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Congratulations! You have managed to organize a fabulous trip to Rome, the Eternal City, a magic, timeless place. Now, you are not really sure what to wear once there. Here are some basic suggestion.

You want to be comfortable without giving away your tourist status. So, nice jeans or pants, a skirt (or jeans skirt), and some neat, fitted tops. None of this needs to be expensive, the keyword here is "neatness". No sloppy shirts, or worse, sweatpants. No white fluffy sneakers: if you need to wear them, go for a nicer style, like Puma or the similar smaller and often colored. There are cheap options on the market now. No fanny packs, no baseball hats, and if you can, no backpacks; use a large tote instead.

Winter is never too cold, here, but is can be rainy. A light, thin down long coat is your best bet. For spring and fall, a trench is a good option. A nice light scarf will finish up your outfit.

Summer special

Summer needs a chapter on its own. It can be very hot and humid in Rome, especially in July and August, so be prepared. Three essentials are a must: water bottle, mosquito spray or stick, and SPF cream.

Around Rome you'll see these small cute fountains that allow you to have fresh, good water. If you bring a bottle you can fill it up every time you see one, avoiding the crazy prices touristy restaurants or cafes charge you for water!

Spray yourself with mosquito spray, if you don't want to come back home all red and bumpy. And worst of all, itchy. Mosquitoes are a sad reality in Rome hot, humid summer weather.

SPF: no need to say more. The sun can turn your shoulders and face to a red mess.

During summer, you may want to spend your lunch time, and the central part of the day (from 12 to 3 pm) laying on the grass, under a tree, in a park, or in your cool hotel room. During the hottest day, authorities invite people not to leave their houses during these hours.

A last suggestion: do not wear too short skirts, and please, no shorts. You wouldn't be allowed to visit most of the churches you'll want to see. Controls are pretty strict, especially at the St. Peter's Cathedral. Also, if you like to wear spaghetti straps or strapless tops during the summer, stick a light shawl or pashmina in your bag, so you can cover up when entering a church. Otherwise, you'll have to accept the yucky throw worn by who knows who before you, offered to you at the church entrance. By the way, churches are cool and dark places, so you can have a sit there while admiring the ceilings and the paintings and taking a refreshing break

Well, have fun packing, and enjoy Rome!

Learn more about this author, Chiara Spagnoli.
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