The Italian way of dressing

[mrsrhodgilbert]

On a holiday in Rome a few years ago in April it was very obvious that all tourists had dressed for the lovely warm weather whilst all Romans were still very much in their official winter uniform of black warm clothing. They generally all looked incredible but I would have passed out in the heat.

I understand that there is almost an official date when the wardrobe changeover from winter to summer happens.

In mid October we are taking our to dds to Venice to celebrate them turning 18 and 15.(Birthdays 5 days apart, very expensive.)

So, my question, given that the temp. could still be 20 degrees plus, will it officially be summer or winter? I would like to avoid looking like a plonker and maybe stock up on something stylish whilst we have summer clothes in the shops now.

I go to Italy lot for DH's business - Rome, Florence and Bologna mostly. Well, he's on business while I lounge about and eat .

In terms of style, whatever you wear will probably look different to what they wear. Italians have quite a distinct uniform which though smart and groomed can be a bit boring to our eyes. Then you have people like Nancy Dell'Olio which is also perfectly acceptable though perhaps not for you and definitely not for me .

Tod's and Hogan's will create instant envy and you can wear them with jeans (which you see in Italy more now) or trousers in neutral colours that wouldn't scream summer but still be lightweight if it's hot. I got some Gap slim cropped stiff cotton trousers in khaki and black last week that would probably work and are only £35.

They can be ridiculously judgmental about trainers and tourists in general. But it's your holiday and your feet that will be traipsing around.

Your daughters will probably blend in perfectly. They may even start a bit of a trend. Italian teenagers are fans of British things

My dh is Venetian so I've spent loads of time there, in all seasons. Tbh the chances of it being warm in Venice in October aren't great, and even if it's warm in the day the nights will be chilly. The Italians do indeed almost have an official changeover date (prob mid Sep) and they'll be all wrapped up in October. The fur coats might not be on if it's not too cold but the Moncler jackets will be out in force :) Have a really good time, October is a wonderful month to visit Venice! Style tip: Clarks shoes are very sought after over there so if you want to make a splash buy some desert boots or similar...

Thank you for the tips. I would like the weather to be on the cooler side as I much prefer winter dressing, however I vividly remember both my girls being born here in northern England and the weather was still very summery when I went into hospital each time. As Venice is much further south I figured it has to be warmer than here.

We will not be travelling with trainers or fur coats but neither do I expect to look Italian, although actually I am 1/4 Italian but knew none of the family due to a huge rift. I merely hope not to stand out too much in typical English summer clothes.

Thanks for the info about cool evenings, I will search out some neutral stylish things with a bit of an edge.