msheiny

I don't want to totally stand out so I'm looking for some packing advice. I've had so many tell me they over packed. What are some good basic wardrobe pieces to bring when in Italy?

nytraveler

Stick with neutral (black, navy, gray, beige) that you can mix and match. Make sure the fabrics are crushable and any wrinkles will hang out. Have several pants and tops that are comfortable and can be switched around - I bring twice as many tops as pants. Use bright colors for accents only. Do not use bright pastels at all.

(In my experience average europeans tend to buy fewer clothes than most americans - but better quality. They will buy good items to last for several seasons - real silk and cashmere that are classic - stylish but not really trendy.)

For Oct you will need a lightweight sweater and a rain jacket (light) preferably with hood. And a sturdy folding umbrella.

Make sure you have 2 pair of comfy walking shoes (not giant white clown sneakers - but in dark or subdued colors) and one pair of flats or low wedges for evening (as well as a couple of crushable dinner outfits I usually stick with silk).

But do realize that no matter what you wear you will look and sound like an american - I think the goal is not to disguise yourself - but to make sure you don;t jump out of the crowd.

And if doing this would mean getting a whole new wardrobe - don't even think about it. I do it because I can pull it from what I wear everyday. Unless you're looking for a reason to get a whole new wardrobe.

Ackislander

Expect cool, crisp mornings and warm days.

Sometimes it will rain. Sometimes the rain will be hard, though not hard for days.

Cover those bases with nytravelers suggestions on colors and versatility, and you will be fine. Anything you need can be purchased, and it makes a good souvenir. Don't take more than you can lift by yourself.

wanttogo

I agree with Nytravellers suggestions. Here are a couple of
others:

-Bring several packets of Woolite powder for hadwashing clothes, maily underwear and tops, in the bathroom sink. The
packets are available at the Container Store and other specialty travel stores.

-Bring a coupl plastic hangers from home. I have several from
my toddler grandaughter's closet that even allow me to clip
my washable trousers up to dry.

-I test-dry certain items at home before I leave to make sure
that they dry quickly when hung in the bathtup towel rack overnight.

I am able to travel with only a carry-on by following the above. My biggest problem is shoes. I bring a stury pair to
travel around in and a lighter pair for inside the hotel.

Good luck. Pat

annw

Wonderful time to visit and I hope you have a great trip!

I like the suggestions above. I also do carry-on only, at least going over.

For me it's a pair of the crepey-knit Eileen Fisher pull on black slacks and a pair of black silk straight leg pants, all washable. In cool weather only I wear on the trip over my dark jeans and boots. Then the heavier black slacks become my alternate.

For tops I wear or bring again an Eileen Fisher long-sleeve and short-sleeve black silky top, a black tank, a button down black washable JJill top (can be worn solo or over a tank/short sleeve top), and 2 colored top/tank. I completely endorse the no-pastel rule. I bring a scarf and a pashmina for accent and for warmth (the pashmina) but these can be purchased as noted for nice souvenirs.

For warmth I bring a cashmere sweater and either a light short slicker reversible rain jacket or my Scottevest short black trench coat (worn on the plane and stashed).

I have a small very very light travel umbrella I bring but I have also bought them there for 4 euros when needed.

I also wash items in the sink and hang out -- but I bring powdered soap packets so they don't take up room in my 3-1-1 zip lock bag.

For shoes (always the challenge) I wear the heaviest (boots in cooler weather; black Paul Green good walking shoes otherwise) and pack nice flats. I bring ankle socks for hotel room etc. and can toss if absolutely necessary at end of trip. Most I would ever bring would be boots, alternate walking shoes, and very light flats for dressier moments. Be sure to have a nice lightweight shoe bag for the packed shoes. Well worth taking IMO.

flpab

I only pack items that go with everything so I can mix and match. I also layer in case it gets hot or cold. Black leather shoes, two pair, wear the heavier pair. We always do laundry and bring a bungie cord that we can stretch and hook to hang up things we wash out in the sink or if we use the washing machine in the apartment I only wash and then pull out. The dry cycle has ruined many items of clothing. Cheap rubber flip flops for shared baths. We have one coming up on this trip. I also like to pack things in big zip lock bags. I hope you never have your suitcase sit in the rain on the tarmac. I do carry on going but check coming home. I have a great Jack Wolfskin jacket that has pockets inside and out so is like a purse for me. It has a liner but only bring it if I know the temps are going to be really cold. I can take everything for two weeks in a 22 inch case. We have 100 steps to climb in our Florence apartment and I am keeping that in mind as I pack.

just27

We were just in Italy, November and December, with one 22" rollie bag, each. Layers, neutral colors, rinse-n-dry fabrics. Umbrella, and light rain jacket (not heavy, that's where the layers come in) ... flip flops for the apartment, one pair of shoes to wear, today, one for tomorrow. Three scarves to mark the changes. If you really cast a jaunticed eye over your electronics and accessories, you can rock this!