Help! what to pack for Greece & Italy in September
 

Fodor Friends,
My husband and I will be in Rome, Capri, several Greek islands and Athens next week. Trying to decide what to pack. Are summer clothes appropriate? (My mother swore white wasn't appropriate after Labor Day). Tank tops and capris? (Part of the time will be spent on a cruise). Is it cooler at night? Will we need long pants, sweater, jacket, sweat suits? I'm trying not to pack my whole closet, but it's tempting....
Thanks, Jan

Oh LOYL, forget what your mother told you, LOL!! But I will say this, white is not pratical IMO for travel and the tiniest spot can make the piece of clothing look so dirty! You will have hot weather. Pack accordingly. Capri pants, long pants, cute tops, maybe a longish skirt or two. I always take "something" if it gets cold or rainy as it can in N. Italy after the middle of Sept. But don't think you will have that problem. I would personally forget the sweat suit. Too hot and to bulky. Pack as light as possible, you will be so much happier that you did. Now about the cruise, don't know if you will have a formal night. If so maybe pack a lightweight dress in black or some other darkish color that is good for hot weather and then you can wear that for great dinner evenings at the other places you will be visiting. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi, LOYL!

Greece will be HOT in September! The sun in Athens is pitiless, and it's all the worse for the teeming crowds. At night it's not so punishing, but still is warm.

That said, you might need to consider whether you'll be visiting any monasteries in Greece, where women visitors are supposed to wear skirts. I've read that sleevelessness and even cleavage aren't a problem in monasteries, but I don't know firsthand. For churches, in Greece and Italy, pants and short sleeves should be no problem--I've not found them to be. (The only Italian church where I've seen someone turned away for inappropriate clothing was San Marco in Venice, and it was done quite embarrassingly.)

For Greece, and Italy as well, you'll probably be glad that you took summer clothing.

Happy travels!

Thanks for your advice! We'll be on Windstar, so it is 'country club casual' for dining- so I think I'll be good. It'll be nice to leave the jackets and sweaters at home.