'By the way, it is true that Italians spend more on clothing than most of the world, espcially finer clothing when they live in urban areas. There are A LOT of complicated reasons why Italian men stay with their families, both cultural and economic (and we see something of the boomerang effect in this country, too.)

If of interest, I recommend The Economist's website, both for news and issues with an international coverage, as well as for its city guides. Yes, it is geared more to the business person in its restaurant recommendations, etc., but is a good quick-bite information source for some major cities re: what's doing, highlighted cultural events, nightlife, tipping, useful numbers, shopping suggestions, etc.

www.economist.com

Budman -- No, at dinner times in Kauai, he wore linen and Hawaiian shirts (vintage and new) all the way. However, he did pack at least one jacket since he was on his way to the Far East on business, and had it in reserve if a restaurant looked like he would need it for dress-up or aggressive airconditioning. (I returned home after that stay -- my JOB thing really gets in the way of living, doesn't it?)

Dayle --

For moderate prices for linen clothing, and depending on your style preferences, try Talbot's, Lands End newest catalogs and online, or J Crew.

Personally, I find that the coolest thing to wear is a dress or skirt.

A lot of men stop asking other people how to dress once they finally grow into adulthood.

Dayle --

'Was called away, but to continue --

For more linen options, depending on your preferences:

Bloomingdales.com catalogs has a 20% off sale on its CATALOG and CATALOG online merchandise until May 11th. If you go to bloomingdales.com, you have to click on the top menu bar for "catalog order," and you'll see the 20% off code. I've seen linen separates e.g. tank, pants, shorts, big shirts, skirts, etc. at moderate prices. This is NOt the easiest website to maneuver.

While pricier, Eileen Fisher can be found at Nordstroms.com and neimanmarcus.com.

There is my youngest sister's favorite: Chico's has a lot of linen and stylish easy-wear (at www.chicos.com.) She's not nuts, but she does live an alternative lifestyle. To quote her: "I love Chico's clothes. You can sleep in them,wake up the next morning, and still look good-to-go."

Finally, anthropology.com has even more ethnic/hippie/boho stuff than usual this season, often with a lot of linen or similar fabrics.

Intrepid -- To each his/her own. But generally, women look better, no?

NYCFoodSnob, your kind adds to the ambiance of the place. 'Hope our paths cross in our travels.

Shorts ARE OK unless you want to visit Cathedrals where to the best of my knowledge everyone (male and female) has to cover knees and some do not like ladies having bare shoulders I think that a pair of cutoffs would be a good addition to your wardrobe (if you really feel most comfortable in shorts) -- and maybe a lighweight pair of LONG trousers for going out at night

Three years ago my husband and I did a 4 week trip from Denver(where we were living for 5 years)-Boston-London-Zurich-Florence-Venice-Rome-Perth (home at last) with only a 22" carryon and a small backpack each -- and all I had were 4 pairs long tshirt material pants and 4 T shirts one long sleeved shirt a thin rayon long black dress and a "pack in a pocket " thin rain jacket (ALL from Wal Mart) plus undies etc and felt I was dressed appropriately (if not exactly fashionably:)

Madame X,

Thanks for the linen suggestions! I have tried most of those already with the exception of Lands End.

So far I have been able to get a pair of cropped linen from Chico's and just found a pair of Eilene Fisher linen at Nords. Also found a nicer pair of more tailored and lined linen blend at Talbots so I'm about set.

I would love to go with more dresses, but living in Utah - sundresses are hard to come by. The majority of women here don't bear much skin so the stores don't carry much variety. Luckily, on line options help make more variety accessible.

Buon viaggio!

Dayle --

I don't do many true sundresses either, but wear more "shifts" where a bra* can be worn underneath, which usually means a little more coverage. Also: I wear skirts with a linen or cotton blouse or T-top (e.g. light silk knit or cotton.)

'Forgot to mention: I also like to shop at Ann Taylor for this type of thing. They have a number of nice linen or cotton skirts this season. I'm sure they have pants, too, but I only need so many pants in summer -- I'm really a "skirt woman."

The beautful linen stuff from Zoran is out of my price range, even on sale, but another sister finds some second-hand on ebay.

(*While I'm not overly endowed on top, "the girls" like support throughout the day.)

Chico's? Eileen Fisher? Ann Taylor? Please, please stop making me gag. I would never wear clothes that come from a store with name of a would-be taco stand, or from a store like Eileen Fisher, which should be the official uniform store for lady funeral directors. And Ann Taylor is for file clerks with bad taste. What are you gals thinking????? Just hammer my eye out with the heel of a Jimmy Choo sandal.

Thingorjus,

It would be my pleasure, but then we would miss out on your oh so amusing posts!

ThinG, you're so funny. Ann Taylor, Chico's, and Eileen Fisher make <i>women's</i> clothing! You'd make <b>us</b> gag (not to say giggle as well) if you toured around Italy wearing their wardrobes!

Our first time in Venice--some years ago--my husband was refused admittance to San Marco because he was wearing shorts. Don't know if this still happens.

Thin, precious, believe me, there are worse sights that would make you want to poke out your eye with my Jimmy Choos, than a lady in Eileen Fisher! LOL..

mermaid: Don't go there, girlfriend!

Mimar -- Many of the more important churches have a rule against shorts, and ladies must have their shoulders covered, i.e. even sleeveless blouses are a no-go.

To ladies critiquing styles and manufacturers -- we all have our own style preferences, priorities, price points, etc. Personally, I try to listen to how a Fodor-ite sees herself, and suggest some options. Jimmy Choos are great for some, but not for others; 'similar for the other brands and retailers. (I love high heels, but even Newport has too many cobblestones for easy maneuvering in them all day, and I beat up my shoes too much in summer travels to want to spend for Jimmy Choo flats. ..But I love those ladies who want to manage this no matter what!)

Okay -- even I have my limits, but they are more against the Birkenstock range.

Cut-offs? Hard to believe that someone actually suggested that here on this thread.

Shorts IMHO are not apppropriate attire for Italy, except for the beach. However, cut-offs are really tacky!