espadrilles.
Cover-Up Dress
While I tend to stick to neutrals most of the year, it’s sometimes nice to add a pop of color to the mix for a trip to Italy in the summer. Think sundresses, breathable tops, and shorts/denim that you can walk in without feeling uncomfortable.
I love a longer maxi-style cover-up — it helps to feel put together (even though I’m wearing a swimsuit underneath.)
Sundress
A sundress is perfect for Italy in the summer, especially one with vibrant patterns or fun colors that pop. Go for something floral or striped to match the Mediterranean vibe.
How to Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
Trench Coat | Pants | Tee | Sunglasses
My best-kept secret? My entire closet is loaded with neutrals and basics. This allows me to create a variety of outfits using the same base pieces. When I travel, I always choose items I can mix and match, so I can re-wear them without repeating outfits.
I live by this rule: stick to neutrals—browns, creams, whites, blacks, and greys. A few must-haves for a capsule wardrobe: black trousers, white or cream trousers, a crisp white button-down, fitted t-shirts and body suits, a cardigan, and a cashmere crewneck.
I love Aritzia and Skims for basics. (I have a whole review of my fave Skims items here.)
Best Shoes to Wear in Italy
There is truly nothing worse than packing the wrong pair of shoes for a trip, and ending up with blisters after your first day. If you’re heading to Italy and planning to do a lot of touring around / walking, the right footwear is key.
Comfortable Sneakers
It took me 2 years to hop on the trend, but I just got my first pair of Sambas (ironically while I was in Italy) — and I’m obsessed. They’re super comfortable and can be paired with everything from dresses to jeans. I have a big list of my favorite comfortable white sneakers if Sambas aren’t your jam.
Chic Flats or Loafers
A good pair of flats or loafers can go a long way in Italy, where the streets are often cobblestone. Look for a pair that has cushioning inside and a supportive sole, like leather ballet flats or sleek loafers. I love a platformed version as well to give more support for walking and a little height.
Stylish Sandals
Opt for a pair of leather or cork sandals. I swear by these Birkenstocks… super comfortable for walking around all day. Avoid flimsy flip-flops—they’re not only uncomfortable but also impractical for exploring.
Boots for Fall/Winter
A stylish pair of ankle boots or knee boots is perfect for fall and winter in Italy. I recommend something in a neutral shade with a block heel that offers support for long walks around cities. (I would avoid anything with a higher heel during the day.)
Many of you know of my obsession with the Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots. They’re my ride-or-die and have come with me on nearly every trip to Europe during colder months. If you are looking for a stunning boot that elevates an outfit—and will last a lifetime—these will always be my first recommendation.
Frequently asked questions about What to wear in Italy:
- Is it okay to wear jeans in Italy?
- Yes, you can definitely wear jeans in Italy—but I personally avoid cut-offs and styles with holes or rips.
- Can you wear sneakers in Italy?
- Yes, but I would say this is situational. I definitely wouldn’t recommend wearing sneakers to a nice dinner, but for touring around during the day, they’re totally fine. Go for a classic white sneaker and pair it with a trouser.
- How do you dress for dinner in Italy?
- I love to dress up for dinners in Italy—you’re on vacation after all! A little black dress is always a safe option if you aren’t sure what to wear.
- How should tourists dress in Italy?
- I think in general, Italians have a more polished and sophisticated style than Americans, so that’s something to keep in mind when you’re packing. You likely won’t see Italian women running around in loungewear—or wearing leggings and an oversized sweatshirt—like you would see in the U.S. Leave the athleisure at home and stick to elevated classics like the examples above, and you’ll be good to go.
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