NY32189

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on what would be the proper kind of clothing (weather-wise) to wear in Florence in mid-February.

Also, I heard from somewhere that the general dress in Florence is a little more formal or upscale than in other places... is this true and should I bring nicer clothes rather than everyday wear?

Thanks for the advice!

taggie

What is your everyday wear - suit? Bikini? Dirty sweatpants?

Honestly, this has been done to death. Try a search for some previous threads. And check a weather site like weatherunderground.com for historical temperatures so you'll know what you might expect weather-wise.

taggie

Sorry for the double post. Funny, one is missing quotation marks and the last sentence.
Can't stress enough about the comfortable shoes. I wouldn't make them blinding white sneakers if I were you but go ahead if that's what makes you happy.

ThinGorjus

Yes, darling, Florentines tend to be better dressed than most Italians (save the Milanese). You will see a lot of chocolate/black color combos, or all-black clothing with a hint of color (lavender or fushia pashmina shawl). A fur coat will NOT be out of place, especially if you are having a snack at Cafe Gili, which is across Piazza Repubblica from the Savoy Hotel. Do wear comfortable shoes, preferably Ferragamo, as the cobblestones streets are murder on the feet. Giant Furla handbags are also very popular amongst the Florentine women, as is chunky gold jewelry. AND DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR YOUR CUTLER & GROSS SUNGLASSES. Are you a blonde? Blonde hair (from the bottle, sweetie) is de rigeur in Florence, by the way.

I used to be in the fashion biz in NYC, and have been to Florence many times.

Cheers.

NY32189

Thanks for the advice... I'm definitely going to get a pair of flat, comfortable shoes since we won't be renting a car and thus be walking everywhere.

My "everyday wear" is basically nice-looking jeans with various tops. Do you think that would be ok for Florence?

Scarlett

If I were going to Florence in February, I would take all my black trousers, a couple of black turtlenecks, a couple of cashmere sweaters in brown and black and wear a pair of Todd like loafers or the most comfortable boots you own. Slim with a short heel, cobblestones will break ankles !
Make that scarf/pashmina pink

That should be your everyday wear in Florence..It will be my everyday wear in Paris in early March~
Scarlett

LoveItaly

Black, black and black. With a fantastic scarf and gold jewerly. And black shoes, comfortable but stylish.

If you want to fit in.

Jeans are heavy to pack and when they get wet take forever to dry.

You decide what works for you. If jeans and atheletic shoes are your style than do it. If you want to "fit" in better than dress more sophisticated.

One good thing about black is that is does travel well. And yes, Florentines do dress more upscale and formal.

You must decide what will work for you.
Florence has so many tourist that they are use to seeing everything so to speak.

And oh, the Cafe Gili, do try to stop in.

Whatever you wear and whatever you do, have a fantastic time!

tedgale

I last saw Florence in 1977 though I did live there one winter earlier in the 70s.

The clothing described above is exactly what those blonde women wore then: the mink, the chunky gold jewellery, the low-heeled buckled patent leather pumps, the sunglasses (on the darkest days), the "signature" scarf.

Since Florence is the home of Gucci I guess you couldn't fault them for shopping locally....

kfusto

Scarlett speaks the truth. I am in Florence several times a year on business and that is exactly how I pack.

And the cobblestone comment is right on the money!

Cicerone

It will only be in the low to mid 40s F in Florence in February and there would be a good chance of rain, so whatever you do dress warmly and in removable layers (museums can be overheated). A good pair of warm boots, gloves and umbrella are necessary, a lined raincoat is preferable over a wool coat which is not so good in the rain and is heavy. A fur is a little impractical due to rain and having to carry it around museums (I wouldn’t check my fur at a coat check), but if you can bring a lined raincoat for the rainy/museum occasions, then by all means bring a fur for evenings and sunny cold days (and personally I love them for the plane ride). If you will be spending any time in the countryside, good walking boots would be helpful. If you really have room, a leather coat is a nice option for a warmer dry day (or of course buy one or have one made there. . . .)

I personally don’t have or wear jeans, but many people do and I wouldn’t worry so much about that. No matter what I do, I know will never be as stylish as an Italian woman who, like a Frenchwoman, has chic in her very genes, so I don’t stress out too much over the wardrobe.