Rome October What to wear
Jul 24th, 2005, 09:04 PM
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Rome October What to wear
Hello. My first time to Italy, traveling solo all of Oct. from Rome to Venice. Wondering (almost worried) what I, a 60 y/o woman, should plan to wear. Help with thanks in advance. MollySB (Santa Barbara)
Jul 24th, 2005, 09:41 PM
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Hello MollySB, by the way I love your city, I have family in Ojai and your entire area is so beautiful.
About clothes in Italy. The very most important thing is to have shoes that you will be comfortable in as I am sure you know. October, especially in the area of Venice, can be warm or there can be rain and even electrical storms (which are fantastic by the way). I would bring one pair of shoes that would work in rain and one pair of shoes that are sandals, but again both that will be good for a lot of walking. I would not take high heels, very few "women of a certain age" will be wearing them. If you like you could have one pair with a lower heel but with a dressier look. I always wear a pair of loafers on the plane, that could be your "rain day" shoes.
Women in Italy tend to wear conservative colors and styles. So I would pick one basic color that you like and work around that. Most "women of a certain age" do not wear pants a lot. They tend to wear dresses or skirts and blouses, cardigans or blazers etc. But of course that does not mean that you have to. One thing you might try to find is a suit with a skirt, pants and blazer jacket. Toss in a turtle neck sweater for colder weather and a couple of blouses (to wear without the jacket) for warmer days. That would take you far. I would take a coat, especially since you will be in Venice. I have a long lightweight trench coat that is waterproof. It works with skirts or pants. It is cut so that I can wear it over a blazer. I take it on the plane with me. Good if the plane is chilly and perfect if their is rain or it gets cold.
I would pack as little as possible. I do not know how long you will be gone but I have always found if I have enough for one week I have more then I need.
Italian ladies dress conservatively but in an elegant manner. They do not have near as many clothes as American women due mostly I think due to their lack of closet space.
Good looking shoes and purse are two items that they concentrate on with a bit of gold jewerly.
A cardigan sweater would be good.
They do not really wear fingernail polish, they just keep the nails short and in good shape. And they do not really wear a lot of makeup. So that makes it easy.
May I suggest that you go on some websites and look at some photos of Italian women. That would help you decide what to pack.
Have fun planning your trip. I will look forward to reading a trip report from you. Hope I have helped a little. Best wishes.
About clothes in Italy. The very most important thing is to have shoes that you will be comfortable in as I am sure you know. October, especially in the area of Venice, can be warm or there can be rain and even electrical storms (which are fantastic by the way). I would bring one pair of shoes that would work in rain and one pair of shoes that are sandals, but again both that will be good for a lot of walking. I would not take high heels, very few "women of a certain age" will be wearing them. If you like you could have one pair with a lower heel but with a dressier look. I always wear a pair of loafers on the plane, that could be your "rain day" shoes.
Women in Italy tend to wear conservative colors and styles. So I would pick one basic color that you like and work around that. Most "women of a certain age" do not wear pants a lot. They tend to wear dresses or skirts and blouses, cardigans or blazers etc. But of course that does not mean that you have to. One thing you might try to find is a suit with a skirt, pants and blazer jacket. Toss in a turtle neck sweater for colder weather and a couple of blouses (to wear without the jacket) for warmer days. That would take you far. I would take a coat, especially since you will be in Venice. I have a long lightweight trench coat that is waterproof. It works with skirts or pants. It is cut so that I can wear it over a blazer. I take it on the plane with me. Good if the plane is chilly and perfect if their is rain or it gets cold.
I would pack as little as possible. I do not know how long you will be gone but I have always found if I have enough for one week I have more then I need.
Italian ladies dress conservatively but in an elegant manner. They do not have near as many clothes as American women due mostly I think due to their lack of closet space.
Good looking shoes and purse are two items that they concentrate on with a bit of gold jewerly.
A cardigan sweater would be good.
They do not really wear fingernail polish, they just keep the nails short and in good shape. And they do not really wear a lot of makeup. So that makes it easy.
May I suggest that you go on some websites and look at some photos of Italian women. That would help you decide what to pack.
Have fun planning your trip. I will look forward to reading a trip report from you. Hope I have helped a little. Best wishes.
Jul 25th, 2005, 12:04 AM
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Molly, I was in Rome toward the end of October 2004. The weather was variable -- cool for a few days, then what we would call Indian Summer. So, be prepared for a range from cool to hot. (Kind of like Santa Barbara. 
)
A wool blazer or longish sweater is ideal.
Comfortable shoes are of utmost necessity as Rome is a wonderful walking city, but you seldom see European women wearing US style athletic shoes. Loafers or flats with cushioned soles are good for those ancient stones.
I'm your age and when I travel in European cities I like to wear matching business type suits in some kind of synthetic material like triacetate. They pack well and look sophisticated in dark or neutral colors. I favor pants over skirts but that's just personal preference. You can "warm them up" with a turtleneck or a shawl, or stay cool with a silk shell or cotton t-shirt.
)A wool blazer or longish sweater is ideal.
Comfortable shoes are of utmost necessity as Rome is a wonderful walking city, but you seldom see European women wearing US style athletic shoes. Loafers or flats with cushioned soles are good for those ancient stones.
I'm your age and when I travel in European cities I like to wear matching business type suits in some kind of synthetic material like triacetate. They pack well and look sophisticated in dark or neutral colors. I favor pants over skirts but that's just personal preference. You can "warm them up" with a turtleneck or a shawl, or stay cool with a silk shell or cotton t-shirt.
Jul 25th, 2005, 09:07 AM
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Your replies are excellent for me. It's comforting to know that I am a "woman of a certain age" and can leave the 2" heeled boots at home. Yes, I will do the travel suits that have longish skirts. Magellan's in S.B. has great travel clothing. If I wear a charcoal or black suit then my long, DARK green trench/raincoat will be perfect. Do Italian women wear hats? Like felt fedoras or suede caps with brims? I need something to keep the sun off a bit. And to take care of the bad hair days. I really am enjoying this talk site on Fodor's.com. Thank you all! MollySB
Jul 25th, 2005, 09:16 AM
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Hi Molly, I am interested to know you have a Magellan's in SB. I will have to check them out as clothes shopping is so limited where I live.
Yes, leave the 2 inch heels at home as don't think you would wear them that much.
As far as hats, although Italian women don't seem to wear them much I am sure if you wear one they will think how "elegante" you look. Don't forget to take some sunscreen too.
Your dark green trench coat sounds beautiful and just perfect. You will do us proud!!
Yes, leave the 2 inch heels at home as don't think you would wear them that much.
As far as hats, although Italian women don't seem to wear them much I am sure if you wear one they will think how "elegante" you look. Don't forget to take some sunscreen too.
Your dark green trench coat sounds beautiful and just perfect. You will do us proud!!
Jul 25th, 2005, 09:24 PM
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Loveitaly...the fashion boost is appreciated! Check out magellans.com because it has lots of good stuff for online shopping. also sales that aren't in S.B. There's also Pacific Travel in Santa Barbara (www.pactrav.com) but I don't know if they have clothing as does Magellan's.
Thanks again for your help. Molly
Thanks again for your help. Molly
Jul 25th, 2005, 09:48 PM
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Hi Molly, thanks for the website. I just checked them out. I think I will wait until I am in SB as I never know what size I need as it always seems to depend on the brand. Do you have that problem? However I did see their J style cardigan sweater on their website that looks very nice. I am thinking about ordering it as it looks like it would work great with pants or skirts. You might want to take a look at that if you need a cardigan for Italy. It would be perfect.
Jul 26th, 2005, 07:10 AM
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Yikes! I'm 60+ and will be traveling solo for a while in Italy in October and haven't even considered age in my criteria. My primary concerns are comfort and weight of my luggage since I'll be the one lifting it on and off trains -- and maybe carrying it up stairs in hotels. I'm sure Italians have seen plenty of American and European 60ish women wearing pants so I'm not concerned about shocking anyone.
I'll be walking up hills, climbing stairs/steps and know I'll be more comfortable in pants, so no skirt (skirt in October means pantyhose to me -- no way!) Since I'm no longer in the work force and will be traveling for pleasure my business clothes stay home.
The suggestions from other posters are thoughtful, and if fashion is your primary criteria, very useful. However, what are you going to do with that wool blazer when you don't need it? If you're driving you may be fine with the wardrobe suggested, but may still need to lift that suitcase. As for me, it's three pairs of black pants, four or five tops plus a couple of colorful lightweight layering pieces, a cashmere cardigan (warm, lightweight, no wrinkles), my long raincoat and two pairs of black shoes. I may even cut this down if my suitcase is too heavy.
Whatever you decide I hope you don't worry too much about what you wear. Just go and enjoy.
I'll be walking up hills, climbing stairs/steps and know I'll be more comfortable in pants, so no skirt (skirt in October means pantyhose to me -- no way!) Since I'm no longer in the work force and will be traveling for pleasure my business clothes stay home.
The suggestions from other posters are thoughtful, and if fashion is your primary criteria, very useful. However, what are you going to do with that wool blazer when you don't need it? If you're driving you may be fine with the wardrobe suggested, but may still need to lift that suitcase. As for me, it's three pairs of black pants, four or five tops plus a couple of colorful lightweight layering pieces, a cashmere cardigan (warm, lightweight, no wrinkles), my long raincoat and two pairs of black shoes. I may even cut this down if my suitcase is too heavy.
Whatever you decide I hope you don't worry too much about what you wear. Just go and enjoy.
Jul 26th, 2005, 08:09 AM
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I can't help but laugh at some of the suggestions here. Is LoveItaly describing a great-grandmother from the 50's, or what?
<i>"woman of a certain age" "You will do us proud!!"</i> Hmmm, and they call me pompous and condescending.
Molly, you couldn't be visiting at a more gorgeous time of year. The most important thing to remember is on a sunny day it will feel warmer than it actually is. But, when the sun goes down, it can get quite chilly, especially around all that wind/water in Venice. The average high in Venice in October is 67 degrees. I don't find that to be particularly "warm."
My favorite fabrics for this time of year are a thin wool-gabardine, anything silk, and, of course, cashmere. I have several girlfriends near age sixty in Venice and they all wear heels, no matter what time of day. Granted, they're not in stiletto heels but they wear heels none-the-less. Italian women of any age know the power of a great looking leg.
If I were you, I'd pass on the trench coat and consider a light-weight swing-jacket by Yeohlee. Older women can look very chic with this style and I believe Yeohlee designs are now available at Lord & Taylor.
Good luck.
<i>"woman of a certain age" "You will do us proud!!"</i> Hmmm, and they call me pompous and condescending.
Molly, you couldn't be visiting at a more gorgeous time of year. The most important thing to remember is on a sunny day it will feel warmer than it actually is. But, when the sun goes down, it can get quite chilly, especially around all that wind/water in Venice. The average high in Venice in October is 67 degrees. I don't find that to be particularly "warm."
My favorite fabrics for this time of year are a thin wool-gabardine, anything silk, and, of course, cashmere. I have several girlfriends near age sixty in Venice and they all wear heels, no matter what time of day. Granted, they're not in stiletto heels but they wear heels none-the-less. Italian women of any age know the power of a great looking leg.
If I were you, I'd pass on the trench coat and consider a light-weight swing-jacket by Yeohlee. Older women can look very chic with this style and I believe Yeohlee designs are now available at Lord & Taylor.
Good luck.
Jul 26th, 2005, 09:57 AM
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So sorry, Molly. I just realized Yeohlee would be very difficult to get your hands on. She's not represented on the West Coast and L&T does not seem to have a website (can you imagine?). I believe her line at Bergdorf is more expensive than her ready-to-wear offerings at L&T. I didn't mean to suggest you needed to break the bank to look stylish.
For clothing, we tend to be pretty spoiled here in NYC. The selection is enormous and it's pretty damn easy to put great things together on a budget if you've got a modicum of fashion savvy. Not to mention, the "sales" are among the best I've experienced anywhere.
For clothing, we tend to be pretty spoiled here in NYC. The selection is enormous and it's pretty damn easy to put great things together on a budget if you've got a modicum of fashion savvy. Not to mention, the "sales" are among the best I've experienced anywhere.
Jul 26th, 2005, 10:06 AM
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Molly, The advice is good but also be prepared for very warm weather on occasion-we were in Rome in October 2004 and 2 days were well into the 80s. Boy was I glad I threw in a short denim skirt at the last minute, that being said, the next 2 days were in the 60s and rainy so unfortunately you have to be prepared for anything.
Jul 26th, 2005, 10:20 AM
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October will be a beautiful time in Italy. Most Italians won't even notice what you are wearing (as long as it is a conservative color and NO white athletic shoes). We travel in Oct/Nov quite a bit overseas...I take three black polyester pants,(sometimes also another dark color), black cardigan and bright knits underneath. Long black raincoat, in NOv or March etc. (or 3/4 length all purpose coat,lightweight, no liner)) I have not too good feet , and knee, so do wear all BLACK athletic shoes(special ordered from Nike,lighter weight than black leather walking shoes) and no one notices. (this took me to the opera in Vienna, theatre in London etc.) Main thing is to NOT take too many clothes. (YOU may get "tired of yourself, but it's a LOT easier than Lugging around a too heavy suitcase).
If you are more comfortabale in skirts, then wear them...or in slacks, wear THEM!
If you are more comfortabale in skirts, then wear them...or in slacks, wear THEM!
Aug 9th, 2005, 06:05 PM
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Hi Molly,
I think packing is the hardest part of the trip---everyone has given you really good advice. The most wonderful website is www.goinglikelynn.com. She was the heart of fashion at Joseph Magnin in SF when I was a tour guide in Europe---and has very sophisticated taste.
Now she has her own store in MI, and has written three books on travel: NY, Florence and Paris. I think the one on Florence would be really helpful. Lots of times, I've ducked into a local store, to buy an umbrella--in fact, it's almost a ritual.It should be beautiful in Italy in October, with great weather. You might wait to buy some shoes there, too.It's an adventure, and lots of fun.I'm still wearing shoes I bought in Sienna---5 years later, and they were comfortable and chic the first time I put them on!
You'll enjoy yourself, so much, you'll want to plan your next trip as you're landing!!
I think packing is the hardest part of the trip---everyone has given you really good advice. The most wonderful website is www.goinglikelynn.com. She was the heart of fashion at Joseph Magnin in SF when I was a tour guide in Europe---and has very sophisticated taste.
Now she has her own store in MI, and has written three books on travel: NY, Florence and Paris. I think the one on Florence would be really helpful. Lots of times, I've ducked into a local store, to buy an umbrella--in fact, it's almost a ritual.It should be beautiful in Italy in October, with great weather. You might wait to buy some shoes there, too.It's an adventure, and lots of fun.I'm still wearing shoes I bought in Sienna---5 years later, and they were comfortable and chic the first time I put them on!
You'll enjoy yourself, so much, you'll want to plan your next trip as you're landing!!
