Dressing for Italy
 

Will we need rain gear for Italy in Oct.? If we are taking sneakers, what should the other pair of shoes be? We want to be comfortable but not grubby. Would hiking pants with the zip off bottoms be too casual? I thought these would be good for hiking in the Cinque Terra. What about jeans? I know in another post someone said don't be too much of a slob like many Americans in Europe. I agree but still had to laugh. We live in Orlando and I wouldn't say the Europeans we see at Disney deserve any fashion prizes! Beleive me though, I have considered that they at least have an excuse because they are in the Mouse House in FL!

I have the privilege of writing this from the town of Lanciano on the Adriatic coast in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where I am working this year. Following the long, hot summer we have been experiencing some very unseasonably cool and wet days. The farmers are happy but the rest of us are a little chilled and a cool fall is predicted.

So, yes, I would bring rain gear of the light variety.

The shoe question has been done to death on this forum and I think that you will find a search yields the info you need as to brand. Personally I have worn a pair of good, but rather stodgy looking leather sandles (Bass? Rockport?) and my wonderful Ferragamo loafers every day since we arrived two weeks ago. As a middle-aged woman my sneakers make me look like a tourist which matters to me but shouldn't to you, so be comfortable.

You will find it is too cool to worry about shorts which are hardly ever worn by Italians under any circumstances after beach season ends (August 31 on the dot of midnight)so I wouldn't go out and by zip-offs but if you have them...

I have had my jeans on a couple of times but felt out-of-place. Its not that Italian women don't wear jeans: its that they do it so very well! Only those with perfect figures and under 35 and perfectly accessorized with jean jackets and high sandles and gold jewellery: great look if you can carry it off.

I know what you mean by the look in Orlando or San Francisco or Toronto, but it is different here...

Have a wonderful trip!

I've been to Europe probably 15 times or more, at this point. Each time, when planning, I try to pack "nice" clothes to wear. No matter what I pack, I ALWAYS look like a tourist because I don't have the latest fashion (or the perfect figure) but I've gotten used to it. I don't wear jeans. I typically wear nice pants, shoes, top, jacket. Even if my female friends in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany are also in the same kind of attire, I can't help but look like the TOURIST. Oh well... if I'm comfortable, that's what counts. I don't look like a slob and that's important to me also. That's MHO and I'm sticking to it!
Carol

You are in vacation to enjoy yourself, dont worry and wear what makes you feel comfortable.
Bring a light jacket, jeans, walking shoes,short and long sleeves shirts or polos, umbrella, and a couple of good trousers just in case you are going to a fancy place.
Italy is a great place to visit.
Bon Voyage

Is it possible we'll need one pair of shorts for hiking in the Cinque Terra in mid-Oct.?

Too casual? Is there a dress code in public places that I have never been aware of?

It is very tedious to keep reading "am I too casual" in Italy, Paris etc. there are tramps and gentlemen in every city, dress in what you feel comfortable and if you're going somewhere dressy, choose appropriate outfits.

Don't try and look like a local, tourists never do, merely be sympathetic and understanding of their culture and way of life. No need to copy their dress sense.

Please get over yourselves wear what you want, and after all you kid yourselves; who's looking at you?

Hi Thorspecken. Even if it's somewhat cool in Cinque Terre in October, you might get a bit hot on the more strenuous sections of the hiking trail, those between Monterosso & Veranazz and between Vernazza & Corniglia. You could always bring along one very lightweight pair of shorts if you're the kind of person who hates hiking in long pants when they get a little overheated.

Also, bring jeans if you love wearing them. I always take a pair of black jeans and, sometimes, a pair of blue jeans as well.

"I always take a pair of black jeans and, sometimes a pair of blue jeans"

Does everyone want to look the same as well now? Care to comment on the underwear and toiletries you pack too?

Sure, be glad to!

Underwear: none.

Toiletries: none of your business.

:)

The most important consideration for any pair of shoes you choose is that they be comfortable to you, and worn in--not new. Different brands work for different people. Keep in mind that wherever you are, you will encounter some narrow sidewalks, cobble-stone streets, and probably more hours of walking than you are used to at home.

See my tips and packing list at slowtrav.com--under ITALY and PLANNING.