I'm packing right now and aside from knowing that we need to cover knees and shoulders in the churches...what should we pack to wear otherwise? I've heard that women rarely are seen in shorts (true?) and I was wondering if denim is appropriate. I will also be traveling with teenagers... outide of churches, can they wear shorts and t-shorts, or is dress a bit more formal? Help!

I meant to mention that my question above pertains to traveling in Rome and Venice...

Greetings--I would suggest capris instead of shorts---they are extremely popular in Italy and take the place of shorts in almost every case and look great at night for dinner too. If you are doing a country or hiking event, shorts are fine. Tee shirts are fine--u will see a mix of attire--you see denim in Italy, but I would opt for a denim skirt rather than jeans--jeans are hot and you can count on Italy being hot in summer--particularly Venice and Rome. The one suggestion I would make is to look a bit upscale--it makes your reception much more pleasant and your teenagers will learn a bit about making a good impression in foreign countries.

Hope you don't think I'm old-fashioned--I'm not. But frequent European travel has served up some tips which have helped through the years.

Take care,
Robyn France

Hi
this is a controversial topic. If you do a search right here on Pack or Wear or Clothes you will find many opinions.

Here's mine. Tourists from all over the world, including tourists from other places in Italy, tend to dress very casually and comfortably. You will see shorts and tee shirts and sneakers on people of all ages.
The grown-up natives in Rome and Venice will mostly be better dressed as they go about their business and of course you will see evidence among the chic people that Italy is a fashion center.

That said, do what you like. Except in churches and formal restaurants, you will not be turned away if any of you are dressed in shorts or tee shirts.
You will PERHAPS be treated with more respect in some places if you dress differently from that, but I'm not saying you would be mistreated otherwise.Stores and restaurants know that the tourist dollar is important, regardless of what the spendee is wearing.

For grownups, I find that dark light-weight slacks or skirts do very well, and are more forgiving of repeated wearing. Tee shirts (non-logo) work well in summer,but at this time of year you might want a shawl or jacket to cover up a bit at night if it turns cool.
Your kids can wear tee shirts, though
shirts with collars (like polo shirts) are more adaptable for more places and almost all occasions.
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Thanks Robyn and Elaine --that was very helpful! Ahhh, back to the packing! --and maybe to the mall for an extra pair of capri pants!

Would agree on the capri suggestion - this applies equally to men/women/children. Just back from Europe and many, many people are wearing them.

Yeah, right. I'm going to run out and buy some capris for my next trip to Tuscany.

Budman--and don't forget your really really tight shorts, really really small speedo swimsuit, and an assortment of white and black socks to wear with your sandals. All de rigueur for the vacationing European male.

We took our two teenaged boys to Rome last summer; they wore cargo type shorts and zip-off pants (long for the Vatican and St Peters and short for the rest of the day). I did not let them wear any loud, logo'd type tee shirts (no beer stuff, etc) - soccer jersey (from InterMilan or Roma), tee shirts with small insignia's, polo shirts for dinners. I did wear golf/bermuda length shorts, took capris but felt they looked stupid (personal feeling) and two pull-on knit skirts.

maybe you should, you would be very avant-garde. I have seen men in capris (which would not be very form-fitting as some women's are, more baggy)-- basically short pants that hit between knee and ankle. Linen is good. But you do have to have a certain style to pull that off. Italian men often do or other Europeans or men who just are used to designer or more stylish clothes. California men are the best at this in the US in my experience. I can't remember where I last saw men in these, but they looked nice -- I think it may have been London last summer.

Greetings! We are just back from Italy from our honeymoon. It seems that everything goes in Italy. I agree that it is respectful to cover shoulders and knees when visiting the Cathedrals. However, when we were in Pisa - it was extremely hot. I was allowed to where my shorts (hiking shorts just above the knee) and my tank top - they were more concerned with my back being covered. They are also more concerned with picture taking and filming. Most tourists are respectful of their requests. It will be very warm - evenings cool down but not all that much. We saw lots of shorts and sundresses on ladies. Evenings linen dress slacks and sundresses would be nice - don't bring denim - you'll roast. Depending on where you stay too -bring mosquito repellant - we brought home a few bites from the Lakes.... Enjoy - you'll love it!