Okay, this is my first time posting on fodors as well as my first trip to Italy and if truth be told my first time out of the country. I have been doing an obsessive amount of research on the net and have found some very helpful tips from this site as well as others. I am sure this will be one of many posting before my trip. I am travelling in mid November and will only be in Italy a week. I am staying in Rome the first day and night and then driving to Sicily, Catania to be specific. Now getting right down to it one of the reasons I chose Italy is because I am meeting someone there. He is stationed at a military base in Italy. So for my first posting I am trying to decide what to pack. I do not want to check any luggage so I am limited for space. Since I am meeting someone who I would like to look dazzling for I would like to be as fashionable as possible with the limited space alotted as well as dress for the weather. I realize you gentlmen as well as some of you ladies will probably find this posting fairly rediculous. I assure you I am not some brainless bimbo only concerned with how I look while traveling but any suggestions would help.

I can understand your plight and my best advice is to buy some of the new wrinkle free fabrics that I love to travel with -- I think they are a polyester/rayon/lycra blend, knit and you can find tops, skirts and even dresses in them at your everyday shopping places like GAP, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, etc. I know this is a vague description but the best I can say is you'll know it when you see it. It's a heavier synthethic blend that you can basically roll up into a ball and it still doesn't wrinkle--I have tops, skirts and dresses (all in black) in this material and love them for that reason.

Use a 22inch rollie bag. Roll your clothes vs. fold to help with wrinkles. Get a nice ankle lenth synthetic black skirt (and a short one too!) that won't wrinkle. Wear your heavier shoes on the plane and pack a pair of lighter nice shoes. I'd bring 3 bottoms (2 skirts, 1 pair of pants) and 7-9 tops. Congrats and good luck!

Depends what type of figure you have and how long you are going to be there and how old you are. Are you looking for what to wear for your first meeting? or for everyday you will be there. Will you be doing site seeing and going out to dinners?

Okay, I probably should have been more specific. I am looking for suggestions on the whole kitten caboodle as far as what to wear. We are going to dinner as well as a disco or two. I will definately be sight seeing. I am 5'4'' with 36 - 25 - 35 measurements. I am in my mid twenties. Thanks much for the advice so far.

Nice little black dress with nice high heels would be good for dinner and disco. Short skirt and top another night for disco. Casual wear - jeans (not blue but other colors) with a nice pair of comfortable boots. Sweaters, a long skirt with boots, and if you are into kakis - a pair of them. Just wear what you would wear here for a first date.

A second the recommendation for rolling your clothes v. folding. People definately get dressed up for a night out in Italy so I would err on the side of more dressy than less and black is a standard there as it is here! Have a wonderful time (and for doing your patriotic duty in keeping up trip morale!)

oops, I meant to hit preview instead of post! That should have read troop morale!

I wouldn't begin to advise you on wardrobe matters. But you mentioned that you spending one night in Rome and then driving to Catania. That is a very long drive which will eat an entire day, if not more, of your week's vacation. I'm sure you are looking forward to getting lost on Italian roads with someone you just met because it's a surefire way to get to know him better. But, maybe you might consider flying from Rome to Catania and spending your precious time doing something a little more enjoyable. Meridiana Airlines has daily flights from Rome to Catania and they are very cheap.
Good luck.
Roger

This sounds so romantic. You'll have to keep us all up to date on your trip.

Where are you staying? On the base? Near the base?

The people on the military installation will be dressed the same as they would in the States. You'll see jeans, shorts, cowboy boots, baseball caps, etc. If you're going to be around g.i.s just dress the same as you would at home.

I'm not sure what the temp will be in November, but the little black dress suggestion is a good one. Another shorter (not a mini) skirt and top too. I'd also bring one pair of black capris (Banana Republic has some nice ones). I'm not so big on jeans, but you'll see a lot of them on the base, so go with whatever you're comfortable with in that area. Will it be warm enough to swim?

I think that boils down to:

1 black dress
1 short skirt
1 medium length skirt
1 pair capris
1 pair jeans/khakis
1 pair high heels
1 pair boots or shoes to wear with the jeans/capris/skirts
1 week of foundation garments
sleepwear
toiletries
camera

yikes, that's a lot of stuff for a carryon.

Ooops, I forgot tops. You'll need at least one going-out-dancing top. One sweater set that will match both the capris/jeans and skirts. Two pull over tops. Plus, a jacket.

He lives in a condo off the base. I am sure we will visit the base but probably won't spend an enourmous amount of time there. He took off the week I am coming. I am sure I will spend some time around his GI friends. Thanks for the advice about the drive time. I didn't realize it was so long. We may want to revise the plan a bit. He lives about ten minutes from the airport in Catania. The swimming question was very good also. Does anyone know if it will be warm enough? He has private beach access from his condo.

"He has private beach access from his condo."

Does he have a friend?

Check out this website. I've been to their stores, and I always travel in a pair of their slacks, top, and cardigan. It's that new, drapey material that won't wrinkle, but looks elegant! Mix & match workes well, and it's very sexy to the touch...
Have a very romantic time, and be sure to post a report for us!!
www.chicos.com/store/products.asp?CollID=1

with averages in the 60's, probably a little too cool for swimming....

Maybe he has a hot tub?

What anyone else is wearing, either on or off the base is totally irrelevant. What YOU will be wearing is the important thing.
I'd give strong consideration to the suggestion of flying from Rome vs. driving but I'm honestly not sure why you don't want to check any luggage...even checking a small bag would be better than trying to stuff everything you need into one carry-on and would make this a whole lot easier.
But let's be totally honest here..while he may be initially wowed by that first-sight dazzling outfit....it's probably going to be what you don't wear that'll count..and after that, he'll love you no matter what you wear! Enjoy your trip and good luck.

I don't know if you have a New York & Co. near you (they are usually in malls and all around NYC, they have great stuff. Lots of pretty things to wear, both casual and elegant. They have a wide variety of tops that can be worn with slacks and with jeans. Most of their saleswomen have great taste and can help you put together a few mix and match outfits. They also have pretty dresses that can be worn on dates and to discos. Most of my wardrobe is from New York & Co. Best of all, they are VERY affordable. I'm in my mid 20s as well, and they have very stylish, sexy, clothes that are all currently in style.

http://www.nyandcompany.com/

Also, make sure to hit a Victoria's Secret!

Have fun and post all about it when you return!

Oh, and their clothes are extremely flattering! You sound like you're about my size (I'm 5' 8" and wear a size 8) and their clothes hang very nicely!

I'm so excited for you!

Hi RomanceinItaly,
I most always go carry-on on any trip. I use a 22"rolling bag. I can pack 2 pairs of shoes, cosmetics, personal items, etc. across the bottom of the bag. For my clothes I use one of those Eagle Creek packing folders (20" size) and layer in that. This folder sort of compresses everything and fits perfectly in the bag. I also pack a lightweight nylon bag in case I buy anything or if they tell me I must check my bag I can put a few esentials in this. So far I have been able to always carry the 22" on board. It may depend on your airline however so you might want to check that out. I certainly recommend carryon for at least a change of clothes and cosmetics as I have been a vitim of long delayed luggage (2 weeks without it in Italy). This is why I am a carry on "nut".
Best wishes for a wonderful trip. I'm sure you will look great whatever you decide to wear.