This post is definitely for the ladies. What would you suggest to pack/wear to Amalfi coast May 19- June 16? What are the Italians wearing? Shorts, Jeans? Skirts? Is it cool at night? Will we need a blazer/jacket?Can we buy reasonable price sandals there or should we take our own? Sneakers?What about swimsuit cover ups for the Beach? I expect to dress up for some special nights maybe a simple black dress..Any suggestions I'd appreciate.Thanks Rosetta

The tourists will be dressed completely differently from the locals. Adult Italian women living in small towns wouldn't dream of wearing shorts. However, since this is a beach resort and you are on vacation it would be appropriate during the day. But, if you are gong to enter a church or take a day trip into Naples for example shorts will not do - you need either pants or a skirt. (Jeans are OK but I don't usually take them in warm weather because they are too heavy and you can't wash - take too long to dry.. I take light weight cotton pants for day with a couple of linen pair with tops for evening.) No skimpy tops/bare arms for the churches/day trips either - although they would be fine for the beach/boating etc. I don't know how much use you will have for sandals. The Amalf coast is very steep and rocky and most of the local streets are cobblestones so you need footwear that is supportive - although you may want a cute pair of sandals/dress or pantsuit for going out to dinner. But don't plan on being able to walk far in the sandals - I did better with dressy flats (little perky bows). Yes you will need a coverup to get from your hotel to the beach. Lots of people just put the seinsuit on under the clothes - but I think it just gets your clothes icky.

Hope this helps.

I can guarantee you won't be wearing what "the Italians" are wearing. If you intend to go to smart places sport jackets/suits are de rigeur, but that's true worldwide. Sneakers are practical during the day, but try to wear a smarter pair, perhaps prada sport, dolce and gabbana, or jil sander, or perhaps a deck sho if that's more your style. Sandals, unless you are a Cesar Romaro lookalike I wouldn't risk. Swimsuit coverups? Only if you don't have a toned figure. Simple black dress, don't read tent. Jeans are worn worldwide, just the Italians prefer a closer fit and more detail than the Americans. Enjoy, I love Amalfi - one of my favourite parts of the world.

Hi rz,

Bring what you would usually wear at home and go shopping in Naples or Sorrento.

Positano is much too expensive.

I love to shop in Positano, esp. at Marilu and Aldo Marino for clothes that have such great style. The sandal shops make handmade sandals fitted exactly to your foot, you can add as much frill as you want. There are two in Positano and some in Sorrento too.
It is fine to wear shorts on AC near the water, but not so much in the restaurants or stores (longer shorts are fine). Coverups are the best for getting to and from the beach. Black dress would be nice for the dressier restaurants. I get cool at night so I take a small sweater in the warmer months and in May it varies.
Oh yes, be careful with the handmade sandals the soles are leather so are slippery on the cobblestones, I slid alot this last May in mine, but you can score the soles with a knife. They look really good with the clothes they sell there.