Female dress code-Italy
 

<BR>Going to Italy in May, gals want to know about wearing shorts. When and where can or cannot they be worn, best type or style to wear ect <BR> <BR>Thanks

I've been to Italy three times, and I think whatever is comfortable is just fine. When it is very hot, a loose dress or jumper is actually cooler than shorts, but shorts are fine just about everywhere. Remember that you will need "modest" clothing in order to get in to the major cathedrals. I just throw a loose skirt in my backpack and slip it on before going into St. Peter's, for example. (Men must have pants below the knee, as well.) Shoulders and arms should be covered to nearly the elbows (I was yelled at but not stopped because my t-shirt was half-way up my arm). <BR> <BR>

I'd leave the shorts at home, or save them for the beach. They are not appropriate for the cities.

Most places you can "get away" with shorts, its sort of expected in the summer with American Tourists. <BR> <BR> No matter how much you try to blend, you won't so if its august and its 1 million degrees why not. You've been pegged an american anyway. <BR> <BR>(if you aren't from US ignore this post and sorry for the presumption) <BR> <BR>Most Italians dress up in the larger cities. However they aren't walking all over the city and going to non air conditioned museums. <BR> <BR>Have fun. <BR> <BR>

I have to finally speak up about this heat thing. <BR>I live in the desert, where summer temperatures are over 110 degrees, and I still have to go to work in an office. In addition, I ride a bicycle (I don't own a car) everywhere, so I know from where I speak: <BR>1) Sunburn hurts. Too many Northerners used to the milder sun at their latitudes get the crap burnt out of them because they don't cover up. Especially if you're busy sightseeing, you don't realize how long you've been exposed. Loose sleeves (think Hawaiian shirt style) prevent the burn AND are still cool (room for air to flow; cotton absorbs the perspiration). <BR>2)The only shorts that are really for hot weather comfort are either skimpy gauzy cotton short-shorts or really baggy khaki shorts (check out Travelsmith to get an idea the look). I have found the coolest items are broomstick skirts and loose pants made of silk or cotton gauze (girls, imagine going into a women's bathroom, picking up the hem of your skirt and flapping it - and if you splash a little water on your legs first - a little bit o' heaven right here on earth). And speaking of facilities, skirts are the ideal garment in any situation (do the visuals in a hole-in-the-ground stall and you'll know why). <BR> <BR>If you'd like to get a little sun on your shoulders, then wear a tube top or cammy with a blouse over it. Then, in the park or at a sidewalk cafe you can remove the shirt for a little exposure but not risk a whole day of sun on that snowbird skin nor the baleful glares of the guards at the Vatican (which can burn almost as bad as the sun).

Lets face it, most Americans don the outfit of shorts, t-shirt, ankle socks and reebooks all summer and while it is perfectly acceptable here in the U.S., you may feel out of place in Italy. Most Italian women wear skirts in the summer (nice sandals, no hose). If you do wear them, they should not be short shorts. A skort might be an alternative if you insist. Don't wear shorts (men and women) if you plan on visiting churches and sleeveless shirts are also out. Women alone wearing shorts and skimpy tops should expect lots of attention from men of all ages! In May it may not be all that hot in parts of Italy. It gets cool in the evening so make sure you have a sweater or light jacket.