I was reading the thread about mens' summer clothing in Italian cities, and began to freak out. The fashion mavins seem to suggest capri's are inappropriate. I am in my forties. My daughter graduates from college this weekend, and then we are leaving for the northern cities of Italy next week. We do not wish to stand out. Now I wonder what else is out for women. In case it matters, we are both slim and fit. Help?

I wear skirts and capris while in Italy in the summer. I am in my 40s and visit Italy regularly for business and pleasure. Both men and women wear capris.

I always dress well and respect the culture of the places I visit. You will need knees and shoulders covered to enter a church so very light weight twin sets work for me.

Linen slacks and longer skirts are popular and comfortable and I pack some of these as well.

Capris are fine for women, but you would never catch me wearing a pair.

I wouldn't recommend shorts because it's probably a little bit chilly this time of the year, but I would bring a pair or two to wear during the day just in case you have some nice weather.

I wouldn't freak out, unless of course you're a fashion freak. You'll be just fine. Have a nice trip, and don't sweat the small stuff.

Thanks for the help. You are right, Budman, we need to not freak out. After all, it is a learning experience; but I do want to maximize our comfort and fun. So thanks for the tips--any more would be welcome.

"Now I wonder what else is out for women."

- fanny packs
- giant water bottles
- ponytails tucked through baseball caps
- chunky white running shoes

Hi Buffy

I'm with Budman, no way on the capri's for this guy. I probably have not been to Italy as much as kfusto, but I've been there 4 times in the last 6 or 7 years and have never seen a man wearing capri pants.

Buffy,
I am in my late fortys and I have worn capri's while on two different trips to Europe in the summer months. I want to be comfortable and usually wear shorts from mid-April on at home. I saw all kinds, shapes and sizes of people in capri's. Were they all Americans? I don't know but I bet those in all black I saw were! If you watch any travel shows check out the people in the background, you will find capri's on women. I am leaving in a month for a trip to France and Spain with the high school french club (I know I'm nuts) and I will be the one in capri's and god forbid maybe even tennis shoes! (Which by the way I also have seen all over Europe and not just on Americans). But I promise no fanny pack or baseball caps. Have a wonderful time on your trip. Nothing is better than a mother-daughter trip to Europe. I am on my third with my 14 year old daughter and more to come.

Here are some nice generic sites where you can see some styles that are sold in these stores:

http://www.bloomingdales.com/catalog...222*1*12*-1*-1
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http://store.nordstrom.com/category/...origin=leftnav


Since you are nicely slim and fit, go for it.

Buffymolo:
I'm not sure what fashion mavens you are listening to, or what your age has to do with whether you can wear capris "appropriately", but perhaps you're too young to remember that capris were invented in the late 1950s by, guess what, Italian Designers, and were worn commonly as everyday attire before they crossed the Atlantic and were embraced in the US!
So have fun and don't worry.