wardrobe for 1st time Italy rip
 

Hi,

After reading the vrious post of all you seasoned travelers, I need your help. I am traveling (for the first time) to Italy. Two nites in Rome, Four nites in Florence. We have our hotel, but I need info on what to wear! We leave 9-14 and return 9-22. I want to travel lite but feel comfortable. And, I don't want my feet to hurt. Please help.

Lucci

Clothes !!! Smart casual will do it. I will send you our packing lists if you like.

lucci: Hey, we'll be there around the same time (we leave 9/10 and fly back 9/21)!

I'd agree with the previous person. Nice casual, but not "American" casual. I'm packing mostly nice, fitted tees (no logos), capris, and sandals (comfortable, but still a little dressy).

Thanks for the travel/clothes imput. Now I am trying to find walkingshoes that don't look to heavy--I want to wear with dresses and pants. Hard to find this time of year. Has anyone ever tried buying shoes from Travel Smith or Zappatos?
Ciao,

Lucci

Hi Lucci,

At this point, it's too late to sufficiently break in a new pair of shoes.

I would take what you have already that is comfortable and has good soles with some arch supportm including sandals.

Even so, take some moleskin too! You'll be very glad you did.

Buon viaggio!

hi lucci - have used Zappo's many times (if that's who you're referring to) and their customer service is incredible. They ship overnight, usually at no additional cost, and you can return at no cost to you. Exceptional. Good luck in finding the "right" shoes, in my book if my feet hurt, I'm miserable.
Susan

I love Zappos.com - free shipping AND free returns! I ordered five pairs of shoes while trying to decide which pair of black shoes would be most comfortable, then made my choice at home and returned the rest. Easy as pie. For the record, the shoes I bought, Keen Sydney II were fabulous - really comfortable on my feet all day long, they didn't cause the slightest discomfort with my plantar fasciitis, and they're darn cute. For sandals, I went with the Naot Paris sandal - again very comfortable, but looked oh so cute, even with the two dresses I brought with me.

Just remember to pack an umbrella, you may be unlucky and catch the odd shower in September. I always take layers when there at that time so I can mix and match depending on the temperatures. However it is also fun to have to buy something whilst you are there. I usually wear Geox shoes/sneakers in the day. They cushion the cobbles, etc well. In June last year I ended up buying some in their shop on Via Frattina as it absolutely poured with rain and I had only taken sandals!

My very favorite walking sandels are made by NAOT, google and you will find online stores that carry them. I was recovering from plantar fasciitis and found these sandals at The Walking Store. I wore them for 30 days of walking in Italy and I never needed my orthotic. I am on my third pair. I just ordered a pair from .www.Footwear etc.
They arn't cheap $105.00 But are they worth it.

Zappos rocks !

Hi lucci,
I was in Italy in May. At the last minute I threw a pair of Ecco Yucatan sandals in my bag and ended up wearing them everyday. I was suprised at the number of people who were wearing what I call adventure clothing- Royal Robbins, Columbia, etc. They really are great for traveling- no wrinkles, very packable. I took a pair of Royal Robbins capris, a pair of Chico's travelers capris and one pair of long black pants. With tees and a lightweight jacket, I had plenty of clothes for the 2 week trip.
Don't worry too much about what to take- you will see everything. Just take very comfortable shoes and clothes that you can mix and match.
Have a great trip!
L

Hi Everyone,

I am getting the impression that Italy can be fairly casual but not sloppy. Capris and T-shirts during the day...but do you dress for dinner? And what is best to wear on that long plane ride and still look decent when you arrive.

I am going to e-mail Zappos RIGHT NOW.

Ciao,

Lucci

Don't buy too much new stuff. It's always proved a mistake for me. Look to your own closet. Take your own comfortable shoes, sneakers, sandals, loafers, whatever.

For clothes, I take my favorites, what you'd want to pick from your closet on a weekend, and feel good, and look nice.

Layers for changing weather. Mix and match colors, fabric that pack well.

Lucci,
The capris with a nice tee shirt or knit top will be fine for dinner.A lightweight jacket( I took a skrunchy Ex0ficio jacket- a great buy) will dress it up a bit. Or take a cardigan to throw over your shoulders. I also took a pair of Cole Haan AirBeau Mary Janes- very comfortable and they dressed up the capris/pants.
On the plane I wore a Chico's travelers set- pants, 3/4 sleeve tee and jacket. They were very comfortable,very packable and interchangeable with the other things I took. I also took a cashmere blend hoodie on the plane.
I too have used Zappos quite a bit- unfortunately, they don't carry Merrell shoes.
L

I think the basic rules are to never wear anything with a logo, don't wear athletic shoes (no nikes, adidas, etc). Its also helpful to pack in one color group (like with black as the basic color). If you bring black, brown and blue pants, for example, then you're stuck bringing too many shoes. Or make sure all of your skirts are prints so that all of your tops can be solids - that sort of thing. I think you can pack lighter when things mix and match easily.

Buon giono,

A big GRAZIE to everyone who helped me with my obsessive wardrobe and shoe questions. I honestly started to fall asleep in front of the computer last nite going thru Zappos. Everyone's suggestions were so helpful ...thanks.

I will be glued to this site and have many questions to ask.

Ciao,

Mi chiamo Lucci

Hi, lucci

This is not directed at you, but when i read threads like this i want to weep. WE [europeans] DON't CARE. wear what you like. Logos, no logos, black, white, spotty - it doesn't matter. They will let you through immigration even if you are a bit crumpled.

we do not have any fashion police, honest. we will know you are american. so what.

bring comfy shoes, and layers.

have a great trip,

regards, ann

It depends where and when your wardrobe will be ripped.

I've had a skirt get ripped on a post during a walk in Venice in the afternoon but luckily I had a sewing kit that took care of the tear. Since the skirt was flowing, no one seemed to notice.

At a dinner, I ripped my nylons on a wooded chair in Tuscany. Rather embarrassing especially when wearing a mini skirt. Longer skirts would have covered it.

At night, my husband was suddenly overwhelmed from the grappa and red wine and accidently ripped my pyjamas. It didn't bother me at all.

I like Annhig's post.

Comfy go-anywhere shoes: Dansko makes some great shoes. My favorite sandals are, I think, the "Monica." Wore my first pair for 7 years and they went with me all over the U.S. and Europe as my main (sometimes only) shoes.

hi, narnya,

I don't mean to sound rude. But i don't understand this obsession with not looking like a tourist. are there lots of posts on the US forum from europeans wanting to know what to wear in the states?

I think not. [actually i haven't looked so please correct me if I'm wrong]

I posted because I'd like americans to relax about what they wear, and stop worrying. But I suppose that won't happen.

regards, ann