scatcat - I only noticed her smiling when I looked at the pictures back in Canada. I am getting too old to miss oportunities like that.

This September, I took a pair of summer-weight denim jeans to Italy. Felt I could go anywhere in them, casual during the day & dressed up in the evening --- added chunky jewelry or a colourful scarf, and wore my silver ecco flats. Personally, I think jeans are more versatile than a trouser. But keep them in a figure-flattering style & a darker wash.

I hand-washed my jeans & hung them to dry. They were ready to wear the next morning. No ironing required. Easy!

I totally concur with Gina817. I have experienced that I have been treated better when I am not "dressed as a tourist" - stereotypically, that is. My boyfriend in Venice and friends in Rome who work extensively in tourism have shared with me how the locals there view the tourists and I can tell you that you will be treated better by the locals if you are dressed well (not like you are headed for the gym or a quick run to the mall) and if you TRY to speak the language. Just my two cents...

Oh, thank you so much for so many replies. I don't think anyone will confuse me with a local so I wasn't trying to pass for one. My main concern was to show respect toward my hosts and their culture and dress accordingly. We are traveling in March which will be cool so I think we will bring a few pairs of nice jeans (I'm lucky that I still look good in them LOL) and a few pairs of dressier pants. Scarves are a great idea too. I will have my hubby leave the t-shirts at home and we will both get some good walking shoes. Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.

Never wear a blazer with bluejeans.....so unstylish!

The provocative title, "I don't want to look like a slob," doesn't engender much hope. If one has to ask, chances are one has little talent for style. Here's hoping you were having fun with words. Learning style before a trip to Italy is much like trying to learn Italian a week before you board the plane. Inept clothing choices (and a bad Italian accent) will not ruin your trip. Unlike the French, an Italian will still smile at the sight of an American "slob." On the other hand, if you know how dress with an elegant, understated eye and you have great taste in shoes and haircuts, all the European style mavens will smile, wink and offer you a respectable nod. Having great taste and knowing how to dress well, no matter where you are, has its perks and rewards.

You can take a look at GQ or Esquire (assuming you are a man)to get a sense of how to dress nicely without too much effort. There are always plenty of jeans/shoes/ blazer combos and more casual styles with sneakers as well. Personally, I think you are always better off with darker jeans or slacks over light colored khakis. Not sure where you live if you have access to Italian GQ, but that would certainly give you a really good sense of Italian style.