<i>&quot;Yes, I'm the idiot who is traveling to Italy during one of its hottest months when every Italian is already on vacation.&quot;</i>

What a fabulous opening line! If only more fodorites had the courage to admit to being an idiot.

When I feel like looking long and lean, I wear black, no matter what time of year. It's difficult to get that look using any other color. But in the heat I choose my black fabrics very carefully.

My favorite pair of baggy linen drawstring slacks is black but the fabric is soft and thin as paper tissue. I just love them and don't hesitate to wear them in the sun on a hot day. I wear an oversized, log-sleeved white linen man's shirt with them and sometimes sport a fabulous straw hat. I get a ton of compliments on this simple, silly ensemble whenever I wear it. With custom-made snake-skin sandals from Segalin and a great pair of sunglasses, the look is truly chic.

Unless your derriere is the size of a barn, don't hesitate to wear white everywhere, even if it's not crisp and clean. European style is less sanitized which means you can relax.