HI. Visiting Italy during June and July when it is likely to be hot. I have a teen daughter and just want to check what is acceptable attire. I have heard knees must be covered when visiting churches. Is is acceptable to wear leggings with an above the knee skirt or must the actual skirt be below the knees. And when not visiting churches, is it accpetable for teens to wear slightly shorter skirts or shorts?Thanks

When not visiting churches teens can wear whatever they want.

When visiting churches all adult size people - both male and female (kids under 10 or so are exempted) must wear clothing that cover the knees, the shoulders, upper arms and bosom (many sundresses would be unacceptable).

This is strictly enforced at the Vatican (if you don;t qualify the Swiss Guard will turn you away) and also pretty well at major cathedrals - but unacceptable dress is likely to be pointed out by locals (usually elderly ladies) in any church - which is not something you want to be the object of. (I was in a smaller church in Rome and a scantily clad young woman - shorts and tank top - came in - and a local shooed her out - accusing her of being a member of the world's oldest profession (putana).

Thanks, that helps a lot. When you say clothing must cover the knee, must it be loose clothing such as long pants, dresses etc, or will leggings suffice.

Leggings are fine - as long as they are not so tight as to be embarrassing. Clothing doesn't have to be loose. Not it applies to grown men too.

Sorry - I would just think that two layers would be incredibly hot in the very high heat and humidity you are likely to run into.

Leggings in that heat?

Wear capris instead

Many of the teens (and adults) in Italy wear very thin linen. I think leggings would be too hot.

I think from a fashion/acceptability perspective it is OK but leggings under a skirt would be way too hot for July in Italy!

Short skirts and shorts are fine for teenager tourists imo as long as you're not specifically visiting churches/cathedrals.

Would she wear a pair of cotton or linen capris or just below the knee peasant style skirt for the church visits?

Thanks for the advice. Suze, you know typical teenager, they like to have their style, but i will definitely let her know heat will be an issue and encourage her to get a longer skirt for those church visits.

>>>encourage her to get a longer skirt for those church visits.<<<

She will not be allowed in some churches (St. Peter's for one) without covered shoulders (no sleeveless) and covered knees (or at least to knee).

Dress code sign at entrance to St. Peter's (yes, there will be someone standing there checking).
http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Pics/...essCode-JG.jpg

I do understand (teenage style)! There's also the option of not going into churches. I'm serious.

People seem to think because you are in Europe you have to spend your days in museums, cathedrals, churches... and I am here to say that's not true (lol)! I'm just not big on that kind of sightseeing and have rarely done it myself. I prefer open air markets, public parks, sidewalk cafes, seeing the sights by walking around a city.

I am a lot older than a teenager yet recall one trip happily sitting on the sidewalk outside a museum in Venice that my friend just had to see. It was broiling hot, I had a cold Gatorade and gladly just people-watched for an hour or so.

Tell your daughter to go to Google Images and google "Italian student summer Street Fashion" to see what the Italian style really is. Obviously she will get a mix of ages and summer and winter clothes but it will give her a good idea of what people are wearing.

ok wow, thanks. I see generally they are wearing pretty short skirts, shorts etc. But we will definitely get a longer skirt for those few church visits. Suze, i agree with you, we will only be going to a few churches as we have 2 younger boys as well and they will definitely not cope if all we do is church hop. Thanks so much for the advice

The heat is killer, seriously, no way will she want to wear leggings and a skirt, let her bring them but make sure she has a back up plan, one pair of capris or one longer skirt or sundress. She can wear a sundress with thin straps IF SHE BRINGS a scarf that is wide enough to be worn as a shawl. Thats what I did, I would just tie it around my purse handle when not wearing it and then when going in a church or Vatican museum etc. just whip it around and wear it like a shawl. A loose cotton or linen blouse with short sleeves is ok to , but shoulders must be fully covered, no "cap" sleeves allowed.

When not in church etc she can wear whatever she wants, including shorts.. that goes for everyone, but I personally find loose clothing like skirts and sundresses cooler.. Rome in summer is brutal hot.

Something like capris and a t-shirt that covers upper arms (or take a cardigan) is probably more to her liking than a knee-lenght skirt. Actually loose maxi skirts are nice in summer too, lots of those in the shops, and in a light fabric these are very comfortable in summer.
Apart from when visiting churches, anything she wears at home is fine.
Although my teenage daughter was happy to wait outside on the church steps, rather than wear something she didn't want to wear. Summer in Italy is hot!

thanks everyone. Advice very helpful

You just have to be covered up. It doesn't have to be a fashion statement. You could wrap a large scarf or sarong over shorts and be technically OK.