sugarmaple

I mentioned linen because that's what I wear in the summer. Yup, linen wrinkles, it's just the nature of the fabric. It doesn't bother me because it's so comfortable.

It's not really confusing, check the real feel temperatures of each location, and bring the appropriate weight clothing, layers are good. You may well have to pack for both seasons. A couple of light bottoms, a couple of heavier bottoms and tops to mix and match.

The year we went it was tropical in Venice and Sorrento and jeans and jacket in Rome.

Same last year in France, hot, hot in Toulouse, summer dresses and sandals, rain and gloves in Sarlat, leather jacket and scarf in Paris.

As I mentioned earlier, I made the mistake once of not packing for the temperatures, and I'll never make that mistake again.

jenlovestravel

Thanks sugarmaple...are you from Vermont or New Hampshire?

I came across this website and it seems pretty reasonable...

http://travelthroughitaly.com/what-t...ing-for-italy/

sugarmaple

I'm from Toronto.

flpab

In Paris last week jeans ruled and shortie boots. The sneakers were everywhere also. I still think Italians dress the nicest, skinny jeans and boots, tunic tops, scarves and a jacket for sure. I wore a nice longer thin black sweater everywhere with a scarf and tee. Very comfy and kept me warm for the fall temps.

Christina

I don't think 70s and low 80s is exactly desert or beach weather, it isn't that hot. And even if you live in a warm weather place, Fall is different and it doesn't feel as hot as the peak of summer due to various issues, including length of day, etc.

suze

<now I am REALLY confused. I don't have linen pants - plus the wrinkles>

You don't need anything special for a trip like this, and I think your dates are too late for linen anyway. Just bring a few of your favorite outfits, what you would wear at home on the weekends for going out, in a similar season. And a couple pair of very comfortable sandals/shoes/boots/sneakers.

suze

<can we wear white or light shorts, colorful tanks, etc or will we stick out like sore thumbs?>

I would probably bring one outfit like that just in case it's really hot. Not about sticking out, rather that it won't be quite that summery. And even for hot weather, I'd go with capri and tshirts, rather than shorts and tank tops.

sugarmaple

where isn't low 80s beach weather?

Two weeks ago we saw quite a few topless bathers in Nice and it was in the 70s. Of course along with the beach goers, we saw a few folks in puffy winter jackets...

suze

I don't think October in Rome will have too many people walking around in shorts, bathing suits, tank tops ;-)

sugarmaple

I was wearing capris and tees during the day for the temps you're talking about, jeans and cardis for evenings because at this time of year, no question it gets cooler at night.

Bonniestar

Please help ~ I am also driving my self nuts because the weather in Positano looks cooler then it will be in Sicily. We will be there the first 2 weeks in October. If I pack plenty of black will I be safe. Due to all the steps in Positano we were trying to pack light ~ all in a carry on. I think this alone gives me anxiety because I've always packed big. Is it easy to buy clothing there if you need it

bvlenci

Bonniestar, why would you want to pack lots of black? First of all, it's a myth that Italians wear mostly dark colors. Second, even if it were true, why would you want to imitate them. Trust your own fashion sense.

I've been living in Italy for 19 years, and I assure you that much of what's written above is nonsense.

At this time of year, the most practical things to pack are lightweight cotton slacks and some knit tops. I haven't seen a weather forecast for Sicily, but no forecast is reliable two weeks out. If it will be very hot, you might want a pair of capris, but when it's just it's just moderately hot, lightweight slacks are usually still comfortable, and are more versatile when traveling light.

I'm still mostly wearing short sleeves, but I keep a light cardigan sweater handy. Rain is a good possibility at this time of year, so a water-resistant windbreaker could come in handy.

StCirq

Dear God, why would you pack all black? Do you think Italy is in mourning?

Wear what you're comfortable in and stop fretting about it. Be prepared for hot weather, cool weather, rain. It's pretty simple.

suze

Bonniestar, Pack what you think you will need. No you don't want to be spending previous vacation time going shopping because you don't have the right clothes with you (or at least I wouldn't).

No reason in the world to pack all black clothing either! How depressing!!

You can still "pack light" but take more than only one small carry-on.

Lightweight cotton knits work well for packing and the temps you are going to. As always "layering" is the key. A light top with a light cardigan that could go over it. Capris or a knee length skirt with sandals. And so on.

ekc

I will be back in Positano the first 2 weeks in October and plan on packing sundresses and cardigans - but will check the weather forecast a few days before I leave and throw in a few leggings if necessary.

socaltraveler

If you want to go 'dark' think navy and shades of blue instead of the wintry black. You are doing the coast, use lighter colors for punctuation. Have some layers, gauzy scarves, tho you will find those easy to purchase.

Lamorna

The times I've been to Rome, whether it be spring, summer or winter, the Italian ladies have worn dresses to the knee with strappy sandals or boots, the younger ones have worn leggings or maxi skirts with lots of scarves and layers etc. I haven't really noticed colours, more the style is smart-casual and classy.

I know its wilder and therefore probably less formal than Amalfi, but I've just come back from a changeable week in Cilento (beach-hot then floods and thunder) and the vacationing Italian ladies were all in shorts, yoga pants etc and looking quite surfy and chilled. It was actually the French ladies who were dressing up.

I obviously dress appropriately and respectfully, but Italians are honey-skinned and impossibly glossy and most of us are never going to pass as Italian anyway. I'm 5'8'' and plus size with fine light brown hair and a stained tooth that just wont lighten. I'm never going to pass as an Italian lady so I just wore linen pants, sleeveless linen shirts, a cardigan or a floaty summer dress, mostly in blues because that's my favourite colour. Unless you are in hot-pink lycra you wont stick out that much!

Bonniestar

Hi ladies, The reason I was going with black and black and white is to limit the pair of shoes I'm taking. Also,I travel a lot to NYC and black and white is easy and classic (remember Jackie O). It just seemed the easiest mix and match solution

socaltraveler

"Unless you are in hot-pink lycra you wont stick out that much!"

This made me laugh if only because I saw a pic on FB of a tour group a friend is with, and there was a woman of a certain age and size wearing hot pink Lycra shorts and a tank top. In Bologna. In September. Uh-uh.

suze

<The reason I was going with black and black and white is to limit the pair of shoes I'm taking.>

It doesn't matter if your shoes match your clothes when you are traveling.