DOs and DON’Ts for Italian Summertime Style (2024)

FAQs

What not to wear in Italy in summer? ›

Absolutely avoid the Hawaiian print, khaki shorts, flip-flops and baseball caps. You will immediately be recognized as a tourist and there might be a few eye-rolls along the way. Even if summer in Italy is scorching hot, it's not uncommon to find men dressed in button-down shirts and well-fitted trousers.

With lightweight fabrics like thin cotton, breathable model, or linen, a long dress with a spaghetti strap or t-shirt sleeve will keep you cooler than a pair of jean shorts and a polyester blouse. Dresses are also a great option for going from day to night without having to go back to your hotel room.

To get the Italian women over 50 looks, stick to neutral-colored dresses with simple lines. They also like to embrace their curves while not showing too much skin. Think about what silhouettes make you look and feel great and create those with your dresses.

I looked at several websites and the overall consensus was that wearing shorts would make you stand out as a tourist because Italians do not wear shorts unless it is in the middle of the summer or they are going swimming. Also, apparently, some cathedrals will not let you enter wearing shorts.

Choose fabrics appropriate for the weather. (See suggested spring Italy packing list below.) Look for bright and light colors during this finicky season; when it's sunny, it's very warm. Jeans are a good choice or skirts in light fabrics.

The best ones to pack are those that come with a rubber sole and cushioning for walking. If you prefer to keep your feet covered, closed-toe sandals light summer sneakers are also a good choice; however, make sure they are truly breathable as the temperatures in Italy can be scorching!

What is the Italian summer tradition? ›

Ferragosto is an Italian summer holiday. Traditionally, it was simply a period of relaxation; in fact, Italians used to take the entire month of August off as a vacation. The Catholic Church eventually incorporated the holiday, making it into a celebration of the Virgin Mary.

It's fine, though it will make you more even more readily identifiable as a non-local than you already are so just make sure you have your wits about you while walking about. As much as I love yoga pants, I like to at least somewhat look the part of a local so I usually wear jeans and flats.

Italians dress well and dress up, keeping to smart casual is the best option. Italian women will also do their hair and makeup. For footwear (especially on a walking tour) sneakers/ trainers are recommended, but bright colours are often frowned upon.

Summer (June – August) is peak season in Italy. Peak season, particularly the months of July and August (and even extending into the first two weeks of September), is generally considered a very busy and expensive time to visit Italy's cities and major tourist areas like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.

But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up. Don't Bring Flip-Flops. Italians can spot an American from a mile away; because, well, they are wearing flip-flops. And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops.

Pile on the neutral colors

Meanwhile, the “no white after Labor Day” rule in Italy doesn't exist: Locals love winter white, especially for jeans and sweaters.

Italians often wear jewelry and Italian women usually wear natural-looking makeup. Consider adding both of these to your outfit, but don't wear anything too obvious if safety is a concern. Remember that Italians value clothing with elegant fabrics and clean lines, so avoid the messy patterns on your scarf or handbag.

Dress Code for Women

It is not permitted to wear sleeveless or low-cut clothing. Belly crop tops are a big no! Make sure your shoulders are covered. If you're wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts, make sure they're at least knee-length.

Keep Your Shirt On

The temptation to strip down to your bikini or whip off your shirt to catch a breeze may be hard to resist, but walking around in beach attire or, worse, shirtless, is a huge no-no in Italy, unless you have your feet buried deep in the sand.

What is the common Italian eye color? ›

The most common eye color among Italians is hazel or brown, similar to the brown eyes of Portuguese people.

Italy is famous for its impact on Gold jewellery, including immaculate and finely detailed high carat Gold chains, characterful pendants and intricate mosaics. Ancient Italian jewellery dates back to the Etruscan civilisation, one of the most influential movements on antique jewellery history.

Non Mi Interessa (“I don't care”)

One of the most famous gestures, the so-called “chin flick” means “Non mi interessa!” – I don't care, and is formed by flicking the back of one's fingers under the chin.

The ideal hemline length for most mature women will be short enough to highlight your calves, the prettiest part of your legs. That means the length will vary from the lower half of your knee to as much as 2 inches below your knee, or longer—depending on how full or narrow the skirt is.

Prohibited footwear: Crocs, any kind of 'walking' shoe, Toms, flip-flops.

Due to the cobblestone streets and walks, heels are not the most desirable shoes for exploring Italy. But if you're looking for something to dress up your look, a wedge-heel is suitable for nights out or more poised occasions.

You can sum up what footwear to wear in Rome during the fall in one word: boots. A pair of dark brown or black boots, either short or tall depending on your style, will blend in perfectly in Rome while also being comfortable. Just make sure you bring a pair that is already broken in and, as always in Rome, avoid heels!

Generally, the hottest month is August in the south and July in the north; during these months the thermometer can reach 38–42 °C (100.4–107.6 °F) in the south and 32–35 °C (89.6–95.0 °F) in the north; Sometimes the country can be split as during winter, with rain and 20–22 °C (68.0–71.6 °F) during the day in the north ...

What do Italians eat in hot weather? ›

Many Italians spend their vacations near the sea or the lakes, so the Summer brings an increase in fish-based dishes like pasta alle vongole or grilled fish and seafood, often paired with white wine. Basically, any seafood dish is a good Summer dish.

So where exactly do Italians go to spend their summer holidays in Italy? Sardinia, the Riviera Romagnola, Sicily, the Amalfi coast, Liguria, Tuscany and … Puglia! The following are the classical Italian summer holiday destinations: Sardinia, the Riviera Romagnola, Sicily, the Amalfi coast, Liguria and Tuscany.

August is typically Italy's hottest month, and that's coupled with high humidity in many parts of the country. This is one of the main reasons August is the vacation month for most Italians (and many other Europeans) – they hang “closed” signs on their city storefronts and make a beeline for the nearest beach.

Ferragosto is a typically Italian holiday, that isn't celebrated anywhere else in the world.

Every year, June 2 is commemorated with official ceremonies, speeches, concerts, and parades across the country, with a hallmark military parade celebration taking place in the capital city of Rome that is broadcast worldwide and can be enjoyed by all.

When traveling in Italy, don't ever wear short skirts. Even if you see Italian models wearing them, it is not considered the norm.

But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up. Don't Bring Flip-Flops. Italians can spot an American from a mile away; because, well, they are wearing flip-flops. And yes, this is a real thing, Italian's just don't wear flip-flops.

While picturing yourself in a pair of sophisticated heels, walking around the bustling streets of Italy that fantasy probably doesn't involve cobblestone streets and sore feet. Yet, that's the reality of it. So, while we all love to dress up, it's best to avoid the heels because they'll leave you uncomfortable.

First, understand that Italy is a very cash-oriented society, so make sure you never end up with zero cash in your wallet. To buy small things, like coffee, you'll need cash. You'll also need cash at all outdoor markets, for most taxis, and at many restaurants.

You don't really need to bring this from home, of course — Italy does have toilet paper! — but it's a smart thing for ladies, particularly, to throw in their purses before leaving the hotel in the morning.

Do people wear jeans in Italy? ›

Skinny jeans or capri trousers are stylish spring options for women. But remember, Italians tend to go high-end even with their denim - so keep 'em rip-free! Men should typically avoid anything they might wear to the beach, gym, or football game, and instead opt for stylish loose linens or fitted chinos.

Most of your neighbors are average Italian citizens with families and full-time jobs, in need of 7-8 hours of sleep every night. By law, silence is required between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and again between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please respect this law by keeping noise to a minimum during these hours.

Italians love their pasta and eat it all year round. However, summer is the season for pasta salads and lighter recipes with lots of summer veggies and lots of tomatoes. In fact, many Italians still follow the tradition of making their own passata and tomato sauces in summer.