Packing for 2.5 weeks in Italy in August

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Def dresses not shorts

Really? No shorts at all? I have some cute “nicer” shorts with a paper bag sort of top that look very put together. Would a pair of those be ok to mix it up?

Italians really don't wear shorts.

She’s not Italian.

Yeah, but I would hate to scream 'TOURIST' with my stupid looking shorts on a European vacation.

I pride myself on the fact that tourists often stop me and ask if I speak English, and for directions. People usually think I'm a local whenever I'm over there.

LOL. People just want to know if you’re an English speaking tourist. They know you’re a tourist.

When they ask if I'm Italian or Spanish and address me in those languages...it always freaks them out when my blonde, fair husband leans in and speaks fluently with them (he speaks 4 languages fluently).

I'm olive skin, blue eye, dark hair with a roman nose. I confuse a lot of people in Europe. And my style has always been minimalist and sleek. I never wear shorts in Europe. I also like to go to the 'non-tourist' restaurants, more local places. I tend to stay longer in one place.

But, who cares. I'm just telling you shorts and big sneakers look silly unless you are in a big tour group with a bunch of other tourists with fanny packs front-facing.

Oh no. The lady with her Roman nose is back. She always gives this description of herself. Just an insecure wannabe poseur.

Here she is in January https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1032542.page#21854737

Europeans have long worn fashion sneakers.

I lived in Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam and Barcelona and way back in the early 2000s you would see the retro pumas and Adidas, etc., on women. They were very practical because you walk everywhere over there and lots of cobblestone streets.

I was a very big anti-running shoes/sneakers outside of the gym until I lived there. I adopted the retro sneaker look (they are not bulky) for wear with jeans when my wedges or casual boots/sandals are impractical.

Back then (and pretty much still), people did not wear athletic wear outside of the gym (and gyms were scarce and in Germany had bars and smoking). My husband and I would go in street clothes to the gym and ALWAYS change back into street clothes post workout even if we planned to shower at home.

I am 100% full-blooded American, but I was always asked if I were Spanish or Italian by locals over there. I have olive skin and blue eyes, and a small roman nose. I still can easily pass as European. But, I wear a helluva lot of Lulu working from home and working out mid-day and I don't change out of it to go to the grocery store--so right there is a big tip off.

I have a minimalist, classic style that could pretty much be from anywhere. I don't wear heavy make-up, fake eyelashes or have heavily highlighted hair or beach waves (all very American--think Navarro cheerleader--ha). I get my brunette hair highlighted/low lights very minimally to break up the color only twice a year.

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I don't know why she's worried about what she'll wear since she's always been told she's beautiful (even with the Roman nose) https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/906618.page#17940974

I am olive skin, blue-eyed brunette with slight down-turned oval eyes. I have been told I'm beautiful since I was a small kid.

I get that I'm "exotic' looking. I also have a Roman nose (though small nose). My brother has the same eyes and was always Homecoming King, etc.

They can be sexy. I don't think it's your eyes. I think you are likely very pretty and much more interesting than the typical, boring conventional way.

What's funny is that in my 20s I made a good friend that had similar shaped eyes. When I was at her wedding everyone thought I was related to her, a sister or a first cousin. I think she's gorgeous and love her eyes. We look more alike than my sister who has very big round dark eyes.

I use a lot of mascara to open my eyes. I need to top and lower line to make them noticeable. Their light color with darker skin and darker hair makes them pop. You sound like you are similar.

I wouldn't fight them. The plus is that I have zero bags, puffiness or lines even in my old age").

Op - oh wow. I know someone like this irl and she can turn any conversation into one about herself. She’s so full of it and ridiculous. Wtf cares that you seem to think people think you’re European when you aren’t?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Def dresses not shorts

Really? No shorts at all? I have some cute “nicer” shorts with a paper bag sort of top that look very put together. Would a pair of those be ok to mix it up?

Italians really don't wear shorts.

She’s not Italian.

Yeah, but I would hate to scream 'TOURIST' with my stupid looking shorts on a European vacation.

I pride myself on the fact that tourists often stop me and ask if I speak English, and for directions. People usually think I'm a local whenever I'm over there.

LOL. People just want to know if you’re an English speaking tourist. They know you’re a tourist.

When they ask if I'm Italian or Spanish and address me in those languages...it always freaks them out when my blonde, fair husband leans in and speaks fluently with them (he speaks 4 languages fluently).

I'm olive skin, blue eye, dark hair with a roman nose. I confuse a lot of people in Europe. And my style has always been minimalist and sleek. I never wear shorts in Europe. I also like to go to the 'non-tourist' restaurants, more local places. I tend to stay longer in one place.

But, who cares. I'm just telling you shorts and big sneakers look silly unless you are in a big tour group with a bunch of other tourists with fanny packs front-facing.

Oh no. The lady with her Roman nose is back. She always gives this description of herself. Just an insecure wannabe poseur.

Here she is in January https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1032542.page#21854737

Europeans have long worn fashion sneakers.

I lived in Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam and Barcelona and way back in the early 2000s you would see the retro pumas and Adidas, etc., on women. They were very practical because you walk everywhere over there and lots of cobblestone streets.

I was a very big anti-running shoes/sneakers outside of the gym until I lived there. I adopted the retro sneaker look (they are not bulky) for wear with jeans when my wedges or casual boots/sandals are impractical.

Back then (and pretty much still), people did not wear athletic wear outside of the gym (and gyms were scarce and in Germany had bars and smoking). My husband and I would go in street clothes to the gym and ALWAYS change back into street clothes post workout even if we planned to shower at home.

I am 100% full-blooded American, but I was always asked if I were Spanish or Italian by locals over there. I have olive skin and blue eyes, and a small roman nose. I still can easily pass as European. But, I wear a helluva lot of Lulu working from home and working out mid-day and I don't change out of it to go to the grocery store--so right there is a big tip off.

I have a minimalist, classic style that could pretty much be from anywhere. I don't wear heavy make-up, fake eyelashes or have heavily highlighted hair or beach waves (all very American--think Navarro cheerleader--ha). I get my brunette hair highlighted/low lights very minimally to break up the color only twice a year.

*******************************
I don't know why she's worried about what she'll wear since she's always been told she's beautiful (even with the Roman nose) https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/906618.page#17940974

I am olive skin, blue-eyed brunette with slight down-turned oval eyes. I have been told I'm beautiful since I was a small kid.

I get that I'm "exotic' looking. I also have a Roman nose (though small nose). My brother has the same eyes and was always Homecoming King, etc.

They can be sexy. I don't think it's your eyes. I think you are likely very pretty and much more interesting than the typical, boring conventional way.

What's funny is that in my 20s I made a good friend that had similar shaped eyes. When I was at her wedding everyone thought I was related to her, a sister or a first cousin. I think she's gorgeous and love her eyes. We look more alike than my sister who has very big round dark eyes.

I use a lot of mascara to open my eyes. I need to top and lower line to make them noticeable. Their light color with darker skin and darker hair makes them pop. You sound like you are similar.

I wouldn't fight them. The plus is that I have zero bags, puffiness or lines even in my old age").

Op - oh wow. I know someone like this irl and she can turn any conversation into one about herself. She’s so full of it and ridiculous. Wtf cares that you seem to think people think you’re European when you aren’t?

I once had someone at a spa think I was Spanish. This was 12 years ago and I still feel a little chuffed.

What is a roman nose?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m going to Italy next week and have packed only dresses. I’ll wear jeans or joggers on the plane buy plan on dresses the rest of the trip. They are cooler and take up less space in the suitcase.

Links to the types of dresses?

Here are some I’ve bought and plan on packing:

https://www.splendid.com/doe-dress.html

https://www.splendid.com/tie-dye-sylvia-t-shirt-dress.html

https://www.splendid.com/kings-dress.html

https://www.splendid.com/wailea-dress.html

With the exception of the last one, these would look dumpy on most women.

I just got back from Italy and everyone, I mean, everyone, looks great. No athleisure type of clothes like you see all over the US. People look great and fit. Most women are wearing flattering dresses or skirts. I saw a lot of linen. Rarely did I see shorts. I bought a few dresses while there, very inexpensively, as it was so so hot. Italian AC is not like US AC - in other words, the AC just doesn't get a cold. I can't explain it.
Buy shoes that look nice but, more importantly, give you the support you need to walk all over the place. Cobblestone streets, uneven pavements, etc will wreak havoc if you are wearing your cute sandals without support.

Prepare to sweat but also prepare to enjoy a beautiful place and enjoy the food and drink!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Def dresses not shorts

Really? No shorts at all? I have some cute “nicer” shorts with a paper bag sort of top that look very put together. Would a pair of those be ok to mix it up?

Italians really don't wear shorts.

She’s not Italian.

Yeah, but I would hate to scream 'TOURIST' with my stupid looking shorts on a European vacation.

I pride myself on the fact that tourists often stop me and ask if I speak English, and for directions. People usually think I'm a local whenever I'm over there.

LOL. People just want to know if you’re an English speaking tourist. They know you’re a tourist.

When they ask if I'm Italian or Spanish and address me in those languages...it always freaks them out when my blonde, fair husband leans in and speaks fluently with them (he speaks 4 languages fluently).

I'm olive skin, blue eye, dark hair with a roman nose. I confuse a lot of people in Europe. And my style has always been minimalist and sleek. I never wear shorts in Europe. I also like to go to the 'non-tourist' restaurants, more local places. I tend to stay longer in one place.

But, who cares. I'm just telling you shorts and big sneakers look silly unless you are in a big tour group with a bunch of other tourists with fanny packs front-facing.

Oh no. The lady with her Roman nose is back. She always gives this description of herself. Just an insecure wannabe poseur.

Here she is in January https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1032542.page#21854737

Europeans have long worn fashion sneakers.

I lived in Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam and Barcelona and way back in the early 2000s you would see the retro pumas and Adidas, etc., on women. They were very practical because you walk everywhere over there and lots of cobblestone streets.

I was a very big anti-running shoes/sneakers outside of the gym until I lived there. I adopted the retro sneaker look (they are not bulky) for wear with jeans when my wedges or casual boots/sandals are impractical.

Back then (and pretty much still), people did not wear athletic wear outside of the gym (and gyms were scarce and in Germany had bars and smoking). My husband and I would go in street clothes to the gym and ALWAYS change back into street clothes post workout even if we planned to shower at home.

I am 100% full-blooded American, but I was always asked if I were Spanish or Italian by locals over there. I have olive skin and blue eyes, and a small roman nose. I still can easily pass as European. But, I wear a helluva lot of Lulu working from home and working out mid-day and I don't change out of it to go to the grocery store--so right there is a big tip off.

I have a minimalist, classic style that could pretty much be from anywhere. I don't wear heavy make-up, fake eyelashes or have heavily highlighted hair or beach waves (all very American--think Navarro cheerleader--ha). I get my brunette hair highlighted/low lights very minimally to break up the color only twice a year.

*******************************
I don't know why she's worried about what she'll wear since she's always been told she's beautiful (even with the Roman nose) https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/906618.page#17940974

I am olive skin, blue-eyed brunette with slight down-turned oval eyes. I have been told I'm beautiful since I was a small kid.

I get that I'm "exotic' looking. I also have a Roman nose (though small nose). My brother has the same eyes and was always Homecoming King, etc.

They can be sexy. I don't think it's your eyes. I think you are likely very pretty and much more interesting than the typical, boring conventional way.

What's funny is that in my 20s I made a good friend that had similar shaped eyes. When I was at her wedding everyone thought I was related to her, a sister or a first cousin. I think she's gorgeous and love her eyes. We look more alike than my sister who has very big round dark eyes.

I use a lot of mascara to open my eyes. I need to top and lower line to make them noticeable. Their light color with darker skin and darker hair makes them pop. You sound like you are similar.

I wouldn't fight them. The plus is that I have zero bags, puffiness or lines even in my old age").

I love this! Busted. And who describes themselves as sleek??? Insufferable is more like it.

[Anonymous]

I never knew a Roman nose was a thing!

[Anonymous]

I spent a vacation in Italy in August a few years back and ended up kind of horrified by my own clothing compared to the Italians. They were usually much more dressed up than I was, but in a kind of casual "resort wear" way. I ended up wearing a solid wrap sundress with flat gold sandals almost every day, because it was the only thing I had that didn't feel really out of place. The shoes were really the main thing - I strongly recommend getting a really comfortable yet attractive pair of sandals to walk around in. I just got a pair of these that I think might fit the bill:

https://www.zappos.com/p/taos-footwear-trophy-2-pewter/product/8838533/color/552

If I were going back this August I'd probably look for some simple sundresses (it's so hot and humid there) and limit the pants because it's really hot for pants, and forget the shorts completely because they aren't really worn over there by anyone except American tourists. Flowy, light sundresses and similar are more the norm, usually with some light accessories that dress it up a little, like a metallic sandal or a pretty bag.

I never saw anyone in athletic sneakers except tourists.

[Anonymous]

Is Italy better dressed than Spain? Because I went to Madrid right before the pandemic and read all the same stuff about dressing up nicely and everybody there wore..... sneakers and jeans, honestly.

This was in February, not tourist season. There were perhaps more funky styles of sneakers, but sneakers just the same, and tons of jeans.

[Anonymous]

I would just wear this every day: https://www.splendid.com/striped-bristol-dress.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial_fb&utm_campaign=23850571513690322_fb&utm_content=23850572080990322_fb&fbclid=IwAR3hAXskV2cuwYxNgpd83tx0IKhQ3IiAuOdb4LIX6q1gNrlGpmMphJvA84I

[Anonymous]

Buy some summer dresses from the gap. Save some room for new clothes. You are going to Italy.

[Anonymous]

Why would you bother washing underwear, you can put 20 pair of underwear around the edge of your bag once you have it packed. They take up no space at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would you bother washing underwear, you can put 20 pair of underwear around the edge of your bag once you have it packed. They take up no space at all.

My husbands boxer briefs definitely take up more space than that. Why would you need 20 pair of underwear when it’s the easiest thing to wash?

[Anonymous]

Op here - I have confirmed that our second hotel (days 6-11) has laundry that is returned same-day if sent out by 10am, so planning to do laundry midway through our trip. That will help cut down on the number of shirts we need to take, and I can take one pair of pajamas and get them washed.

What I have packed for my 8yo son:
3 pajamas
1 pair long pants
8 shorts
8 underwear
1 long sleeve sun shirt
8 t-shirts
1 bathing suit & rash guard
2 shortsleeved button down shirts

For myself here is my plan:

Light sweater & tshirt (for plane)
Wide leg light tan linen pants
Wide leg green pants (wear on plane)
Blue dress (midi)
White dress (midi, super easy to wash)
Flower dress (have a few options including the Somerset one)
Floral skirt (can pair with white, navy or black shirts)
2 white t-shirts (wear one on plane)
White shirt with eyelet sleeves
Grey T-shirt
Navy T-shirt
Black T-shirt
Striped t-shirt
2 White linen long sleeve shirts
Blue or rust paper bag shorts
Black romper
Woven belt
2 bathing suits (maybe just 1…)
1 cover up
1 pair pajamas
Veja sneakers (wear on plane)
Birkenstocks
“Dressier” sandals
Flip flops

All this fits easily into my carryon with a bit of room for toiletries (planning to spread out toiletries with kids bags too, since they don’t need a lot and we will buy sunscreen and shampoo/conditioner there if needed).

[Anonymous]

Your list looks great to me! The only thing I might swap out is some of the white for another neutral. When I wear white, at least, it looks dirty so quickly. Travel is hard on clothes, I can't imagine a white shirt looking or feeling good after a long flight or even a morning of hot city walking.

[Anonymous]

I would pack underwear for every day of the trip (and then a few more). Seriously, I do. I am not washing underwear in a sink.

[Anonymous]

Looks great. Very minor but I’d drop 1 long sleeved shirt, drop the cover up (I’d wear the remaining long sleeved linen shirt as a cover up), and drop the flip floos (I’d wear birks with my bathing suit). Maybe you now gain room for a purchase while in Italy