another girl question about clothes, italy in May
 

hellooo,
to make it short/sweet, we will be in CT, Florence, Rome, Venice May 9-24. I am aware the climates can be quite different from region to region, and in may could be cooler
(CT) to kind of muggy (Rome). I am thinking of (and shopping for :-d) long sleeve teeshirt fabric tops, LIGHTweight sweatertops, packing a go-with-all-black blazer, as well as jeans, black synthetic pants, and black tennis shoes (CT) stylish
wedgie 3" healed "loafer" style(1 tan, 1 black) and black flats, for more "city" (Rome, Florence)
yet comfortable, shoes. Also various cotton tops to fill in the blanks. I do not want to be too cold, but would definately prefer too cold to too hot walking around..Fashionatos, and experianced Italy travelers, are encouraged to reply....((D))

3 inch heels might not wear so well when walking on cobblestones. Synthetic pants might get clingy and feel awful in hot or muggy weather.

Why not low heeled short boots and natural fibered pants?

thanks seaurchin..this is the kind of advise I am looking for..

what about my tee shirt/lightweight sweater idea? I don't want to be all sticky and sweaty in rome, I hear it can be a little muggy in may

May can really be quite warm; as mentioned, cotton (or other natural) fabrics might be better. I always find some kind of large shawl/pashmina type of thing usefull for that time of the year; wear it over your blazer in the evening (buy it there if you need one!).
I always wear either flat shoes or a wedge heel in the city; stilletos or heels are terrible for walking on cobblestones, but a higher wedge or platform is much better.
I would add a skirt; cotton, A-line would be comfortable (or buy one from Zara or a place like that).
Jeans, Tshirt, blazer would be perfect daytime wear for the cities.
Have a great time!

Wanted to add; I was in Florence in May a few years ago, and there was a heatwave, temperatures of 30 C. and higher. The difference between what the tourists were wearing, and what locals wore, was huge!

high heels are definately out of the question! won't even talk about stilletos! I have a couple pair of cushy platform style rubber sole higher wedge loafer style that are quite comfortable, as well as a pair of 1" + black naturalizer leather shoes that with longish jeans, look like stylish boots, sans heel.

I've never been known for my fashion sense, but LLBean has pima cotton t-shirts (short-sleeved, long-sleeved and cardigan) that can be combined as a sweater set and take minimal room in your luggage and are very flexible with regard to the weather. A black skirt could come in handy for when it is hot and for dressier occasions.

Wear natural fibers - no synthetics unless it's a Cool-Max or similar blend. You want clothes that breathe. Take a look at a Magellan's catalog or LLBean Traveler for ideas if you want to order clothes that are comfortable for travel - or home.

I splurged and bought Mephisto sandals for my trip - and wore them everyday once I came home. The difference in comfort was incredible. No way I'd do heels or 3" for walking in Europe.

I'd go for comfort over "stylish". Even those who try to dress "like a local" are known as tourists immediately (and nothing wrong with that IMO :-) )

Hopefully you can combine comfort with stylish, since you are asking I guess it is important to you. It is to me too.

Maybe cotton/lycra black jeans or cords, some other light wool pants or two, a skirt or two, cotton tops and sweaters like you have, your comfortable shoes w/o heels, your blazer and I would add a cashmire or pashmina scarf and a light jacket but I get cold easlily, esp. at night. I always bring silk long underwear to sleep in and a short silk robe.

oh, yes, regular cotton pants would be good too.

Oh, not me at all. I go for the comfortable slob look.

Geez. I didn't know they were exclusive of one another.

My reference was to the OP's "stylish
wedgie 3" healed"

Others on this board expressed caution over 3" heels on cobblestone streets - so there must be other comfortable slobs out there.

By the way, my Mephistos are stylish enough (IMO anyway) but are most importantly, comfortable!

I'm no fashionista, but I do like to look good AND be comfortable when traveling. I agree with natural fabrics - nothing worse than having synthetic fabric sticking to you in hot/muggy weather.

As for 3" heels - only if you were born and raised in Italy. NO way I could walk as much as I do when traveling (often 10 or more miles a day) in 3" heels. It's very possible to find stylish but comfortable shoes these days.

Our previous trip to Italy was in September and my comfy Sass sandals worked perfect for all venues. We are returning in May and I have wondered if sandals would still work that early in the year. Apparantly so according to this post. Thanks.

starrsville, I wasn't referring to you. I know people who travel with baggy sweat clothes to be comfortable. I don't know anything about you or how you dress.

check out aerosoles (aerosoles.com or at Nordstrom and other places) - they usually have REALLY comfortable shoes - have often been able to find a plain-ish cute loafer or sandal of theirs and wear it the whole time - Mephisto is good if they fit you right - I recommend whatever you get you wear them around 3-7 days at home first to wear them in and also make sure that they truly are comfortable - totally ditch the high heels - 3" I don't care if they are wedges - one tweeked ankle and your trip is ruined.

Natural fibers are great, but truthfully, something with a spandex mixed in or something with a little stretch (don't think tight spandex pants, but nice slacks with a little stretch in the material) - these pack well and don't wrinkle - black is great - won't show stains and goes dressy to casual and looks slim and great - I read that women really need only 4 pairs of pants in their wardrobes at home and then 3x as many tops - so think about that for travel and cut down the numbers - just a few pairs of pants, but multiple tops - Michael Starr tops are great - especially the sleeveless or short sleeved colorful v-necks (they sell them lots of places - look great, pack well and add a blazer, longer jacket or sweater and you are set - I like one 3/4 length light weight black jacket to throw over anything (especially with black slacks) - you will look very put together. Old travel tip was always to bring a few scarves to make outfits look different and stylish. Even if you are not dressy, a fun handkerchief style scarf tied around the neck and push knot to side('50's looking) is cute and fun. Go for comfort - seriously, once I went for style and had to use my high school french to buy american tennis shoes in Paris by the end of the trip because my feet hurt so much - that was an ugly look!

When all else fails, keep it simple - go for black and tan and some colorful or patterned tops - add a few cute accessories and plan to get some cute stuff on your trip.

ps seriously, I am really into shoes - own hundreds - but for this kind of trip - one pair - two max - but not as many as you have - too heavy and it is not worth it - NO ONE IS GOING TO CARE WHAT SHOES YOU ARE WEARING - and most photos are horizontal so no one will even see them in the photos! not trying to be mean, but trying to make your trip easier.

Minx,

Re: sandals in May. We were in Italy in late May in 2004 and the temps were in the 80s. I wore my sandals and was very happy I had a few pairs with me. (Incidentally, they were 3" wedge heels from Born, super comfy. I have been wearing high heels for many years and don't own any flats. But as I've been born and raised in Russia, I am very used to high heels).

what about trendy puma or lacoste shoes? wouldn't that be considered fashionable and comfy with a nice pair of comfy jeans? How about Shorts (not that short) in Italy? Is that a nono?

I just bought a pair of super comfy Tsubo black mary-jane style tennis shoes for my trip this spring. i am trying to break them in now so as to prevent problems there. I am plannig on taking gaucho's for the majority of my pants as they are comfortable yet can be dressed up or down - another plus is that they will pack easily. I am going in March and I hear the weather can be unpredictable so on colder days I can wear them with boots and tights and on warmer days jsut the tennis shoes.

i would never travel with 3" heels and i would not duplicate the same shoe (if i read your post correctly that the 1 tan and 1 black are the same style). i hate synthetic pants in warm weather. yes to layering cotton solid color t-shirt type tops with a silk knit cardigan style lightweight sweater. i always take at least one pair of good looking but comfy sandals.

Hi Daisy!

You can do comfortable and stylish!

As far as clothing, anything a Banana Republic-type will do great in Italy! I was sorry that I did not bring my little jean jacket with me, so perhaps you might want to consider one. I would recommend sticking to darker colors for practical reasons. Just see that your stuff is more or less color coordinated. Like black and tan, etc. Also, everyone wears jeans. I bought a really stylish pair of slack looking black jeans which worked out very well. As far as shoes, I bought a pair of Mephisto walking shoes, a lace-up kind. Expensive and not sexy, although they were largely covered by my pants and jeans, but feet saviors. I also brought another pair of stylish walking shoes, Geox I believe.

Anna Roz

hi anna_roz! the Banana Republic reference is really helpful! And I agree on the little denim jacket idea.
ditto on the "color scheme" thought,
thinking brown, black, creme, white,
camel, maybe a little peach.
...btw, guys just don't have these issues do they..

no...we pack for them!

Hi,
I was in Rome last May and am going back this year for again this year, late May/early June.
May sure you pack really comfortable shoes - I thought I had but ended up with blisters and had to wear one pair of somewhat shabby puma trainers for the rest of the trip.
Jeans, t-shirts and a denim jacket would for would be a good base to start with, also some cotton or linen pants, skirts and tops, as it can be quite warm in May. And of course, I think part of the fun is shopping in Rome - not that I can afford expensive designer gear but there are affordable stores like Coin, Oviesse, Mango, Zara, etc, once you move away from the main tourist drag.
The Italian women are so elegant that there's no point in trying to compete!

dlrogue-so true!! =P~
JMHauldren--regarding your "women really need only 4 pairs of pants in their wardrobes at home and then 3x as many tops" :-$ !!!!! can't let hubby see THIS post for sure!...hmmm password protect computer...burn printed post....must--never--let--him--read her post..puts future clothes shopping in dire jeopardy..:-d

ttt

It depends on your tolerance for heat - but in Italy in May (from Venice through Amalfi Coast) I always dress for summer. Nothing all dark (I may have navy pants but will pair with a light top) or really heavy - I have one light jacket, 1 cotton sweater and a light shawl or something for evening. I usually wear short sleeves - don;t need many long.

As far as shoes are concerned I stick with flats or close to - two pairs for walking (but cute shoes - like skechers mary janes or similar - not big fat white sneakers) and one cutesy pair of flats/sandals for evening (I've never figured out how to negotiate cobblestones in any kind of heels as the Italians do - bravo if you can).

I don't do jeans since they're too heavy, thick and can;t be washed - but stick to thinner cotton, linen or silk for evening. I stick to all pants - then I don;t have to deal with the whole pantyhose thing - but the ones for dinner are distinctly elegant - not cotton capris.

I have read that the average temp for May is 70 degrees and 77 for June. I live in Florida and these are nicer not necessarily summer temps. I was in Italy in Sept once and it was more along the lines of Florida weather, warm-hot.

How is the actual weather in late may early june? Average temps don't tend to tell the true temps. I tend to be on the cold side but don't want to over pack as I have to pack for a 23 month old and my husband. Thanks.

Dewdrops; you will only know for sure by checking the forecast a few days before you leave. I've been in Florence in May when it was extremely warm; over 30 celsius during the day.

Hi Daisy

I've been to the places you mention in both early May and late May/June and, of course, experienced all kinds of weather! Earlier in May we ran into more rain and some downright cool nights in Tuscany. On the later trip I never even unfolded the lightweight rain jacket I brought. So, try to cover your bases and if you need a sweater or an umbrella etc, buy a cute Italian one!

Agree with the jean jacket. Can dress it up a bit, too, with a scarf or a chunky pin.

As others advised, stick to dark colors for your pants/skirts and add some color with your long and short sleeve T's. I'd take a pair of capris; on this last trip, I alternated between a black pair and an olivey-green pair, both lightweight, that I could wash out easily. Wore them sightseeing, out to dinner and on dayhikes, too.

I am a jeans person and always take a pair -- if you are concerned about how you look, definitely take your best-fitting ones!

I like to wear a nice-looking "hoody" (zip-up sweatshirt) on the plane for comfort and just to have a cosy layer for cool weather.

You have lots of good shoe advice here. I agree with skipping the heels. I have done well with shoes by Merill (I know that's spelled wrong), Ecco and Clarks. I'd be happy to take tennis shoes but they never give me enough support. Love the cute Puma styles, but they really don't fit me well.

I took two pairs of sandals and one pair of walking/day hiking shoes on the last trip -- 3 pairs seems like a lot (it was a month trip) but I usually switched shoes before we went out at night and I was the only one of 5 of us who had no problems with blisters or sore feet.