What I’m Packing for a Summer Trip to Italy & Tips to Dress Like a Local

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Stainless Watch//Skagen  Rose Gold Watch//Skagen

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As I write this, I am headed on a trip to Italy tomorrow to see my family. We usually spend a few days in Milan so my dad can get a bit of work done then head down to his hometown along the Adriatic coast. If you are confused now and thinking this makes no sense let me explain… 

I am half Italian and half American (dual citizen), and every Summer we visit my dad’s side of the family in Central Italy as he is the only one who has left his small beach town. Check out this Instagram post where I talk about 5 facts that you may not know about me and feel free to share some of your own in the comments section below.

As an Italian and veteran traveller, I wanted to share what I normally pack for a trip to Italy and a few tips along the way as I know Italy is a popular travel destination in the Summer.

For a more detailed description of my outfits, stay tuned for a post after my trip discussing all of the outfits I wore in Italy, sizing, where you can shop the items and more. You can also follow me on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss the action on my feed.

WHAT I AM PACKING FOR A SUMMER IN ITALY

When it comes to travelling you want getting dressed to be simple, especially in the hot Italian Summer. That’s why you want to do all of the work prior to your trip.

Every item I buy must run through a rigorous test because whether I’m spending $10 or $1,000 I want to buy items that I will love and wear often. It has now become second nature to me, and I can quickly decide what will work in my wardrobe and what won’t.

Be honest with yourself and decide what is the must-have criteria for you. Is it fabric, color, versatility, comfort?

EASY DRESSES

Easy dresses are essential for a Summer trip to Italy. You want to remain casual during the day, but should you go out for a nice dinner you can easily transition these dresses from day to night with your accessories. Italians are fashion conscious but also casual, especially in the Summer when there is no air conditioning in 99% of the places you’ll go. So cotton and linen will be your best bet.

Think breezy, easy, and yet classic. It’s all about effortlessly incorporating this if you truly want to fit in.

BASIC TOPS

This is along the same lines of packing easy dresses. Basic tanks and tees will go with anything in your wardrobe and you quickly create multiple different looks just from a few basic tops. Whether you are going site seeing for the day or heading to the beach, a basic top is perfect just to throw on and head out.

Also if you are staying somewhere that doesn’t have a washer-dryer situation (i.e. hotel or Airbnb) then these types of tops are easy to wash in the bathroom sink if you want to really maximize the space in your suitcase for shopping.

VERSATILE BOTTOMS

For me, this means different types of denim bottoms or tie waist shorts. For you, this may be something different based on what you typically wear. Just by taking 1 pair of jeans, 1 skirt, and 1 pair of shorts I can create numerous looks and know everything I am packing will easily pair together.

Always pack for versatility, comfort, and then add in some fun pieces because who doesn’t want an excuse to buy something new for a trip. I highly recommend bringing 1 pair of jeans because you never know when the weather might change, and you don’t want to be that person stuck in a pair of shorts when it’s raining or cooler at night.

Also, if you are sightseeing and heading into cathedrals or other religious buildings you often cannot enter showing a lot of leg so you will be forced to purchase a scarf from the tourist stands outside. Something to keep in mind.

SANDALS & WALKING SHOES

I will warn you there will be a lot of walking, which is great because you can work off all of that great food you will be eating throughout your trip. Walking is also one of my favorite and highly recommended ways to explore a new city.

Always make sure you have a pair or two of really comfortable walking shoes for those long days like Golden Goose sneakers – an Italian brand.

If you really want to fit in then your shoes matter. Italians can often tell a tourist before they ever open their mouth because of their shoes.

Don’t rock your gym shoes or 90’s dad sneakers. If you want comfortable shoes to walk around in but to also be stylish then try wearing a pair of fashion sneakers for an effortlessly cool look or comfy ballet flats (Sam Edelman are my favorite).

It’s also great to have a pair of sandals for super hot days and when you’ll be leisurely meandering through the city or spending time at the beach.

I wouldn’t bring more than one pair of heels. While packing you may be thinking that you’ll don those heels at night, but with the amount of walking and cobblestone streets probably not. Like I said, Italians are fashionable but casual. Castañer espadrilles would be a great option to take you from day-to-night.

MINI HANDBAGS

I am taking one larger tote as my travel and beach bag in one. You can check out my blog post where I talk all about my latest handbag in my collection. I also plan on taking two small handbags that I will use when I am out and about.

Just a word of advice:

Try to refrain from using large tote bags and backpacks as your everyday bag when traveling to Italy. Pickpocketing is quite common, especially amongst tourists.

It’s nothing you need to overly worry about, but just be aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear a backpack on your back and be conscious of bags that don’t zip or have a tight closure when in crowds. This is usually why I like to opt for a smaller handbag or crossbody.

MINIMAL ACCESSORIES

If you are all about those statement earrings then you wear that. You all know I am a big fan of BaubleBar statement earrings, but when travelling I tend to follow the philosophy that less is more.

I try to be as efficient of a packer as I can – can being the operative word so I tend to take just a few versatile items that I plan on wearing with most looks.

My favorite way to add some interest to a look is with a fun pair of sunglasses (Italians love their funky sunglasses – a great way to fit in) or a colorful silk scarf, which also works great to cover your shoulders. When exploring churches and cathedrals remember that bare shoulders and bare legs are often not allowed.

PIN ME FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

What is your philosophy when packing for a trip? If you’ve been to Italy what was your favorite place you visited? Let me know in the comment section below!

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