We are currently on a dream trip to Lake Como, Positano and Portofino, Italy for our 30th Anniversary, here is what to pack for Italy in the Summer! I meant to send this on Friday and forgot! I’m sharing things to LTK if you want a sneak peek before they published here upon our return or even before I share to Instagram Stories. I’m saving our trip on IG Highlights, too.
From the serene elegance of Lake Como, to the sun-soaked cliffs of Positano, and the glamour of Portofino, each destination offers its own unique atmosphere—but all share a common style ethos: relaxed luxury. In fact ,most of Italy shares this refined style image. As the Florence-based travel agent we used to design this trip said yesterday, “Italians are always well dressed. Casual to Italians means something very different than it does in the States.” With that in mind, I’ve shared what I’m packing and more inspiration for you!
Although we are headed to these specific destinations, I’ve included pieces that will work all over this beautiful country. I’ve created travel guides for the places we visited: Rome, Florence and Venice. You can see packing list inspiration here. We went to Portofino many years ago at the end of a trip to France. We were supposed to go to Rome and the Amalfi Coast a few years ago for our 20th anniversary and then changed to the Maldives. We planned it again for our 25th but well…2020 wasn’t a big travel year…So I’m VERY excited to be going there this year!
The weather in the summer in Italy can vary greatly from going high 90s to high 60s. I’ve included light pieces for hot days in Rome (based on the fact they had a record heat wave of over 100 when we were there!) to colorful designs and feminine style, too. I always travel in something comfortable but stylish. I shared my favorite travel outfits here.
I suggest packing light dresses like this, this and this for day, pretty frocks like this and this for dinner. How gorgeous is this dress!?!? It would be the first in my suitcase if I were headed to Italy! Don’t forget a light scarf or cardigan to cover your shoulders in churches if you are wearing a dress with straps like this beauty.
As for shoes, I’m a sandal girl so these and these are in my bag. This is my hands-down favorite pair of sandals. They are cushioned on the bottom and easy to walk in. I wore them all over Spain and Greece and they are still going strong. I’ll be ordering another pair! I can’t decide between gold or black!?!? These are also great sandals and great for travel because they don’t have a slippery sole. A comfortable pair of sneakers are also a great shoe choice and these are my current favorite. They are stylish and very comfortable. I’d don’t wear sneakers much if it’s hot out. If my feet are hot, I’m hot!
This is my go-to bag for sightseeing especially with my family. It is large enough for wallet, phone, guide book (love these!), scarf, rain jacket, and more. But small enough to still be stylish. I love the crossbody strap. I also love a small crossbody that can double as a bag for night. I’m bringing a French style market basket that doubles as a cute bag for day and as a beach bag.
I hope this helps you if you are traveling to Italy this summer or really almost any warmer European destination. You can see the posts from what I wore in Italy and also Greece. The items may not still be available but will give you some more inspiration. I’ll be sharing exactly what I wear on Instagram stories and on LTK as we travel and in a blog post (or two!) when we return.
Happy Summer Travels!
xo
Alicia
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We took our high school aged kids to Italy for our son’s graduation gift and had the most amazing time. My favorite part of the trip was that I had 21 nights in a row of dinner with my family! Rome is definitely hot – my daughter actually passed out at the Vatican! Your packing list looks perfect. And for a memorable family dinner, I suggest La Reggia in Florence. We still talk about the food, the wine, the setting. Beautiful! https://www.lareggiadeglietruschi.com/florence_restaurant.html
Rome is HOT, no matter the summer temp, expect hot. My favorite city. Check out Parla’s Rome for great restaurant tips, she also has an app that is useful as it has mapping, and you never know when you need a great eat! I never go wrong with her recommendations. If you want the Coliseum/Forum or Vatican tour book ahead and get entry privileges. Only select tours will get you on the central floor of the Coliseum. I’ll track down who we used if you need. You DON’T want to stand in line with the general public.
Venice is crowded, but lovely. Spent a week at Christmas there, which is one of the only times the cruise ships are not active. One thing, most cruise ships just spend the day, so they are out by evening. A guided tour of the Duomo and Cathedral are nice to have. If you haven’t booked a hotel, I recommend Views on Venice for an apartment rental. SOOO nice! We had a beauty.
Ive spent a lot of time in both, especially Rome, so happy to help!
Oh yes, for a custom leather bag, check out Sirni Pelletteria, by the Spanish Steps does wonderful bags. You can look on line to get an idea, then visit them/set an appt to pick out your leathers. They can mail it home. I have several and have sent friends that have loved their purchases. They have stuff in stock too. Best in Rome, and I researched that one out!!