Fashion Travel Tips for Italy | USA Today 

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Packing for a trip to Italy can present a challenge. Italians are famously fashionable, and they tend to dress well even for simple trips to the grocery store; this is particularly true in larger cities such as Rome, Florence or Milan. When traveling in Italy, bring clothing that is comfortable and stylish. Most importantly, wear clothes that suit your particular style and body type.

When packing for a trip to Italy, a good rule of thumb is to bring clothing you would wear when shopping in higher-end shops: stylish outfits that are comfortable enough to wear for hours on end. Bring simple base pieces that can be combined with bolder items to create multiple outfits. When in doubt, a pair of narrow jeans and a stylish top can carry you from tourist attractions to shopping to dinner.

In Italy, accessories are popular. Italians have mastered the art of the scarf and dark sunglasses; they use them for form and function. When traveling in Italy, a pair of stylish sunglasses and an artfully wrapped scarf can lend a touch of fashion to an otherwise ordinary outfit. For women, the scarf can be used to cover bare shoulders or legs when visiting churches. Likewise, think of purses and bags as a utilitarian opportunity to accessorize, and don't be afraid to bring your best. Male travelers can use a leather messenger bag that is popular with Italian men, and women should feel free to carry their largest or most outrageous purse.

Travel in Italy inevitably involves a good deal of walking. Italians maneuver the uneven cobblestone streets on sky-high stilettos with grace borne from years of experience; for tourists, comfort is key. Bring fashionable shoes that will be easy to walk in for hours on end, and make sure they have been broken in. Women can be comfortable and stylish in flat, riding-style boots or ballet flats; men can bring streamlined, European-style casual shoes. Italians go all out for evening and special events, so bring your best shoes and plan to take a cab to minimize walking.

If you will be traveling to Italy in the spring, fall or winter, be sure to pack appropriate outerwear. Spring and fall often bring rain, so a funky umbrella or designer raincoat can be lifesavers; to draw less attention to yourself as a tourist, avoid ponchos or brightly colored outdoor rain shells. Winters are remarkably cold, but Italians keep their fashion sense by wearing the latest in winter jackets, often in floor-length styles.

Elizabeth Smith has been a scientific and engineering writer since 2004. Her work has appeared in numerous journals, newspapers and corporate publications. A frequent traveler, she also has penned articles as a travel writer. Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in communications and writing from Michigan State University.

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