Misson: Rome August 2012 Style/Tips Required!

[Northumberlandlass]

Ladies of S&B,
I have booked a week in Rome in August.
I m not particularly stylish, but would like to look half decent / chic (ish) on a budget !
I have 7 days to dress for - capsule summer glam clothes are needed. We will be going to the beach for a day too.

For those who need the info...I am 6 ft tall, large hour glass, size 14-16 (hopefully more a 14 after I up excercise).

Do I stick to basic clothing and accessorize ?

I await your advice

Just bumping...
Even ideas for what to look for on Ebay would be good !

you are going to boil alive!

Yes I am aware of that !!

Christ. Just reading it makes me feel faint

In haste. We go to Rome every summer though not in August. Were there in July last year though and can say it reall will be incredibly hot.

Will reply at further length but, quickly, some things not to do. Don't wear shorts in the city if you don't want to look too touristy - although you do see those and many style crimes on tourists.

I'd also advise against flowery, pretty pretty dresses of the sort we often like in England. Something simple such as monochrome or colour block or stripes is more stylish.

Having said that, there are very few Romans left in the city in August - they all escape to the coast - so obviously there will not be many locals to blend in with.

Other quick advice is take really comfortable sandals - there are other threads on this. The Roman cobblestones are picturesque but very hard and punishing on the feet. Something with soles that are thick like Fitflops are ideal.

More later.

Man alive I love Rome. Just love it. Agree with above too, stick to monochrome or a palette of colours so you can mix & match. I tend to go nautical on trips like yours, so maybe white linen trews, 3 vests of red, white & blue, red or blue skirt, red or blue shorts or capris, deck shoes, wedges for eve with nice frock, lots of neck scarves (or bandanas if you're very hot!)... Red lippy!

I'm more monochrome than flowery anyway! So that is a relief.
I have some good merrel (sp?) from last year - will look at FitFlops though.

Thanks, look forward to hearing more soon !

I don't usually wear much make up on holiday ! Will remember my red lippy

Are there certain places that require 'dress code' ? Thinking more of DH & DS than me.

churches - cover up (elbows, knees, midriff etc)

in fact would spend entire week in churches, they are the coolest places
just live in the pantheon!

Catacombs?

was there recently, this has made me quite Rome-sick :(

I went to Rome 8 months pregnant in Aug. What an idiot. I frazzled and wobbled and frazzled and fainted.

Wear loose linen, cotton sun dresses, cotton everything, (no polyester!) and take a hat. and suncream. and an electric fan. and an industrial sized fan. infact take a wind tunnel.

twas HOT!

Is it really that hot ? We're there for the day in August on a cruise , will it be unbearable ?

Rome will be unbearable in August. Was in Vencie two years ago at the tail end of June/beg of July and that was only just bearable. So lots of loose linen clothing! Maybe a nice loose maxi dress or two and fit flops.

I live in Rome and yes August gets hot! I actually prefer it to July though as August is the month everyone departs from the city so the pollution isnt as bad. Start early in the mornings to do the tourist things and then have the afternoon lazing in the shade in one of the parks or go to one of the outdoor swimming pools. Or in the churches. Book anything that may have a queue online so you can avoid hours waiting under baking sun. There are loads of outdoor things in the evenings through the summer. Its nice down by the river in the evening- by the castle and towards Trastevere there are stalls, bars and restaurants put out on the river banks. Make the most of the stalls that are around the city through the summer selling watermelon slices to cool down. If you go to the beach avoid the 15th as literally everyone will the there for the ferragosto holiday plus huge groups of kids parade up and down the shore chucking buckets of water over everyone as is tradition.... Anyway have got distracted from original question- re clothes agree re monochrome, light cotton, comfortable footwear. legs and shoulders covered in churches. Enjoy.

Wow - thanks so much banana & all !
I will heed your advice & avoid 15th on the beach x

Last August it was 37C.
I live in Rome as well, but, you guessed it, won't be here in August this year.

The locals dress up rather than down. I saw a man moving the lawn wearing a suit today.

Stylish, monochrome clothes and your best accessories is what will make you blend in in a good way. Good basics with a bit of luxury.

Nothing to add to all this which I agree with. Just that Rome is wonderful so enjoy it even in August !

I know its going to be mega hot, the humidity will probably floor me. BUT I am
Very excited.
I am now hunting for some basics & will accessorize up! Any tips for stylish / quirky sites?