What to pack for Italy, March-April
Feb 17th, 2002, 09:11 AM
#1
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What to pack for Italy, March-April
My husband, 17-year-old son, and myself will be traveling to Italy during Spring Recess (March 27-April 7). We will be visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Please advise me on what to pack. How cold will it be at that time -will we need sweaters or short sleeves? What type of outerwear should we take? Also, how do people dress for touring- jeans or dockers, sneakers or shoes? Will my husband and son need to bring a dinner jacket for dinner? <BR><BR>Thanks in advance for the advice!
Feb 17th, 2002, 10:16 AM
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Hi, Lisa,<BR>Definitely plan on sweaters and jackets. It can still be chilly (it snowed last Easter). Watch the weather right before you leave, but I can't imagine it would be warm enough for only short sleeves. I find cotton or silk and wool blend sweaters to be just perfect. <BR><BR>I am not about to answer your question concerning jeans, too much controversy on this forum. <BR><BR>And for shoes, anything but <BR>white sneakers, anything.<BR><BR>Have a great time.
Feb 17th, 2002, 10:23 AM
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Santa Chiara- Thank you for your help.<BR>Instead of asking if jeans are okay for touring, I will ask a different question: What do locals wear while visiting cultural sites like museums, or while shopping? Also, what do teen-aged boys usually wear? Thanks again
Feb 17th, 2002, 10:32 AM
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We were in Italy last year for spring break which was later in April. It was cooler and rainier than expected and we ended up layering a lot. We even wore gloves (and bought some there, too).In Venice we were lucky and had mild sunny weather- but in Florence it was cold, blustery and damp. I suggest you pack small umbrellas, a small tote bag to carry them in, medium weight coats or jackets, a sweater or fleece vest just in case. We did have warm sunny weather on when we went to Capri.<BR><BR>When I was a student over 20 years ago in Rome it was really looked down upon to wear sneakers-even as students. But I was so surprised that so many Italians were in sneakers (particularly in Rome. And I saw many Italian students wearing sneakers and jeans on tour during the week. Dress was much more casual than I had expected. However, Italians by and large all wear very good and stylish shoes. <BR>My husband brought along a jacket and tie he didn't wear a tie- We did go to several fancier restaruants but we we we just dressed stylish.
Feb 17th, 2002, 10:34 AM
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You don't really want to know what the residents wear while shopping. In Northern Italy, but since you asked they wear stiletto-heeled boots or shoes, fur coats, beautifully tailored pants suits or wool knit dresses. The men wear suits or tailored shirts and sports jackets. Unless you are wealthy and plan on bringing a lot of luggage, you can't compete. But it's a great show. <BR><BR>And teenaged boys are the same the world over. Just no white sneakers. Your boys will fit in fine especially if they have a few tattoos and discreet body piercings.<BR><BR>But seriously, I was standing on the street corner with three teenagers today, and I had to eavesdrop to make sure they were speaking Italian because they looked so American with their blue jeans, blue-jean jackets, cropped hair. <BR><BR>
Feb 17th, 2002, 03:37 PM
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rb -Thank you for the warning regarding the weather in April. I guess I will bring long sleeved shirts, sweaters to layer, and slacks. I will also be sure to bring glaves! Will a lined raincoat be okay, or should I bring something heavier? Also, will it be okay to wear slacks everywhere I go, or are skirts and dresses more appropriate for evening meals?<BR><BR>Santa Chiara -You are right, I will not be able to compete with the locals' wardrobe. As it is, I don't know how I am going to fit all that we will need into our luggage. How formal is dinner?
Feb 17th, 2002, 08:50 PM
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Lisa, glad to see your posting-I'm going during the same time and was curious as to what to wear. I'm gathering that levis are a taboo, as well as white sneakers. Americans must really stand out! I'll continue to follow this for hints to assist us. I believe it was Rex that suggested looking at www.worldclimate.com for weather.
Feb 19th, 2002, 04:57 PM
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Our March-April visit to Venice, florence and Tuscany was kinda cold. (40-50 degrees F) and rainy (oh, but when the sun comes out!!) Our tip: lots of black - sweaters, pants, jeans, t-shirts. The best investment: a black rubber-textured windbreaker with a hood. I don't know about stylish, but...
Feb 19th, 2002, 05:24 PM
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My husband only took jeans and black T-shirts for day and he looked like a local - probably also helped that his is of Italian descent. At night, we always dress a little better so he took one nice pair of pants and a sportcoat to wear over his black T-shirt and he looked fabulous. The sportcoat also helped keep him warm.<BR><BR>Black is always safe and anything with lycra in it is even better - especially around the waistline if you know what I mean! I took a black pair of stretch twill pants and several different tops and I felt fine.<BR><BR>I can't comment on the cold as I went in May.
