I'll go way out on a limb here, but it might make a difference if you're going in January or July.

Hi
I see in your other posting today for What to Pack for Paris, that you are leaving in two weeks.
So Patrick, I guess the parka is out.
See my response to your Paris question,the gist is that in churches you may be refused admission if you are wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.

I'll go out on another limb and suggest that you use the search function, because there are really good threads on packing. Try searching *clothing Italy* or some such. Even if I tried to make a list, I think you'd get better info from previous threads. If it's Spring, take a travel umbrella.

Silly me, I leave on 9/8 and will be gone for two weeks.

Thanks!

To enter any major basilica or "cathedral ("duomo"), you will need to have knees and shoulders covered, not just Rome. I think you can keep cool enough without shorts or sleeveless tops in September.

And you ought to have something suitable for at least one good downpour of a rain.

Best wishes,

Rex

Dress in layers to accomodate changing temperatures, especially if you're doing a lot of walking during the day. For my trip to Rome in September 2002, short outfits would have been too cool. Italians - especially in the larger cities - tend to dress better, even when dressing casually, than vacationers in the US. You may feel more comfortable with slacks than shorts.

Thanks all, I appreciate your help. I think I need to re-think the shorts!

Slacks would be better....will probably be a little cool. In fact, shorts ANYTIME in Europe signifies that you are a TOURIST....but then this subject has been on this site many times before, and I don't want to "open up a can of worms".
Black slacks will take you daytime, AND to dinner in the evening. If you are with a group you would take "more" clothes, with just you and another person or two you don't need to take much. YOu might get tired of yourself, but will appreciate not having to lug such a heavy suitcase around. Having a car is also one thing....going on the train and hoisting the bags onto the train is another thing! Trips are so much more fun when the suitcases are lighter .!!!

Do take one outfit in case it's hot. Long loose shorts, tank top, vest work well for me. There's a big difference between a pulled together outfit and your gym shorts. Just last week traveling my favorite for warm weather was a pair of loose black capris and a white sleeveless top. My most practical piece is a black knit jacket, that goes over everything.

If you're a woman, don't forget about skirts as an option. They look a lot dressier than shorts but are every bit as cool in case it gets hot.