To dress well in Italy, wear light, polished pieces in natural fabrics: a linen or cotton dress, wide-leg linen pants with a simple blouse, and flat leather sandals. Italians dress simply but with care, and a well-chosen outfit in a calm palette fits in everywhere from Rome to the Amalfi Coast.
This guide covers what to wear in Italy in summer and in every other season, the best dresses for Italy, and a short packing list. For a wider look at dressing for a summer trip to Europe, see our guide to European summer outfits.
How to dress in Italy: the basics
- Choose natural fabrics. Linen and cotton gauze breathe in the heat and look better as the day goes on. Synthetics cling and show the heat.
- Keep the palette calm. White, cream, sand, black, olive and navy, with one stripe or one color. It reads intentional and mixes easily.
- Fit over fuss. A dress or a pair of linen pants that fits well matters more than accessories or logos.
- Flat, comfortable shoes. Cobblestones and long walking days rule out heels.
- Dress up a little at night. Evenings mean the passeggiata and dinner, and Italians make a small effort for both.
Italian summer outfits
Summer in Italy is hot, and the best Italian summer outfits are the simplest. These five cover almost everything:
- The shirt dress: a striped or white shirt dress with flat sandals and a straw bag. Polished enough for a city day, easy enough for lunch. Our striped belted shirt dress and short sleeve linen midi shirt dress are made for this.
- Linen pants and a top: wide-leg linen palazzo pants with a fitted tank or a linen blouse, gold hoops and sunglasses, for museums and city days.
- The evening maxi: a long dress for dinner and the passeggiata, like the long striped linen-cotton shirt dress or a cotton gauze maxi dress with a light layer.
- The coast set: a linen vest top and shorts set over a swimsuit for Positano, Capri or Sicily.
- The skirt: a linen tiered maxi skirt with a simple top, which moves well on a warm evening.
Best dresses for Italy
Dresses are the easiest Italy outfits: one piece, no styling, and they pack flat. The best dresses for Italy are:
- Midi length or longer, for long walking days and dinner.
- Linen or cotton gauze, for the heat.
- With sleeves or a shirt collar, or paired with a light layer.
- With pockets, for a phone and a few euros.
Our linen dresses and cotton gauze dresses tick these boxes, from the oversized linen t-shirt dress with pockets to the striped square neck linen midi dress. See them all together in our vacation dresses edit.
What to wear in Italy by season
What to wear in Italy in summer (June to August)
Hot and often humid in the cities, breezy on the coast. Stick to linen and cotton, keep the palette light, and plan sightseeing for the morning. Sandals, a hat and a light layer are essential.
What to wear in Italy in September
Still summer in most of the country, especially the south and the islands. Pack summer dresses and linen sets, and add a light layer for evenings, which start to cool, particularly in the north and near the lakes and mountains.
What to wear in Italy in October
The season for layers. Days can be warm in Rome, Naples and Sicily, while mornings and evenings are cool and rain is more likely. Pack a long-sleeve dress, linen pants, a light knit or long kimono, and closed flats or ankle boots.
What to wear in Italy in April and May
Spring is mild and bright, with cool evenings and the odd shower. Midi dresses with a cardigan, wide-leg pants with a long-sleeve top, and comfortable flats work everywhere. By late May, the south is warm enough for summer pieces.
What not to wear in Italy
- Athletic shorts and gym wear outside the gym.
- Flip-flops away from the beach.
- Swimwear anywhere but the beach or pool; some towns fine people walking the streets in swimwear.
- Heels on cobblestones.
Italy packing list
- Three dresses: a midi with sleeves, an evening maxi and a casual day dress.
- One pair of wide-leg linen pants and one skirt.
- Two or three tops, including one with sleeves.
- One light layer: a kimono, cardigan or linen shirt.
- One linen set for the coast.
- Walking sandals, one dressier flat, and sneakers if you walk a lot.
- Swimwear and a Turkish beach towel if you are heading to the coast.
Every piece on this list is in our resort wear edit. Heading to more than one country? See our guides to what to wear in Greece and what to wear in Spain, and how to style a linen dress.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in Italy?
Light, polished pieces in natural fabrics: linen or cotton dresses, wide-leg linen pants with a blouse, and flat walking sandals. Pack a light layer for cooler nights, and dress a little smarter for dinner than you would at home.
What do people wear in Italy?
Italians dress simply but with care: well-fitted, neutral pieces, good shoes and few logos. In summer that means linen shirts and dresses, cotton separates and leather sandals; in the evening, a slightly dressier look for the passeggiata and dinner.
Can you wear shorts in Italy?
Yes, tailored linen or cotton shorts are fine for sightseeing and the coast. Avoid athletic shorts, and pack something a little dressier for dinner.
What should I wear in Italy in October?
Layers. Days can still be warm in the south, while mornings and evenings are cool. Pack a long-sleeve linen or cotton dress, wide-leg pants, a light cardigan or kimono jacket, and closed flats or ankle boots.
What should I wear in Italy in September?
September still feels like summer in most of Italy, so pack summer dresses, linen sets and sandals, plus a light layer for cooler evenings, especially in the north and the mountains.
What should I wear in Italy in April or May?
Spring outfits with layers: midi dresses, linen pants, a light cardigan or jacket, and comfortable flats. May is warmer than April, but pack for a few cool evenings and the odd shower.