What to pack for Tuscany in October?

[BinkyRidesForth]

So I'm off to Tuscany for a short break in October. Will be splitting time between Siena and Tuscan countryside. I'm unsure what to pack... will need to pack light as sharing a case with DH and want to feel comfortable walking around etc but not scruffy (or for that matter, overdressed). I'm picturing all these chic italian women looking effortlessly elegant and me ... ahem... not...

[SpiritedLondon]

A Mac and a sweater! I went to Umbria in October and we had torrential rain and flooding! I had packed quite a lot of summery stuff and we did have some sunny days but while we walked around in T shirts and sandals everyone else was in boots and scarves!

If you're trying to blend in I would suggest classic dark jeans, tailored shirts or thin knitwear and a blazer / tailored jacket. Simple flat boots or lace ups / classic trainers or ballet flats depending on your preference. The women I recall varied between nondescript to chic ( but Umbria is more rural than Tuscany)

[Wolpertinger]

Don't panic about chic Italian women. There's a mixture just like everywhere else

You will meet tourists (lots), Italians wearing shockingly bad leisure wear (think Tony Soprano), amazingly dressed and stylish Italians and Italians who make Joan Collins look underdressed

If you are planning on walking about then comfy shoes are a top priority.

[FrustratedFrugal]

Tuscany is mostly countryside. I wear a gilet with jeans and wellies or trainers. Days can be summery warm and nights starry and chilly and unheated, so I bring summer clothes and a light down jacket and sheepskin slippers and a sweater and warm PJs. If you are unlucky, you will get the first winter storm and mudslides, but usually the weather is quite pleasant.

I love October in Italy - my favorite time there. Enjoy!

[FrustratedFrugal]

Oh and Italians dress by calendar not weather so locals will wear cool weather clothes even though it is 25C.

[Mrs9C]

We went to the south of Italy last October and we had torrential rain and thunderstorms. On the days it wasn't cold it was around 20-25, and the locals would stop to tell me off for not wearing enough! They really do dress by calendar!

[BinkyRidesForth]

Thank you! Sounds like I can keep it relatively casual in that case although I may sneak a fairly dressed down dress in for evenings.

I tend to always be too hot, so imagine I will be told off a few times for not wearing enough!

I am so excited to be going... I have always, always wanted to go to Italy but never been.