I read on a post about styles of clothes worn in Rome. I don't want to look too trendy, but I don't want to look like a dowd. Recent travelers to Rome, could you please comment on this. Thanks for your input!

If you are planning to visit and churches be careful. They want your arms covered to almost your elbows and NO shorts or short skirts. I saw a very nicely dressed lady turned away because her skirt was 4 or5 inches above her knees.

Hi. Just returned from Rome. <BR>Yes,women (and men) of all ages in Rome, and Florence, are incredibly stylish. I'm now trying to figure out how to look more like them! They are not "dressed up" nor do they look like they just came from a salon, but are very well put together. It seems to be an offhand kind of style. I noticed that even older women (i.e. 60s+) were very attractive and stylish, but not seeming to be trying to look younger. <BR>A friend of mine who lives in Rome says that everyone is highly conscious of how they look, even if they are only going to the market! <BR>Anyway, I still say wear what you are comfortable in. I did feel dowdy in what I thought were nice tops/tees and plain pants -- since women were wearing strappy tees, slim pants, and midriff tops! In terms of heat, loose gauzy or jersey knit sundresses would be most comfortable. <BR>Yes, if you are going sleeveless do bring a scarf/shawl to put over your shoulders in the churches. Some make you cover up, others don't. Some have scarves and wrap skirts at the front door to give you. <BR>And, shopping is great in Rome and Florence! <BR>Have fun! <BR> <BR>

Dear Jane & Virginia, thanks for the advice. Did you see lots of capri pants and cropped pants? I won't do skimpy, but I would like to do fashionable...some times the two a don't go hand in hand. Lots of euroblack, do you think? How did the men dress? My husband is fashion-challenged.....help!

Remember that those great looking people in any city that you visit got dressed at home! They did not carry those clothes for 10 hours or so in a suitcase. They probably did not plan on being in the heat all day, walking all a day, or going in and out of churches. I repeat what so many people have said, you wouldn't being asking unless you cared about not looking offensive! Trust yourself and dress in what would look and feel good to you during a pretty tough day, because sightseeing is a fun but hard day. I certainly wouldn't recommend breaking into a new style just to impress people who probably are paying you little or no attention anyway! Wait until you get to Rome and buy something really sylish there that you can wow your friends with!

Thanks Marty, you really put the matter in the right perspective. Physically I am up to the challenge, but need a bit more panache to do so! But I will definitely keep your advice in mind. Thanks again!

Just got back from Rome. Remember, as one poster already said: THEY live there, so they have the time and ability to spend a lot more time thinking about what they're going to wear that day. You, on the other hand, are going to be living out of a suitase. I don't think the people who live in Rome (or Florence) are necessarily better dressed than those in London or Paris, or even in New York City. (I am not talking about the tourists in those cities, rather the people who live and work there.) Dress for comfort; dress for ease. Don't expose any body parts (no short-shorts or tube tops), but dress COMFORTABLY. Yes, I saw capri pants. <BR>People did tend to wear darker colors, but those may have been tourists who had heard they should be wearing black. I wore khakis and long-seleeved, semi-dress shirts. I blended right in (until I opened my mouth).

Purple is the colour for Europe this summer. Capri or cropped pants are on their last legs here. Snake print and ostrich skin (fake or real)skirt, tops and pants are all the rage. Aviator sunglass or big sun shade(think Gucci,Dior or Prada), bowling bag(loui vitton) are the must haves for fashion die hards. If you are travelling there now or in the next two weeks, you might just catch the summer sales. <BR> <BR>For men, linen shirts, polo and pants. No shorts, baseball cap or sneakers please.

Hi. I forgot to say--and this relates to what others have said re: being a traveler versus someone living it Italy--don't try to mimic the stylish shoes Italian women are wearing ! They were wearing those little skimpy slip-on sandals with little heels (also being worn here in NYC). <BR>Comfortable shoes are my "pet issue," so I remind you that obviously you will need to wear more stable, comfortable walking shoes! <BR>Yes, lots of capris, too, but not the baggy wide short pants people are wearing here in NYC. <BR>In fact, I did not see that many women wearing a lot of black. I tend to wear black a lot here at home so I am attuned to this. I felt like I must look like a widow! <BR>I noticed a lot of all white and also many bright colors and combinations. Purple, orange, and lime greem seem to be in fashion. <BR>I did see some young men wearing all black, more so than women. Men were wearing neat casual pants in darker colors, short sleeve shirts. Few jeans and tees among locals. <BR>Still, I agree that it is best to wear what you are comfortable in. <BR>If you can afford it, do some shopping while you are there. I found prices reasonable, though I didn't do the designer and boutique types of places. <BR>Have a fabulous trip!