There were 4.1 million visits to Italy by Britons in 2022, making it the fourth most popular European destination for British travellers last year.
Italy is one of the most varied countries in the world and is extremely popular for short city breaks. But it also has plenty of different climates, meaning it can be difficult to know what to wear on your holiday to Italy. Here are some tips!
Visiting Italy for the first time
What do you think of when you think of Italy? The Leaning Tower of Pisa? The Coliseum? Pizza? Pasta? Ice Cream? Stunning buildings?
All of the above, naturally, and lest we forget that Italy is an extremely fashionable country! Indeed, it could be argued that Milan is the fashion capital of the world. But even outside of Milan, there is Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Venice and countless other hotspots to take in.
So, if this is your first time visiting the country and you are taking one of the many Italy tours on offer on offer, then you are going to want to look fashionable. Here are some things you will need in your suitcase.
Travel documents
Okay, okay so this part is not strictly fashion advice - but being organised and prepared should be considered fashionable lest it ruin your trip. Have physical copies of all your documents as well as keeping them in a safe place on your phone. Keep your passport safe, have all your travel insurance with you in case of theft or medical emergency and, if required, any visa documents you might need.
Dress for the weather
There are four very distinct seasons in Italy and the temperatures vary depending on the region - so make sure you check the weather forecasts before you travel! In the southern areas and Sicily, the summers are extremely hot and the winters mild, whereas in the north and the Alps, it is extremely cold in the winter.
Some tips, though, while you want to stay cool in the summer you must have shoulders and knees covered when entering churches, thus tank tops and short shorts are not always advisable.
Moreover, Italians dress more formally in the cities so prepare for that. Things are a little more relaxed in the coastal regions, think cool linens, straw hats, floaty maxi dresses, eye-catching earrings and jewelled sandals are advisable.
Cobbled streets
There is no shortage of photo opportunities to post on your Instagram or TikTok accounts around Italy's scenic cities, villages and towns but with its cobbled streets and climbing up and down stairs to scout the incredible sites can make life difficult on the feet. So travel prepared. You want to look stylish but the last thing you want is to ruin your trip because you are struggling to walk.
In the winter, you will need footwear that is both sturdy and water resistant, while in the summer you will need sandals that can cope with miles of walking and lighter clothing. By all means, pack some designer heels for something more formal but it is not advisable to walk all day in them!
Stylish sunglasses
Given the glorious sunshine and warm weather you are likely to experience on your trip, then a nice pair of designer sunglasses are an essential item for your visit - for style obviously but for practicality too. The best option is to purchase a pair of polarised lenses, which block harmful UV rays and also lessen glare on roads and bodies of water. You will obviously be spending a lot of time outside, while the buildings in Italy are extremely tall so your sunglasses are essential to block out the light when you look up to admire the architecture.
Light jacket or cardigan
The weather is extremely warm in the summer, but in spring and autumn, you will ideally want to pack a lighter jacket. A classic trench coat may work, or a denim or cloth jacket - just something that will look good but also keeps the breeze off you in the cooler evenings.
