Italy is my happy place. I say that as someone who has visited over 40 countries and spent two years living there with my family. I know the way the light hits the Colosseum in the late afternoon. I know how it feels to wander through a Florentine market before the tourists arrive. I know the particular kind of beauty that exists on a Venetian canal at dusk, and the way an Amalfi cliff road makes your heart stop in the best possible way.
I also know exactly what happens when you show up in Italy in the wrong shoes. Packing for Italy is a skill. Not because Italy is complicated, but because it rewards the woman who arrives prepared and punishes the one who did not think through her footwear before boarding her flight. Italy is cobblestones and cathedrals and outdoor markets and candlelit dinners and scorching summer heat and the most stylish people you’ve ever walked past in your life. It’s a lot, and it’s glorious.
Knowing what to pack for Italy in summer as a woman over 40 means building a wardrobe that’s effortlessly chic, completely comfortable, and practical enough to take you from a morning at a museum to an afternoon gelato to an evening at a rooftop restaurant without a single outfit change you are not excited about. That’s what this guide is for.
I did Italy carry-on only as part of our three-week Europe trip, and everything I’m recommending here has been worn on actual Italian streets, through actual Italian heat, past actual Italians who very much noticed what everyone around them was wearing. Consider this your insider guide from someone who lived it. Let’s get on with what to pack for Italy in summer!
What to Know About Italy in Summer Before You Pack
Before you start pulling things out of your closet, there are a few things worth knowing about Italy in summer that will make every single packing decision easier. Italy is not a one-size-fits-all destination. The climate, terrain, culture, and fashion expectations vary enough that showing up unprepared is how women end up wilting in the wrong fabrics, limping in the wrong shoes, and turned away at the door of a church they’ve been dreaming of visiting for years.
Italy in summer is hot. Not Switzerland hot where you could escape to a cooler mountain elevation. Straight up Mediterranean, relentless, beautiful summer heat. Cities like Rome and Florence can feel like walking through an oven in July and August. Even the more temperate northern cities like Venice and Milan get pretty warm. Understanding the heat is the most important thing you can do before you know what to pack for Italy in summer.
The other thing to understand is Italian culture around fashion and appearance. Italians take how they look seriously. Looking put together is a sign of respect for yourself and the people around you. Showing up in sloppy tourist clothing won’t get you arrested, but it’ll make you stick out like a sore thumb. Even something as simple as choosing a linen dress over athletic shorts changes the entire experience of walking through a piazza.
And then there are the shoes. The cobblestone streets of Rome, Florence, Venice, and virtually every Italian village are ancient, uneven, and completely uninterested in your comfort. The wrong shoes in Italy don’t just hurt…they end trips early. I say this as someone who walked those streets for two years. Plan your footwear before you plan anything else.
How Hot Does Italy Get in Summer?
Italy in summer is hot…and if you are coming from a moderate climate, it can catch you completely off guard. Average temperatures in July and August in central and southern Italy sit between 85 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 38 degrees Celsius), with Rome and Sicily regularly hitting even higher. Northern cities like Milan and Venice are somewhat cooler, but still warm enough that heavy fabrics and dark colors become genuinely uncomfortable within minutes of being outside.
The heat in Italy is dry in some regions and more humid near the coast, which affects how your skin, your makeup, and your clothing perform. Coastal areas like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Venice can feel sticky and warm in a way that makes lightweight, breathable fabrics non-negotiable. Inland cities like Rome and Florence are drier and often hotter, with heat that radiates off ancient stone and marble in a way that makes you feel it even in the shade.
The practical takeaway for packing: choose the most breathable, lightest fabrics you own. Linen is your best friend in Italy. Cotton is your second best friend. Everything else is a gamble.
One thing I loved about Italian summers even in the heat was the evenings. As the sun sets and the temperature drops even a few degrees, the entire country seems to come alive. Evening passeggiata (strolls), outdoor dining, aperitivo on a terrace…these are the moments Italy was made for. A light layer for evening is worth packing even in peak summer because the evenings are when you will most want to be comfortable and beautiful at the same time.
What Is the Dress Code for Italian Churches and Sacred Sites?
This is the question that catches the most visitors off guard…and it matters in Italy where some of the world’s most extraordinary churches, basilicas, and cathedrals are also active places of worship with strict dress requirements.
The general rule across most Italian churches and sacred sites is this: covered shoulders and covered knees are required for both men and women. No sleeveless tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, shorts, or short skirts. This applies to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Duomo in Florence, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, and most churches throughout the country. They mean it. Guards at the entrance will turn you away, and there’s no borrowing a covering on site the way some tourist destinations offer wraps at the door.
When packing for Italy this summer, the easiest solution is to always have a lightweight scarf or sarong in your bag when sightseeing. It takes up almost no space, weighs almost nothing, wraps around your shoulders or waist in seconds, and solves every church entry situation without requiring you to change your outfit or miss an experience you have been looking forward to.
A linen button-down shirt over a tank top also works great as both a sun protection layer and a church-ready cover. One item doing two jobs is the strategy for smart Italy packing.
Don’t let the dress code stress you out. With one scarf in your day bag you’re prepared for every church, every cathedral, and every beautiful ancient building that was there long before the tourists arrived.
Can You Do Italy Carry-On Only?
Yes…and Italy in summer is actually one of the most carry-on friendly destinations in Europe because the heat means lighter, smaller clothing that packs down beautifully. Linen dresses, lightweight tops, and thin cotton pieces take up a fraction of the space of the heavier clothing you might pack for cooler destinations.
I did Italy as part of our three-week Europe trip with one carry-on suitcase and one personal item and never once felt like I was missing something. The key is a capsule wardrobe built around a color palette so everything mixes and matches, limiting yourself to two or three pairs of shoes (which are always the bulkiest item), and using travel-size containers for your skincare rather than full bottles.
The other practical benefit of carry-on only in Italy specifically is navigating the country itself. Italian train stations, cobblestone streets, and historic city centers were not designed for large rolling suitcases. Getting a carry-on up a flight of stairs in a Venetian building, through the turnstiles of a Roman metro, or across the uneven stones of a Florentine piazza is so much easier than dragging a checked bag through the same journey. Pack light and Italy becomes pure joy. Pack heavy and every transition becomes a workout.
What to Pack for Italy in Summer — The Complete Women Over 40 Capsule Wardrobe
I’ve rounded up what I packed and what would be great things for you to pack on your summer trip to Italy. Think, less is more. Quality over quantity. And don’t underestimate the power of a good accessory!
Clothes — What to Wear in Italy in Summer
When I pack for Italy, I think about three things: the heat, the activities, and the culture. I also pick a color palette…usually neutrals with one or two accent colors…and build every piece around it so I can mix and match without thinking about it.
Here’s what I would pack for an Italy summer trip:
- Dresses (2-3 — these do all the heavy lifting in an Italy wardrobe)
- Lightweight maxi skirt (perfect for churches, evening dinners, and sightseeing)
- Lightweight tops (white and neutral — they go with everything and look effortlessly Italian)
- Linen or cotton trousers (one neutral pair covers you for smart casual dining and cooler days)
- Jean skirt (versatile, packs small, looks polished with a simple top)
- Light cardigan or linen button-down (for church visits and cooler evenings)
- One slightly dressier outfit for a special evening out
The golden rule for Italy: choose quality basics over quantity. Two beautiful linen dresses worn multiple ways will serve you better than eight mediocre pieces that only work with one thing. Italians do not wear a lot…they wear a little, very well.
- Tanks (white, gray, and navy)
- Black tee
- White button down
- Cardigan
- Linen pants
- Jean skirt
- White maxi skirt
- Floral maxi skirts
- Navy maxi dress
- Leopard maxi dress
- Stripe dress
- Wool ribbed dress (Save 10% with this discount code: JOELLEN10)
- Gray braless dress
- Wool sports bra + wool biker shorts (Save 10% with this discount code: JOELLEN10)
- Jean Jacket
Shoes — The Best Shoes for Italy in Summer
I cannot stress this enough. Shoes in Italy are everything. The cobblestone streets are ancient and uneven and they will expose every weakness in your footwear within the first twenty minutes of sightseeing. I’ve watched women limp through the Roman Forum in heels. I’ve seen sandals with thin soles give up entirely on a Florentine street. I lived in Italy for two years and I learned this the hard way before I learned it the right way.
Here’s what you need for Italy in summer:
- Leather walking sandals with arch support…your most important investment. These go with every dress, every outfit, and every occasion from a morning museum visit to an evening aperitivo. Spend what you need to spend on a good pair. You’ll wear them every single day.
- Comfortable sneakers…for longer walking days, day trips, and any time you know you will be on your feet for hours. Look for ones that look put together enough to wear with casual dresses.
- One pair of flat dressy sandals…for nicer evenings and situations where you want to look a little more polished without adding heel height.
That’s three pairs. That’s all you need. Italy in summer does not require more than this.
And please…leave the heels at home. I know. I love heels too. But Italian cobblestones are not heels-compatible and you will not enjoy a single step. Flat leather sandals look just as beautiful and you will actually enjoy walking in them.
Accessories That Elevate Simple Outfits in Italy
If there’s one country in the world where accessories make the difference between looking like a tourist and looking like you belong, it’s Italy. Italians understand that a simple outfit elevated by the right accessories is definitely more chic than an overcomplicated look. A beautiful scarf, a quality leather bag, a pair of classic sunglasses…these are the details that take a linen dress from adequate to effortless.
Here’s what I would bring:
- A silk or lightweight scarf — non-negotiable in Italy. It covers your shoulders at churches, ties around your bag as decoration, wraps around your waist as a skirt over a swimsuit, and adds color to a neutral outfit. One scarf doing five jobs.
- A quality leather or leather-look crossbody bag — Italians love their bags and they notice yours. A quality bag elevates every outfit and keeps your hands free for gelato, which you will be eating constantly. A crossbody is also the safest option in crowded tourist areas.
- Classic sunglasses — Italy has some of the most beautiful light in the world and you’ll be squinting through all of it without a good pair.
- A wide-brimmed hat or baseball hat — the Italian summer sun is intense and a hat is both practical and stylish.
- Minimal jewelry — a few quality pieces worn consistently look more Italian than lots of jewelry that changes every day.
Makeup for Italy — Beauty Essentials for Hot Weather
As a certified makeup artist, I love makeup! But I realize I don’t want to take everything with me as I travel. I’ve paired my makeup travel capsule down to my essentials that will help me look and feel great and work with the weather and activities we’ll be doing.
- IT Cosmetics Sheer Tint Face Balm
- Olive Rose Contour Stick
- Olive Rose Blush Stick
- Seint Color Correcting
- SuperGoop (Re)Setting Mineral Powder SPF
- Eyeshadow Primer
- Eyeshadow Stick
- Eyeshadows
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Brow Gel
- Brow Pen
See a full list of everything I’m bringing in my travel makeup capsule!
Skincare for Italy — Travel Beauty Essentials
As a licensed esthetician, I can’t NOT bring my favorite skincare products. I’ve done enough traveling and have sacrificed bringing my favorites in the past and my skin always suffers. But not anymore! As a woman over 40, my skincare is the most important thing I pack.
But instead of packing all my full size bottles, taking up too much space and weight, I put my favorites in smaller travel size containers. Here are my skincare travel essentials:
- Silicon containers
- Spray bottle
- TSA approved clear bag
- Travel mirror
- Disposable facial sponges
- Headband + wristbands
- Gua Sha stone (this is so great for getting rid of puffiness when you travel!)
But what skincare products did I pack??? All of my favorites! I didn’t skimp on bringing products that I love.
See all the details to my simple morning skincare routine and my nightly skincare routine.
Travel Essentials — Documents, Tech + the Things You Can’t Forget
Along with packing clothing, skincare, and makeup, there are some other essentials that you don’t want to forget when you’re traveling abroad! There’s nothing worse being in a foreign country and not having what you need when you need it! Here’s a list of things that are important to pack:
Documents:
- Passport
- Credit cards (make sure to check your credit card company’s policies on foreign transactions)
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel/Airbnb info
- Touring info (if you purchased tickets for museums, tours, or boat rides make sure to have all the documentation easy to find)
Technology:
- Chargers for all your devices
- Converters (make sure to check what kind of outlets the countries you’ll be visiting use)
- Portable charger (You’ll be taking a lot of video and pictures and using Google Maps and your phone battery will die fast! A portable charger will be your life saver!)
First Aid:
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Moleskin
- Bugspray
- Bug bite ointment
- Ace bandage
- Mask
- Rubber gloves
Medicine:
- Anti-diarrea medicine
- Pepto Bismol
- Charcoal pills (this is so so good for upset tummies when you’re eating new foods)
- Probiotics (this is also a life saver! I take this daily when I travel to help me digest things better and have a happy gut)
- Zofran (I always have this on hand! I get a prescription from my doctor before we travel anywhere)
- Antibiotics (I always have this on hand! I get a prescription from my doctor before we travel anywhere. I’ve been traveling when I needed it and had to go to the ER to get treatment. Always be prepared!)
- Tylenol
- Advil
- NyQuil and DayQuil pills
- Cough drops
- Motion sickness medicine (Bonine, Dramamine, or Meclizine)
Laundry:
- Tide Pen
- Tide Wipes
- Laundry detergent sheets (if you’re staying at an Airbnb with a washer, these are so useful!)
Some of these may seem overkill, but trust me. I packed all of these things and ended up using quite a few of them! And there have been times when I wish I had something and I didn’t.
Travel Bags:
The bags you pack matter!! You don’t want to be lugging suitcases through airports and streets that have weak wheels and cheap plastic. You want something reliable, comfortable, that holds a ton! Here are the bags I always travel with:
What NOT to Pack for Italy in Summer
Sometimes the most valuable packing advice is knowing what to leave at home. Italy specifically has a few non-negotiable items to leave behind.
- Heels. This comes first because it matters most. Italy’s cobblestone streets, ancient pavement, and uneven historic surfaces make heels genuinely impractical and uncomfortable. Even women who consider themselves very capable in heels have been humbled by the streets of Rome and Florence. Flat leather sandals look just as beautiful and will change your entire trip experience.
- Anything white that you care about. Italian street food is incredible and also relentless in its ability to find your clothing. Gelato, pasta, espresso, arancini…Italy will test every white item you own. If you bring white, bring it knowing it might come home with a souvenir.
- Heavy fabrics. Denim, thick cotton, polyester blends…anything that traps heat will become unwearable within minutes of stepping outside in July or August. Leave it all at home and embrace linen completely.
- A fanny pack worn on your front. I know they’re practical and popular but in Italy they mark you immediately as a tourist in a way that makes you a target for pickpockets in crowded areas. A crossbody bag worn close to your body is both safer and more stylish.
- Full-size beauty products. Use travel containers, comply with TSA rules, and save the bag space. Italy has excellent pharmacies and beauty shops if you run out of something.
- Too many things in general. The golden rule I learned from two years of living in Italy: you’ll buy things there. Leave room in your bag for what Italy offers…leather goods, beautiful ceramics, local products that you will want to bring home. Pack light going in so you have space coming out.
My Best Packing Tips for Italy — What Two Years of Living There Taught Me
I’m not going to give you generic packing advice. I lived in Italy for two years with my husband and four children and I’ve visited many times. Here’s what I actually learned.
Italians dress with intention. There’s a concept in Italian culture called la bella figura…literally “the beautiful figure” or making a good impression. It’s not about vanity. It’s about presenting yourself with care and respect. When you make an effort with how you look in Italy, people respond to you differently. Doors open a little easier. Interactions are a little warmer. Dress with intention and Italy welcomes you completely.
Quality over quantity is the Italian way. One beautiful linen dress worn three times beats five mediocre ones worn once each. Choose pieces you genuinely love and you will reach for them every single day without thinking about it.
Your bag is a statement. I mentioned this in the accessories section but it bears repeating. Italians notice bags. A quality leather crossbody or tote elevates every outfit you own and lasts for many more trips. It is worth the investment. Check out my favorite leather purses for travel…I love Sapahn and Quince for beautiful bags that work beautifully in Italy.
Comfortable shoes are not a compromise. The best-dressed women in Italy are almost always wearing beautiful flat leather sandals or stylish sneakers. Heels are for specific occasions, not for navigating a city. Invest in leather sandals that look beautiful and feel like nothing and you will thank yourself every single day of your trip.
Do not overpack. I know everyone says this. But I’m saying it specifically about Italy because Italy has beautiful shopping. Leave room for what you’ll find there. A leather wallet from Florence, a ceramic bowl from the Amalfi Coast, a silk scarf from a market stall in Rome. These are the things you will still have in twenty years. Leave space for them.
Watch — My Italy and Europe Packing Videos
Frequently Asked Questions — What to Pack for Italy in Summer
- What should women over 40 wear in Italy during the summer? The key is choosing lightweight, breathable clothing that feels polished but comfortable. Linen dresses, cotton tops, flowy skirts, linen trousers, and comfortable walking shoes will take you almost anywhere in Italy. Instead of packing lots of outfits, focus on a capsule wardrobe with pieces that mix and match easily. Italians tend to dress with intention, so simple, well-fitting basics often look more appropriate than overly casual athletic wear.
- Can you wear shorts in Italy? Absolutely! You’ll see both locals and tourists wearing shorts during the hot summer months. However, if you plan to visit churches or religious sites, shorts that expose your knees may prevent you from entering. For sightseeing days, I prefer dresses, skirts, or lightweight linen pants because they’re comfortable in the heat and make it easy to visit churches without needing to change clothes.
- What shoes should I pack for Italy? If there’s one place not to sacrifice comfort, it’s Italy. Between the cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, hills, and countless hours of walking, supportive shoes are essential. I recommend bringing a comfortable pair of fashion sneakers for sightseeing, a pair of versatile sandals for warmer days and evenings, and, if your itinerary includes nicer dinners, one dressier option that’s still comfortable enough to walk in. Whatever you choose, make sure you’ve worn them before your trip…Italy is not the place to break in new shoes.
- Is it okay to wear sneakers in Italy? Yes! Comfortable white or neutral-colored sneakers are common throughout Italy and pair beautifully with dresses, skirts, jeans, or linen trousers. They strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, making them one of the best shoes you can pack for a summer trip.
- How many outfits do I need for a week in Italy? If you’re packing carry-on only, you can comfortably travel for a week with around seven to ten interchangeable outfits. The secret isn’t packing more clothes…it’s packing smarter. Choose a simple color palette so every top works with every bottom, and you’ll have far more outfit combinations than you expect.
- Do I need a jacket in Italy during the summer? Probably not a heavy one. Summer days are typically very warm, but evenings can cool down, especially if you’re dining outdoors or traveling in northern Italy. A lightweight cardigan, linen button-down, or thin jacket is usually all you’ll need. It also comes in handy for entering churches where you’ll need to cover your shoulders.
- Should I bring a scarf to Italy? Yes! In fact, I think it’s one of the smartest things you can pack. A lightweight scarf takes up almost no room in your suitcase and can be used to cover your shoulders when visiting churches, add warmth on cooler evenings, or instantly elevate a simple outfit. It’s one of the hardest-working accessories in my suitcase.
- Can I pack carry-on only for Italy? Definitely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Traveling with only a carry-on makes navigating train stations, airports, stairs, and cobblestone streets so much easier. I traveled through Italy with just a carry-on during our three-week Europe trip and never felt like I was missing anything. A thoughtfully planned capsule wardrobe is much more valuable than an overstuffed suitcase.
- What should I avoid wearing in Italy? You don’t need to completely change your personal style, but I’d avoid clothing that’s overly casual for sightseeing, such as worn-out athletic shorts, oversized graphic T-shirts, or flip-flops for all-day walking. Italians generally appreciate dressing neatly, and you’ll likely feel more confident exploring beautiful cities when your outfit reflects the surroundings. In some destinations, wearing only beachwear away from the beach can even result in fines, so it’s best to cover up when walking through towns or visiting restaurants and shops.
Italy gets into your soul in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. The food, the art, the history, the way light falls on ancient stone in the late afternoon…it’s a country that reminds you that beauty is worth paying attention to. That life is worth showing up for fully. That you were not made to rush through things.
Getting your packing right means you arrive in Italy free to actually be in Italy. No blisters from the wrong shoes, no overheating in the wrong fabrics, no turned away at church doors in the wrong outfit. Knowing what to pack for Italy in summer means you can say yes to everything the country offers.
Pack light. Pack Italian. Pack for the woman who is fully, completely present for every beautiful moment.
If you want to see exactly how I packed for our three weeks in Europe including Italy…every outfit, every beauty product, and what I would do differently…I’ve linked all my packing and travel videos above. And if you want a skincare routine that keeps your skin glowing from the cobblestones of Rome to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, fill out my free skin questionnaire and I will personally build you a custom routine.
Go to Italy. Eat the pasta. Walk until your feet are tired and your heart is full. You were made for this kind of beautiful.
Here are other blogposts that you might enjoy:
- My Summer Waterless Skincare Routine (Oliveda AM + PM Guide)
- Olive Rose Summer Makeup Look: Lightweight Glow for Hot Weather
- Contour for Mature Faces: A Simple Guide
- Effortless & Elegant Spring Dresses for Women Over 40
- What to Pack for Greece in Summer (Women Over 40 Travel Style Guide)
- What to Pack for Switzerland in Summer (Effortless Capsule Wardrobe)
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you!
