What to wear in Italy?
 

Thank you all for all your responses to my first question. No one answered about the tops to wear. I have tops, sleeveless, casual that I could wear with pants. Is this appropriate in Italy and in the churches? I do have a few blouses w/sleeves that I am taking, but prefer dressing cool if I can. Thank you.

I suggest you check the weather before you leave because it all depends on how cool it is. Sleeveless shirts are appropriate in Italy, but not in the churches. Shoulders must be covered in churches. You can always bring something to throw over your shoulders when you enter the churches and then take it off when you leave. The beginning of September should be hot, but you never know...a cool wave might strike. Check the weather and pack accordingly.

Last September we went to Rome, Florence and Siena. It was close to 90 degrees fahrenheit almost everyday. I wore sleeveless tops but always carried an oversized scarf to cover my shoulders and upper arms when entering churches.

It is especially important to be properly dressed at St. Peter's...for men and women. No shorts. No short skirts. No plunging necklines. No bare shoulders.

The scarf was much easier to carry around than a sweater.

You can wear anything you want. If you have a pashmina or a light cardigan you can drape that over sleeveless tops. As long as you are not wearing a miniskirt to St. Peter's you will be fine.

I brought a black lightweight sweater with a V neckline. It was both casual and dressy enough to cover all occasions and took up hardly any space in my tote. For the most part, I needed to wear it only in the early mornings and late evenings, and in the churches to conform with the dress codes.

As above a lightweight black silk cardigan made a good coverup. As would any kind of large scarf or shawl.

What you describe is appropriate for Italy, with the addition of the above for the interior of churches.

I wore a lot of short sleeve shirts and a few tank type shirts, but I always brought along a sweater just to put on in the churches. That worked fine for me.

And don't forget to bring your swimsuit because it will still be warm enough to swim in the Amalfi Coast.