Mooktoys

Hi! We're leaving in 2 days and I'm still figuring out my wardrobe. We're staying in 4-star hotels, but will be out exploring all day, and I assume it's really HOT now. I'm thinking halter tops/jeans/long skirts in Positano and white t-shirts/long skirts in Rome? Can I wear slacks at night? I'm 40 yrs old and overweight so I won't be showing too much skin.
As for my husband, he'll probably wear baseball hat, pleated shorts and golf shirts no matter what.

Clark55

Don't worry about your wardrobe, just wear what you're comfortable with. However, for the Vatican & other churches remember that shorts aren't allowed & halter tops could also be a problem in these places so on the days that you're planning religious visits stick to long trousers & t/shirts.

luxing

Jeans may be too hot. How about linen pants?

And agree with Clark55 that when visiting the Vatican and other big churches, you'll need to have your shoulders covered (and sometimes the knees covered as well, though in my experience they've been less strict about enforcing that if you're in shorts or skirts that just about reach the knee.)

ImitationOfChrist

Good morning, Mooktoys. I used to work in display at one of the large clothing stores in Manhattan. My wife is a fashion stylist, so I know something about clothes and dressing mannekins, at least.

Tell your husband that pleated pants will only make him look fatter. This is because the pleats pull the eye to the waistline. I think the golf shirts and hat will be fine, but get him some flat-front shorts from the GAP.

If you are 40 and overweight I would nix the halters. Also, sun on exposed shoulders will only make you hotter.

Jeans will be OK, in my opinion, if you can find a lightweight style. Heavy jeans can be oppressive in the heat of a large city like Rome. Mavi makes a light jean. They are expensive, but sometimes you can find a discounted pair at Marshall's, Century 21, or TJ Maxx.

Yes, you can wear slacks at night in Rome. You can wear anything you want. As someone who lives in New York, I can tell you that you will see people dressed in everything/anything in a huge city like Rome. (I have been several times.)

Kevin Mitford

ira

Hi M,

I think that jeans are rather heavy and hot for Summer wear.

However, I did see a woman in Positano wearing what looked like denim, but was made of silk.

caroline_edinburgh

Agree, jeans would be far too hot.

During the daytime I tend to wear knee length cotton or linen skirts with a cotton or linen top - with short sleeves if I think I might be going into churches. At night I usually wear similar but a mid calf length skirt, or a simple dress.

During the daytime DH tends to wear cotton trousers or cotton or linen shorts and a loose-ish white t shirt. At night he usually wears cotton trousers or a linen suit with a black t shirt.

Around the hotel or to the beach I might just wear a swimsuit with a skirt.

Marianna

Everyone has given you great advice, Mooktoys.

We just returned a week ago from a trip to Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and Venice, too. It was very hot! Yes, people wore jeans, but I can't imagine how they were comfortable doing that in the hot sun and high temperatures. Many women had on capris, flowy skirts (both long, mid calf to above ankles - and shorter - knee or slightly above or below - I only saw one or two very short skirts) and dresses in linen or other light fabrics. Tops were T-shirts, but a step above the type you might wear with shorts around the house or yard. They had some embellishments or a bit more style than the ordinary T. Other tops were the sleeveless, empire waist ones with criss-cross bodice and loose drop to below the waist and lots of tops with thin straps. Of course, if visiting churches, sleeveless tops will need to be covered. I found this amusing since some young girls/women had covered the sleeveless and less tops but had on very short, skimpy shorts!

Bottom line is dress to be comfortable, suit the situation and in what makes you feel good as you visit the area.

Rome is wonderful and Positano is just beautiful! Have a fabulous trip!