michtravel

Hello to all

We are three weeks away from our visit to Italy and getting very excited. I've had a lot of advice on packing to the point of total confusion so thought I'd just ask...what's this year's weather like so far? Ours is below normal

We are 5 days in Calabria and south towards Taranta

Florence with a couple day trips for 6 days

Rome for 3 days

Sorrento for 3 days

Back to Calabria possible day trip to Pizzo and/or Tropea (beach in late May....) for 3 days

I have a number of sundresses and scarves, only 2 shorts as I understand shorts aren't really worn in non tourist areas(?), but...the long sleeve sweater and jeans keep coming in and out. So does the blazer/jacket. Do I really need pants or are calf length linen pants enough? Are short sleeve sweaters and scarves enough in May....help???

Thanks to all in advance!

nytraveler

In May I bring summer clothes - linen or lightweight cotton pants and tees/tops (short and long sleeve) plus a couple of outfits for dinner. (No shorts since we don't usually do resorts - but capris are fine versus full-length pants.

I bring one cardigan for cooler evenings and a tissue weight rain jacket with hood for rainy days. Two pairs of well-broken in walking shoes and a pair of pretty flats or low wedges for evenings (since cobblestones can be hell on any kind of heel). Usually bring one pair of jeans but no more.

Hotel pools will usually open in mid May from the AC north but the sea may still be chilly.

Jean

I find linen annoying when traveling. For me (and maybe it's just me), I think it looks like I slept in my clothes, and I'm the type who refuses to iron while on vacation. I'd rather have long, mid-calf and/or adjustable pants in a wash-and-wear stretch fabric, like the Ex Officio brand.

I've only taken jeans on a couple of trips. Generally, I don't find them very comfortable, but I realize I'm in the minority in this view.

The weather records (weatherbase.com for one) don't show temps high enough in any of these places in mid-May that would make me want to pack only sundresses, shorts and linen capris. For evening, I would want trousers and a jacket or long-sleeved sweater, and I usually pack a mix of clothing so that, whatever the weather (and there could be rain), I'd have something appropriate to wear. Layering helps deal with cooler temps.

If you want to go inside churches like St. Peter's in Rome and the Duomos in Florence and Siena, you'll need to wear something with sleeves and long enough to cover your knees.

Blueeyedcod

I'd take just one sundress as it won't be scorching hot - yet. If you find you need another one - great opportunity to shop. Full length and 3/4 jeans in stretchy fabric are good at this time of year, some black tees and scarves to dress them up. Blazers always look stylish - you'll find Italian women love the blazer/jean/scarf look (with loads of makeup and jewellery).
Keep an eye on the weather. If you have a smart phone, the weather app Il Meteo is very accurate with Italian weather.

sandralist

I live in Italy and I've had to go back to my house several times to either put on more clothes or change into something cooler this week. The weather has been up and down and sideways, but generally it has been warming up early, above normal.

By the way, I don't own a "blazer". I don't see many Italian women wearing them in the seaside town in Italy where I live, or in the places I travel most frequently (Milan and Bologna). I also don't wear makeup or jewelry. You should dress in what looks good on you, not to be a conformist. Counting on being able to buy clothes in Italy is not a great strategy if you happen to be tall or if you want to do something more interesting than shop.

Look at a weather forecast a day or two before you pack. This is a good website for it, because you can look at specific towns, Use the drop down menus to switch locations

http://www.ilmeteo.it/meteo/Tropea

sarge56

mish- I can feel your excitement! (I leave two weeks from today!)

I totally agree with nytraveler. Great list.

I have been to Florence in March when it was 80 degrees. I was in Rome mid-May in 2013 and nearly froze to death. I hadn't even packed a sweater and it was highs in the 60's for over a week!

So, be prepared. I would also not pack an abundance of sundresses. If you do- pack a couple of sweaters. And at least one heavier sweater, jacket or blazer.

As a native Chicagoan, you learn the secret is layer, layer, layer. And you will realize that the most important thing you can pack is two pairs of comfortable shoes and a pair of those cute black ballet flats for dinners out.

The good news is... whatever it is you forget to pack, Italy has some fabulous places to shop for clothes.

Buon viaggio!~

sandralist

It's going to be in the mid-80s this week in Calabria -- which is sundress weather for me. However, it's predicted to drop to the mid-60s next week.

It's really too soon for you to be deciding you aren't going to take sundresses or shorts or be lugging blazers and heavy sweaters. (I packed away my heavy sweaters this week in Italy.) Even if you look at the weather the day before you leave for Italy, the weather forecasts aren't perfect. But I wouldn't count on finding everything you need in Calabria.

sandralist

(PS: If want people are calling a "blazer" is a cropped fitted jacket or an collarless jacket, then yes, you will see Italian women in them as a kind of "smart casual." When I think of a "blazer", I think of something boxy like this

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/vince-ca...Type=item_page

and this you won't see much of in Italy in any color (although this year's popularity of Carhartt plaids for women may mean that LL Bean-style blazers are not far behind)

Blueeyedcod

lol - here comes 'Sandralist' with her 'heavy sarcasm' who 'doesn't understand' that a 'blazer' is easily 'google searched' and ta-dah - looks like a jacket.

http://img-see.com/what-is-a-blazer.html#

Sandralist - love your 'tone' - I wasn't asking anyone to be a conformist - just stating what I see in my cities, Naples and Rome. Particularly Naples as they love to bring out the bling.

Whathello

Hi !
Stop re packing. Wait and check the weather the week before.

Temps going up anyway from now on. Should be in their 20 in May for sure.

sundriedtopepo

Agree with sarge, layering is everything. Since I tend to feel the heat extremely, I start with a sleeveless top and capris or ankle pants, add a lightweight sweater with some fine wool in it for evenings, and a lightweight single layer rain jacket if it is colder still.
Don't forget that closed in shoes with socks or hosiery can make a big difference when it's cold; and vice versa sandals on a hot day can really help to keep you cool.
As well, a scarf can make a huge difference on a cool day or evening.

If you like dresses, just make sure to bring a jacket that you can wear overtop for double duty if it's not as warm as anticipated.

I always bring one long pant for evenings because temps can really dip when the sun goes down.

We usually travel in September/October for 4-5 weeks, so our travel spans season changes, and the above strategy has served me well. And I fit everything in a carry on.

Saraho

I'm going to Rome, Assisi, and Venice the end of April and am also trying to figure out what to pack. We have traveled in Italy around this time of year several times before. I remember how cool it would get at night even when it was quite warm during the day.

michtravel

Good morning everyone and thank you

Sandralist I am going to be in a village for a good period so will definetly not count on the shopping but keep some sundresses as they are comfortable for me and can be dressed up for churches. Thank you

I am Canadian and any type of blazer with a scarf is a natural look so going with a light denim that can be thrown over dresses too from suggestions as what I'm reading on tempertures (thanks for the links!) more north is cooler but 20 is nice and warm to us igloo dwellers too(kidding). Sundriedtopedo sounds like we have similar style and thanks for your suggestions.NYTraveller has reassured me on linen as it is so very comfy.

No jeans...going to pull the out again!

Shoes will be another trauma lol. That is one thing I would like to definitely purchase in Italy as I am a leather, denim and earth tones type ☺

Okay..last packing weekend. Sundresses but with a light jacket to help and a short sleeve sweater when needed, my linen capris and my trusty scarves. One pair of longer light pants just in case and one pair of long shorts.....and shoes...hum

I will keep an eye on the weather too. Thanks again!

sandralist

You're welcome, michtravel. Have a great trip. I envy you the Calabria stay and hope to go soon.

nytraveler

Granted there are some linens that are very crumply. And no I would never iron anything - even at home never mind on vacation. But there are a number of linen blends (80-90% linen) that don't crumple that way - and if they do wrinkle a little will smooth out if hung next to a steamy shower.

NYCFoodSnob

April and May are tricky months. Since I'm out and about very early in the morning and late at night, I need to be prepared for colder weather and rely on layers and jeans. I'm not fond of denim, at all. IMO, it's an in-elegant fabric choice. However, in chilly, windy, damp weather, jeans keep me really warm. I have two pairs that are extremely comfortable and flattering to my figure, one light blue, one black. I take both. I take one lightweight cashmere turtleneck. My neck is sensitive to cold chill, so I like to keep it protected.

By noon, the weather can be quite summer like, and I switch to linen and/or a rayon silk blend. I have always loved linen, but the beauty and behavior of the fabric can vary dramatically. It's a fabric that requires study. I'm not a fan of overly-starched linen looks, but at the same time, certain linens wrinkle terribly. For April and May, I mostly rely on black linen, which I won't ever wear in the dead heat of summer. I find black linen easy to accessorize. When I pack my linen slacks, I don't fold them, I roll them. They turn out great.

progol

Wow, you are all so much better dressed than I am! I do travel in layers but have lighter weight pants + capris, a couple of lightweight t-shirts, a couple of long sleeve t-shirts, walking shoes, sandals, maybe one sun dress, and a lightweight jacket. I dress for comfort and an attempt at style - I'm neat, but not at all fancy. Could go to dinner (though not the most elegant ones) and wander the streets during the day. No one would accuse me of being sloppy, nor would anyone say I'm dressed to kill!

Just enjoying the thread and people's comments; not criticizing at all. I wish I had a more classy style, but it's just not me. I've been called "bohemian", so I guess that's my style!

bvlenci

I agree with Whathello's advice. It's too early to pack for May. I usually pack the day before I leave, so I have the latest word on the weather, and so I don't forget what I've already put in the suitcase.

However, if you prefer to get a jump on the packing, you could pack the things that you know will be suitable. A couple of pairs of slacks, a few capris, some short-sleeved tops, a few lightweight sweaters or cardigans, and your PJ, socks and underwear. Leave the jeans and shorts out until later. By the way, Italian women do wear shorts, usually knee-length, even in cities, and especially if they're on holiday.

I don't travel with anything as difficult to pack and carry as a blazer. I would prefer a cardigan. I also would prefer a sleeveless top and skirt rather than a one-piece sundress. Separates give you more options.

You don't need to dress up for churches, you just need to be covered up. From the point of view of the Catholic Church, a t-shirt and jeans (shoulders and knees covered) is better than a sundress (shoulders bare, and sometimes knees also).

michtravel

Rolling is a great idea! Thank NYC. I have heavier linens so they dont usually wrinkle to bad but love that they are good for warm and cool.

So...in all this great feedback it was mentioned wear what you are comfy in..for me it is a dress over shorts. Not all are sleeveless but all are flowy, below the knee and comfortable to relax in. That's why I grabbed onto those comments ...although almost forgot pjs thanks bv lol

Always great feedback that is helpful on this forum and thanks again!

michtravel

Oh..should mention it went up to 15 here so far... it is warmer then I remembered...been cold too long ☺ sitting out back in short sleeves and thinking Italy soon