In this blog, I’m going to go over what to wear when traveling across Italy, essentials to pack, and some helpful tips to keep in mind.

If you’re heading to Italy (or anywhere in Europe) for 2+ weeks, packing can feel a little stressful. Planning outfits for different locations, figuring out what you actually need, and somehow fitting it all into your luggage… it can get overwhelming fast.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you. Read along for my recommendations.

What to Wear in Italy During Summer

I traveled at the end of spring/beginning of summer so it wasn’t too hot but if you’re here during peak summer, it’ll be HOT. So the biggest takeaway here: linen and cotton are your best friends.

Think lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep you cool. Linen is also very “Italian”, you’ll see it everywhere. It gives that effortless, chic vibe without even trying. Linen and cotton will keep you cool… temperature-wise and aesthetically. LOL.

Since I went early summer, I did pack a few light jackets/cover-ups, which came in handy when visiting cathedrals (you’ll want your shoulders covered in some places).

Outfit staples I recommend:

Linen shorts
Linen tops + button-ups
Classic tanks
Flowy dresses
Linen pants (optional, you may not wear them if it’s super hot)

Definitely check the weather before your trip so you can adjust.

Mix + Match is Everything

If you’re traveling for a while and worried about space, focus on mix-and-match pieces.

I stuck to a color palette of white, tan, blue, and a few pastels, perfect for summer. Then I added a few dresses with pops of color for dinners or special plans.

Dresses are honestly my go-to, they’re the easiest, most breathable, and you don’t have to think too hard about styling.

Leave Room for Shopping

This is important, leave space in your suitcase.

Italy has some of the best shopping, especially in Florence. I intentionally packed more basics so I could buy fun pieces there and wear them throughout the trip.

I also went to Croatia afterward, and everything I packed (and bought) worked there too, so think versatile if you’re hitting multiple destinations.

Shoes (Very Important)

You will 100% want:

Comfortable, cute sneakers
A good sandal (preferably waterproof)

I bought white leather sneakers before my trip, broke them in, and they were AMAZING. They matched every outfit and were super comfortable, I still wear them to this day, and it’s been 3 years.

Sneakers are a must for cities like Rome and Florence, you’ll be walking a lot.

For sandals, I brought waterproof ones (great for beach areas like the Amalfi Coast or Capri). Many beaches are rocky, so this is actually more important than you think.

If you’re thinking about heels, don’t bring them. Heels and cobblestone streets don’t mix well. If you do really want to bring a heel for a nice dinner I’d recommend a low wedge or low block heel.

Accessories

Accessories can completely elevate your outfits without taking up much space.

I recommend:

Sunglasses (a must)
A sun hat or floppy hat (especially for beach areas)
Crossbody bag or fanny pack (safer for travel)
Jewelry, scarves, belts for styling

Also, bring a small umbrella if rain is in the forecast.

Essentials to Pack

Here are a few things people don’t always think about:

2-prong adapter: Europe outlets are different everywhere, it’s honestly chaotic
Reusable water bottle: Italy has tons of free water fountains (and restaurants charge for water)
Laundry detergent (travel size): helpful for longer trips
International Driver’s Permit (IDP): If you research online it’s going to say you need an IDP to rent a car in Italy. However, I have rented a car in many countries and they’ve never asked for my IDP. It may be more important if you get pulled over but I am not really sure it’s needed. You may want to get it just in case the rental company requires it. You can go to AAA and request an IDP, they just take your picture, you fill out a form, and you can have it ready in 20 minutes for roughly $35-$40.
Mini umbrella: especially for spring/early summer
Portable charger - your phone will die from maps + photos
Electrolyte packets: heat + walking = you’ll thank me later
Blister patches: just in case, even broken-in shoes can surprise you
A lightweight scarf/shawl: for churches or chilly evenings
Ziplock or laundry bag: for dirty clothes

Tips for Packing

Suitcase Size Debate

Most people will tell you not to bring a big suitcase… I’m not one of them. If you’re traveling for weeks, it’s hard. Let’s be real.

A larger suitcase is manageable, especially if you’re not constantly changing locations every day. My husband has always carried mine and never complained (lol), but even when I had to handle it myself in places like London and the Netherlands, it really wasn’t that bad. I brought a large luggage, backpack for a personal item and had to buy a carry on in Florence because of the shopping.

Packing Cubes = Game Changer

Packing cubes will keep you so organized.

You can:

Separate dressy vs casual
Organize by location
Or even plan full outfits per cube

This way you’re not digging through your suitcase every morning.

Toiletry Organization

Bring a hanging toiletry bag, European bathrooms can be small, and this keeps everything neat and easy to access.

Plan Your Outfits Ahead

This is one of my favorite tips:

Try on your outfits before your trip and take photos.

When you’re in Europe and getting ready quickly, you won’t have to think, you can just reference your photos. It saves time and stress.

Airtags (Peace of Mind)

If you’re worried about losing luggage (especially with trains and flights), throw an AirTag in your bag. It’s such an easy way to track everything.

Cash vs Card

Bring some cash.

Most places take card, but smaller towns, markets, or taxis may prefer cash. You don’t need a ton, just enough to have on hand.

Positano Reality Check

If you’re staying in Positano (or any hillside town)… there are a lot of stairs.

This is when I’d recommend packing lighter, unless you have someone carrying your bag 😅

Hotels will often help, or honestly… sometimes a kind Italian man will appear out of nowhere and help you.

Luggage Transfer Services

There are also services in Italy that will transfer your luggage from one hotel to the next.

We didn’t personally use it, but I’ve heard great things, especially if you’re moving around a lot.

I hope this helped make packing for Italy feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. Pack smart, stay comfortable, leave room for shopping, and most importantly, enjoy every second of it.

And don’t forget to check out my other Italy blogs!

What to Pack for Italy: Summer Edition