Should I (28) and my mom (56) pack a pair of jeans for Italy. Or just stick with black pants, grey pants and a pair of Corduroys? Also is a skirt necessary? We'll be in Rome and Florence.

Where what is comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. Many people wear jeans in Italy. I do, however, also like to pack other types of slacks just for a change of appearance and for nicer restaurants. Just wear what you want!!!

Sorry, the first "Where" should be "Wear"....

Gucci, Armani, Versace, Moschino, Dolce e Gabbana, Etro, and virtually every other Italian designer feature jeans in every collection that they produce.

Jeans go with virtually any top and provide effortlessly casual to smarter-casual daytime wear, or casual evening wear. "Black pants" don't go with the coloured tops that are very much in vogue this century. If you find skirts and stocking more comfortable then stick with them. If you intend to do smart, then a skirt may do, but I feel dresses are far more flowing and elegant. However, people aren't looking at you, so unless you turn up to the local Gelateria in full evening dress people won't stare.

You are very likely to see a lot of denim being worn by younger European folks as well as every conceivable type and color of athletic shoe. Whatever you decide to wear make sure that comfort is in the equation.

Have a great trip.

We were in Italy last October and jeans were abundant. That being said, Italians tend to be very fashionable and most were dark jeans, not a washed out, baggy Sunday afternoon with a sweatshirt jeans.

Jeans are fine. If you live in them at home, then take them to Italy. Same thing with a skirt or dress- would you wear one at home to go out to dinner? If yes, pack one. Personally I never wear skirts, so for travel I take a variety of slacks, including one dressy pants outfit.

I'm 28 and just got home from Paris and Amsterdam. I brought two pairs of stylish, nice-fitting jeans (one dark, the other lighter) and wore them often. If you like wearing them at home, bring them to Europe.

Of course, if you're going in August, you might not be so comfortable in them...

How dressy do people get to go out to dinner?

It depends on the restaurant, just as it does in your hometown. Although, I've seen people in my town in short & tees in a restaurant...which I wouldn't recommend.

Hi smiley,

You might want to consider that denims are heavy, impossible to wash, hard to pack and not very comfortable.

Pack light.

A skirt isn't necessary, but recommended.

When are you going that you are bringing corduroy?

Ira, I would love to see you in your skirt! Been to Europe 5 times in 7 years, brought a skirt every time and never wore it! Nice pants, yes, but a skirt seems bothersome and often requires another pair of shoes that you wouldn't otherwise bring.

Jeans with nice shoes, nice top and a blazer...you will look elgant and casual at same time....just make sure jeans are clean......even royals in europe wear them...

smiley, it depends on the restaurant. Remember that interesting jewelry can dress up any outfit.

I always bring a skirt if I'm traveling in the summer. I brought one on my last trip and wore it in Paris three times... it was hot, and I appreciated the "breeziness" of a skirt! I wore it with the same black sandals that I wore with my capris. I also wore it with black flip-flops.

Strass, arriving with creased clothes is not a pleasant image and the need for the ""breeziness"" of a skirt is even less pleasant.

How dressy depends on the kind of restaurant, just like at home.

As others mentioned the "problem" traveling with jeans and cordoroys beyond any issue of fashion... are that they are bulky to pack and heavy compared to other kinds of slacks.

What month are you going?

smiley525, I agree with the others who say nicely fitting and stylish jeans will be appropriate. Unless it's very hot which it likely won't be if you're considering corduroy.

What would you know about wearing a skirt, Miles, um I mean, m_k?

m_kingdom, if it's not a pleasant image, don't imagine it.

If you are comforable in jeans, and it is not hot, wear them. Tonight at dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, half of the people were wearing jeans some with tshirts and others with nicer shirts. I wear my jeans in Italy, but my friends didn't. If using a laundry mat, then it is not a problem to wash and dry them.

If you are short on space in your luggage I would forget the jeans. Its still hot in Rome but as the air gets cooler you see everyone going back to the "black uniform". Most of the store windows that I have seen lately are showing black paired with baby pink and the "new color"-a combination of brown/burgundy.It reminds me of that sick color from the 70's....... People in the larger cities like Rome still dress up when going out for a regular dinner.Dark pants paired with a nice top/sweater/jacket can take you anywhere over there day or night.Remember my mantra-red wine or pasta sauce never shows up on dark clothing in Italy?