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when in Rome, what to wear?

10 replies

RSVP · 06/02/2013 10:52

Just booked a 4-day city holiday in Rome in late April.
Any tips for sightseeing-friendly wear for that time of year?

Also, any clothes/shoes/bag shops worth going to?
Think Benetton style and budget rather than Gucci.

Thanks

OP posts:

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fromparistoberlin · 06/02/2013 11:12

I failed in rome, dismally

get tailorerd jackets, DO NOT WEAR TRAINERS, stylish flat boots, shirts, tailored jackets, simple dresses, comfy ballets

dress well as you will feel like shit if you dont !!!

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Curtsey · 06/02/2013 11:41

I was there recently and spent 3-4 days in flat riding boots and skinny jeans, warm jumpers, long belted cardigans, etc. I didn't disgrace myself and didn't feel like shit (only because I have been there before and have learned from my mistakes!) A wool blazer will always see you right in Rome (so long as it's not raining). Nice leather gloves.

Don't over-think it, keep it simple, keep your colours quite dark - and don't ever wear heels, you'll just regret it!

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Curtsey · 06/02/2013 11:43

Oh hold on, you said April. Might be warmer by then, so perhaps comfy flats and skinny cuffed trousers rather than heavy boots and warm jumpers! And you probably won't need gloves :)

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AitchTwoOhOneTwo · 06/02/2013 11:44

wear your own clothes, you eejit! italians are so conservative, they're terrible dressers.

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Fairylea · 06/02/2013 11:45

I went for my honeymoon. You will need good comfy flat shoes!! Lots and lots of walking and hills with lots of steps !!

We didn't think much of the shops... we loved all the sights though.

The cafe opposite the collosseum is amazing. Great for good English tea in little silver pots !

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polyhymnia · 06/02/2013 11:51

The most important advice is to wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking a lot and the Roman cobbles are seriously hard. I note what fromparis says about trainers, but better a pair of Converse type shoes - but preferably with thick soles - or even trainers than feet cut to shreds so you can't walk anywhere. I only wear ballerinas in the evening - there just isn't enough support to the foot or thickness of sole for the day. Flat boots should be fine as long as they have nice thick soles.

The truth is, though, that the place is full of tourists and you are unlikely to be mistaken for an Italian unless you already have very Italian colouring and the wardrobe to match. So it's up to you really - I'd wear what you feel comfortable in and what you'd wear on non-work days in any city.

I go to Rome a lot and take what I'd wear on smart casual days in London, where I live. That tends to be unfussy, reasonably stylish clothes anyway - but I'll never look like a Roman!

Dresses are good - but avoid flowery ones (which I don't like anyway except perhaps in Provencal villages, or beach resorts) if you want to fit in with local tastes. Black and white, separately or together are always good, as well as being in style at present.

At that time, you'll need a lightish trench or parka as well as a jacket as it can rain hard.

Dona Ana lives in Rome I believe, so can certainly tell you what stylish Romans are wearing.

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fromparistoberlin · 06/02/2013 12:46

thanks poly!!!! and you are right, ballets will hurt feet and the whole point of rome is to wonder about

I just wore shit clothed and spent 100% of the time feeling yukky

please I ate like a pig too

I was with a very skinny and beautiful mate tho!!!

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carmenelectra · 06/02/2013 12:48

Disagree about not wearing trainers and I am usually SO not a trainer person.

It depends if you are sighTseeing or not. We were, so most definitely needed trainers or 0converse style pumps. The streets and roads are often very bumpy/cobbly.

We went March. Weather was beautiful. Warm. Tshirt weather and just light jacket, cardigan type. I could have got away with flip flops if I'd actually taken any.

Also disagree about needng to be stylish. The place is full of tourists! Its only like being in any big city. I wore jeans and tshirt for sightseeing. Obviously dressed up for the evening, but only the way you would in the UK. Depending on where you eat/drink.

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carmenelectra · 06/02/2013 12:50

Sorry RSVP can see that you are sightseeing! I will stick with what I've said.

We didn't do any clothes shopping btw. Too much to see and nice places to eat n drink!

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RSVP · 06/02/2013 17:29

Wow, great responses, thanks all!
I don't mind looking like a tourist.
Very sensible shoe advice.
And I like the idea of light jacket/blazer.

It is sightseeing mainly but will probably spend a couple of hours window shopping. I'm going with two female friends.

[now sits and waits for Dona Ana's shopping advice]