I will be leaving for Rome soon and this is the first time i have gone on an International trip. I dont want to show up with the wrong clothes and be uncomfortable or offensive. Can anyone tell me what I should or shouldnt pack? Tennis shoes? Sandals? Jeans? Dress? I want to pack as lightly as possible. Thanks for any advice.

Amber, <BR> <BR>Like you, I travel light. Most of what I bring is black - with tops, blouses and scarfs to break the monotony. Perhaps black chinos for day, dressier black slacks for evening. A short all weather jacket. Short sleeve shirts, perhaps sweater set(s) - and a pair of low black shoes that you can walk in all day. <BR> <BR>I have been known to travel carry on for two weeks - but you have to like black! <BR> <BR>;-)) <BR> <BR>Dona

Amber, this is a tricky question and there are two primary schools of thought. One is that you are going on vacation and that you can wear anything you want. If you are 17, you will fit right in with jeans or shorts and sneakers. However, if you are not a teenager, and if you want to be a bit more consistent with the sophistication of a European capital city, then by all means be comfortable, but go with slacks or skirts with comfortable flats, blouses or nice tees, and perhaps a cardigan or blazer for warmth and to dress it up a bit. I personally don't find most sandals to be at all comfortable for long hours of walking. <BR>Add a silk scarf or necklace, and nicer shoes (maybe the sandals), and you're even set for most places in the evening, other than the very fanciest restaurants. Dressing up just a little in my opinion shows respect, particularly when visiting museums, shops, churches, etc. Church visiting makes sleeveless tops and shorts a no-no anyway. <BR>From a practical standpoint, I think jeans while traveling are too heavy, too hot, too hard to wash out (they never dry), and too <BR>much reminiscent of Saturday morning grocery shopping at home. But that's just me.

I'm with Elaine. The thing I loved about the way people dress in Rome is that they are sophisticated without being fussy. Rome is a beautiful, romantic city and you'll want to feel that way when you're there. Don`t be afraid to get glam. Travel light, by all means, but definitely bring nicer slacks and shoes and nice accessories (earrings, bracelets, leather gloves, etc). Or do what I did and buy nice shoes, beautiful silk scarves and other accessories when you get there. There was a little shop near Fontana di Trevi that was selling silk scarves and ties for the equivalent of about $5 US. Can't beat that. There are lots of shops like it. Have a fabulous time.

If it works for you, there is no such thing as a skirt too short, including when you are riding on a motor scooter, at least judging by many Roman women. Don't know if this is the advice you are looking for in your quest for packing light, and of course, you can not wear those same skirts into the churches. <BR> <BR>But if you're traveling with a male companion, and you want to know which way his eyes will likely be wandering, this may help you to keep his eyes traveling in your direction a representative fraction of the time! <BR>

Dear Amber, <BR> <BR>Whatever you do, take 2 pairs of very very comfortable walking shoes because that's what you'll be doing all day and into the evening. If you're not a college student or in your 20's, don't take jeans or white sneakers. If sneakers are what you're most comfortable in, then take a pair in black.

Just got back, the only time I saw pockets of colored clothing in Rome was on tourists! It was funny to see. When I saw groups of people in black it was always the local people: but there was a lot of variety; From students to elegant women on scooters, they all looked great. <BR>I always wear black, and I brought silk scarves. I wore black jeans, I'm almost 50, and I travelled with one carry on bag for 2 weeks...I guess it's really what you feel comfortable with! DON'T WORRY...it's not that important...people are really helpful and friendly to tourists, smile and learn to say thank you and you'll be fine. Trust your own common sense! <BR>Best Wishes <BR>Jane

I am in my early 40's but have been told I look 30. <BR>I have looked for a comfortable pair of shoes that don't look like something my grandmother would wear. I agree the easy spirits are nice but! <BR>Would I really be out of place to wear black reeboks?

This is for catnt2--you can definitely wear your black Reeboks--you won't be out of place (because they're black and are not perceived as sneakers)and you'll be comfortable, which is most important because you will just love walking all over Rome!

I'm visiting Italy in May and I plan to pack my black jeans, black capri pants, black denim skirt and 2 conservative shorts for Sicily and Amalfi along with various dark tops to mix and match. <BR> <BR>My question: it will be too hot to wear long pants in most cities. For the churches would my conservative capri pants (mid-calf) or black denim skirt just above the knee be okay with a top with sleeves??

Umm...okay, but what about us MEN? : ) <BR> <BR>I certainly hope the "black" rule applies, as I have long been a black jeans/black tee/black mock turtleneck/black jacket kind of guy. But what about the heat? What about mixing khaki and black? Let's hear it, Slaves to Fashion... : )

Leaving in one week for Italy. <BR>Just want to know what is the dress code for the Vatican. I know you need to cover your shoulders, but can you wear a dress or are pants acceptable? <BR>Denise.

For Judy, <BR> <BR>If your black jeans are as heavy as regular jeans, you might be too hot in them generally. Why not take lighter weight black pants and leave the jeans home?

Daniel, <BR> <BR>"Men In Black" works for me!!! <BR> <BR>(And it works quite well in Italy, too!) <BR> <BR>Dona

Hi Amber! I don't know exactly when you're going to Rome, but if you're going to be there in the summer it can be extremely hot! So dress for that. Many places, depending on your budget, do not have air conditioning so there may be hardly any reprieve from the heat. <BR>Two other things, if you like ice cream, some of the best ice cream I've ever had I had there. <BR>And also, I don't know if you're travelling alone or with another male or female. If you are travelling alone or with another female, you might expect

Thanks Carol for response re jeans too heavy - I'm still debating. <BR> <BR>Anyone -what about the Vatican/churches - would conservative capri pants or denim skirt (just above the knee) be acceptable? I'd rather not wear long pants in Rome because of the heat factor. <BR> <BR>My vote is for men in black too! <BR> <BR>Signed: not a slave to fashion - I have to be in control.

black is best. remember no shorts allowed in st. peter's. it was kinda funny to see the guys outside not able to go in because of shorts. dress nicely and respectfully in all cities in europe, the people apreciate it and you will be treated better.

Had a question! I work at Disney World, I see thousands of tourists a day. Most are Europeans! Why is it that everyone here keeps saying wear black & no sneakers! <BR>When the tourist at WDW wear very bright colors. The tops, pants & shorts don't match. and they wear purple, orange, red or blue sneakers without socks. Or they wear dress socks with sandels! <BR>Any comments????? <BR> <BR>Just wondering!!! <BR>

Hello, I was just in Rome about two weeks ago. If you would like to blend in more, do not wear jeans. The whole time I was there I never saw a woman in jeans. Brings long skirts, darker pants. Italian women tend to dress up a bit more than we do. Be comfortable, but maybe make an effort to blend in. A lot of women wore heels, if your going to walk a lot don't bother! But try wearing something else besides tennis shoes. When I was there I felt a bit uncomfortable wearing jeans and being so dressed down. Remember though to be comfortable, your not there for a fashion show And don't over pack!! I brought way too much stuff. Avoid shorts and short skirts. Bring dark sunglasses. Try not to look at men in the face. It sounds odd, but they see it as an invintation. If you wear a dress, make it a longer one to your knees or below. If you have any other questions feel free to email me

Dear Mickey, <BR> <BR>Obviously, you've never left Disney World. If you had, you'd know that there is a difference between a child-oriented resort in Florida and a world-class cosmopolitan city like Rome, Paris or New York--and, believe it or not, appropriate dress for the Florida resort is not appropriate for a big-league city. Of course, you'd be accepted anywhere even in your little short pants.