Dressing smartly is important when traveling in a country labelled the world capital of fashion and style. You’ll notice how differently you are treated in Italy if you dress well.

However there are so many misconceptions about about the strict rules in place in Italy when it comes to wearing — you find such misconceptions especially on travel guides written by non-Italians.

Below is a list of the most common misconceptions about how Italians dress as well as about the dressing tips for travelers visiting Italy.

1. Italians don’t like to wear jeans.

(Italians love to wear jeans instead, especially if well-fitting, name brand jeans).

2. Italians only wear dressy outfits when going out to dinner.

3. Sneakers and jeans are not tolerated in many cafés and restaurants.

4. In Italy, sneakers are only worn for outdoor or sport activities.

(Don’t be scared, wear sneakers all the times, if stylish and brand name).

5. Italians think you are stylish only when you wear name brand stuff.

6. Italian men are strongly attracted from blonde hair women, so if you have blonde hair, cover it up or you could find yourself in danger.

7. Italians hate wearing bright, flashy color clothes.

(Not at all, bright colors are welcome if in the right combination. Also, the colors change seasonally with the styles trends, so you can’t suggest what colors are stylish. The right combination is the key).

So, if you happen to come across any travel guides featuring any pieces of advice as in the points above, don’t bother reading it.

What to wear when visiting churches or cathedrals in Italy.
The first rule you need to learn about what to wear when visiting Italy, is about dressing code to adopt in religious places.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in guards not letting you in.
You would miss a lot of art works and historic sites that sacred places offer in Italy.
Wearing clothes revealing too much of your body is considered immoral in religious places.
 
- Shoulders and arms

In summer, when you wear sleeveless shirts or dresses that reveal your shoulders you should bring in your bag a light sweater or cardigan to wear when visiting churches and other religious places.

In order to cover your bare shoulders, a silk scarf could be handy too.

Short sleeved shirts meet the requirements.
 
- Legs

Short, tight skirts and shorts are not permitted.
So make sure your shorts or skirt cover your knees or wear pants or jeans.
 
 
 

Zipped shorts-pants could be a practical solution by offering you the option to quickly add the bottom parts of your pants when needed.
 
 
 
 
Finally, don’t forget that churches and cathedrals are places of worship. So besides complying with the clothing rules, you are required to respect the people worshipping there.

Tips on how to dress while vacationing in Italy.

If you dress smart you get more respect when traveling in Italy, no question.
Clothes represent personality and social status in Italy more than in any other country. When Italians see you for the first time they will judge you a lot by your appearance and will behave accordingly.

Below is a list of Ins and Outs including basic pieces of advice for you — both male and female — to help you dress smart and feel comfortable when traveling in Italy.

- Ins

1. Dress in layers.
That will help you to be prepared when the weather changes. Sometimes you’ll notice the weather changing quickly with significant difference in temeperature, while traveling from North to South, from hill top towns to the closest coast, even when you travel short distances within a short time. Also, walking in and out of museums, restaurants, bars may force you to off and on your coat. You should opt for items that can be added or removed individually without changing everything. Choose clothes complementary and mixable.

2. Socks should always be as discrete as possible.
Wear very short socks.
When wearing sneakers and similar kind of shoes wear specifically adapted socks, almost invisible.

 
 
 

3. Make-up is a must for Italian women.
Italian women wear make-up even when they are hiking and cycling. Go for a light make-up that looks very natural.

4. Take regular care of your hair.
Doing eyebrows and nails.

5. Looking tanned is better.
That will help you to blend with locals. Italians look tanned all year round.

6. Jeans are welcome.
They must be well-fitting, stylish, better if name brand jeans. They must be clean.

6. Choose quality shoes.
Sports shoes are welcome if stylish and branded.

 
- Outs

1. Comply with dressing code in religious places.
Don’t wear shoulder-less clothing when visiting churches, cathedrals or sacred places.

 
 
 
 

2. Don’t wear oversize t-shirts.
Go for tight and branded ones.

 
 
 
 
3. Don’t wear baggy trousers.

4. Try to limit the use of flip-flop and shortys.
They are ok for the beach but are not recommended for use in many places.

5. No socks in sandals
It is the top identifier of tourist.

 
 
 
 
 
6. Don’t wear too short skirts.

7. No belt packs.
Money belt instantly identifies you as a tourist and potentially a target of pickpockets.