Amazing Outfits to Wear in Italy in Winter

Italy is a beautiful destination in winter – from train rides through snowy valleys and frost-tipped mountains to afternoons skiing and snowshoeing or taking tours through iconic historical sites, there is so much to see and do in this European country. And while you’re immersing yourself in the atmosphere and the culture, it’s also so cool to take notice of the styles and trends! It might be intimidating to think about assimilating into such a stylistically impressive environment, but don’t fear! Here are some ideas for amazing outfits to wear in Italy during the winter.

What I love about Italy is the beauty to be found absolutely everywhere – and the romantic atmosphere that results from it. Even in the coldest months, there is a coziness and an elegance that is totally unique to the country. As long as you’ve packed your scarves, winter is actually a perfect time to travel to Italy; the primary tourist season has passed, and the sights are no less beautiful in the snow. And some of the beaches are actually still warm – so there’s no reason to stick to the slopes and miss out on the sand and the sea. Read on for a little advice for styling your winter wear in Italy!

BEST OUTFITS TO WEAR IN ITALY: A SEASONAL GUIDE

Like in any other country, Italy’s climate varies depending on the season and which part of the country you’re in. Northern Italy gets a lot cooler than southern Italy, which is home to beaches that will remain warm even in the wintertime; meanwhile, northern Italy may still be experiencing sixty-degree weather in July. It’s vital to make a travel plan and choose your outfits to wear in Italy accordingly!

SUMMER (JUNE – SEPTEMBER)

Go for breathable fabrics like silk, linen, cotton, and crepe!
Light sundresses and skirts will serve you well for summer.
Thin tops that you’re less likely to sweat in and some jean or linen shorts are also a good combo!
Sturdy sneakers and comfortable sandals as well as sun hats and sunglasses are great accessories to pair with the rest of your outfit!

FALL (SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER)

Your lighter tops can easily be layered with blazers or light jackets for easy comfort! Light sweaters are also a good option when planning transitional outfits to wear in Italy.
Comfortable pants made from slightly thicker materials are good selections for this season.
Skirts with tights can be so cute, as are maxi dresses, which will keep your legs warmer as the air gets a little chillier.
It’s time to pull out those ankle boots – make sure you have a good pair that matches most colors.
Don’t forget your scarves!

WINTER (DECEMBER – MARCH)

Beanies and thick scarves are going to be your best friend in the frost!
Thick sweaters and fur-lined or wool coats will bring the coziness with you wherever you go.
Jeans, fleece-lined leggings, and thick trousers are essential for bundling up – you may also want some underclothes like tights and thermal underwear to really stay insulated.
Waterproof boots are a MUST.
Make sure you’ve packed a few good pairs of gloves to keep the frostbite out.

SPRING (MARCH – JUNE)

Time to bring the tees back out! Pack some long sleeves, too, though – both will find some use.
Cardigans and lighter jackets are key for these tricky temperatures!
Jeans will probably suit for most of the time, but also have some skirts and tights – and shorts too, if you’re traveling closer to summer.
Your favorite sneakers and some comfy sandals or wedges should do the trick for footwear.
Might be a good idea to pack a stylish scarf in case sudden winds make you want to wear one! Springtime weather varies.

FOOTWEAR FOR YOUR ITALIAN ADVENTURE

Italy’s terrain can alternate from rural pathways to cobblestone streets to rocky, mountainous trails. You’ll want to be prepared for the variation by packing a few different types of shoes:

1. WALKING SNEAKERS

On your trip, you’ll probably be doing a lot of sightseeing – so bring your most supportive pair of sneakers for traveling through historical sites, city streets, and rough terrain. You don’t want to exhaust yourself on the first day! Brands like Adidas, Allbirds, and Ecco have amazing options that won’t make you stand out like a sore thumb. I just got a great deal for new Adidas on Amazon and I’m loving them. If you’re buying a new pair, just remember to get a little use out of them before leaving town so you can be sure they’re comfortable!

2. VERSATILE SANDALS

Sandals you can walk around comfortably in will be essential for outings that are slightly more sophisticated. Flip-flops are a hard no-no if you want to blend in, and they won’t give you proper arch support, either. Aim for something in beige or black or brown that will look good with everything.

3. DRESSY FLATS OR LOW HEELS

For evenings out, you’ll probably want to pack some nicer flats or heels that can dress up your look. Again, shoot for comfort and style; I usually pack a solid pair of wedges that cushion my heels and give my outfit some refinement.

4. BOOTS

If you’re planning to travel around snowy areas or participate in activities like sledding, skiing, and hiking, definitely invest in some waterproof hiking boots! The last thing you want is to have to cut your day short because your feet are soaking wet. You also might want some more stylish fur-lined walking boots for sightseeing in wintry climates.

OUTFITS TO WEAR IN ITALY: DRESSING APPROPRIATELY FOR ITALIAN CULTURAL SITES

Italy has so many spectacular cathedrals, churches, and religious sites to visit, and you won’t want to miss out! Just do your part to remain respectfully dressed so that your attire doesn’t disrupt any cultural norms. To avoid any issues, here are a few guidelines:

GENERAL RULES FOR RELIGIOUS SITES

Keeping shoulders covered is usually encouraged.
Skirts or shorts should extend below the knee.
Revealing or low-cut blouses are best avoided.
Upon entering a religious place, remove your hat.

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

A few ideas for staying prepared AND comfortable:

Carry a pashmina or a light wrap to cover your shoulders or thighs if necessary.
Having a light cardigan or jacket with you will help if you’re wearing a sleeveless top.

This advice might seem unnecessary or irrelevant if you’ve grown up in a very relaxed culture, but when traveling, it’s important to remember that you are a visitor and a guest and therefore should always treat the country you’re visiting like a friend’s home. Be respectful and aware of the customs – it’s the least we can do. Italy is a pretty welcoming country, all things considered – but as an American, I felt a certain responsibility not to disturb the Italians’ natural order of things.

MASTER THE ART OF PACKING LIGHT FOR ITALY

Trust me, you don’t want to be dragging hefty suitcases over cobblestone streets – so keep your packing list condensed to the essentials! It’s true what they say – sometimes, less really is more. And your muscles will thank you if you can keep things minimal rather than bringing everything you could possibly ever want. Here are my top travel tips when trying to pack light as you style the perfect outfits to wear in Italy:

THE CAPSULE WARDROBE APPROACH

Staple pieces that can easily be mixed and matched will make your whole dressing process smoother:

2-3 bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts)
4-5 tops (which match each skirt or pair of bottoms)
1-2 versatile dresses
2 neutral-toned jackets to keep you cozy
3-4 pairs of shoes (sneakers, boots, sandals, wedges, etc.)

PACKING TIPS

Roll your clothing so nothing wrinkles and everything can fit compactly!
Packing cubes can also help keep everything organized.
When traveling to your destination, wear your bulkiest coat so you don’t have to pack it!
Airport carry-on regulations can be tricky, so pack travel-sized toiletries.

If you can, do your best to leave some space in your luggage for any souvenirs you want to bring home with you; it’s going to be more expensive to have them shipped back. An extra-large carry-on purse that can hold more on the way back can be helpful in this regard.

EMBRACE ITALIAN STYLE: HOW TO DRESS LIKE A LOCAL

While I’m obviously not a local, I did gather some observational knowledge on my last visit to Italy when sightseeing and mingling with Italian women, who are just as classy and gorgeous as I’ve always been told – I mean, do they even age? (Actually, what’s also so interesting is that Italy is one of the top countries in the world for length of life! I wonder if it’s all the gelato?) Here are some of the aspects of Italian fashion that I picked up on:

KEY ELEMENTS OF ITALIAN STYLE

High-quality materials: Italians forgo fast fashion for durable, reliably stylish pieces.
Careful tailoring: I think that Italians are a little more intentional than Americans are about the fit of their clothing; moderate tailoring seems to be emphasized in a way that contrasts with American fashion, which can favor very tight or oversized pieces.
Subtle elegance: American fashion tends to be a bit more flashy and visually overwhelming than Italian fashion, which tends towards subtlety and a polished balance in each look.
Attention to detail: Accessories like elegant scarves, sunglasses, and watches are widely used to accentuate an outfit, but they blend smoothly with the look rather than being chosen to stand out.

TIPS FOR WOMEN

Italian women choose dresses and skirts in classic and polished-looking cuts
Usually, women in Italy opt for well-tailored slacks or trousers rather than more casual pants, and the materials are sturdy and do not wrinkle as easily (or have been carefully steamed).
A stylish handbag can do so much to elevate an outfit!
Heels are always a good choice, but make sure they’re supportive and comfortable.
For the most part, jewelry is less blingy and more understated in Italy.

Just remember – the idea is to create looks that make you feel confident and classy, not to completely change your style or kill yourself trying to become an Italian woman. Every closet is different, and you can have an amazing time regardless of what you wear, but it can help to be prepared for all eventualities and know a little bit about the culture you’re stepping into!

I hope some of these tips have helped you prepare for your next Italian adventure – let me know how it goes!

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