When in Rome...???

[Fartnado]

Hello. I am travelling to Rome in March and want to look as stylish as they do! But I will be walking around everywhere and it maybe a bit chilly.
Any thoughts on some suitable outfits gratefully received....I'm in my 40's and size 12...
I am thinking skinny jeans maybe?

Rome is the home of conservative dressing. If you want to fit in, dark/ neutral colors (camel, taupe, forest green, smoky blue, navy, brown, aubergine, black), good grooming and stylish accessories will do the trick.

You'll probably need a trench with a warm sweater underneath and if you are unlucky, it can be rainy. All jean shapes are worn - Roman women still love flares and long bootcuts with heeled boots - but I would avoid colored skinnies. Romans are fond of suede boots and desert boots in the spring and fall, I wear suede chelsea boots a lot. Wedges are still popular. Avoid hiking gear, GoreTex, trainers and sunhats and you'll look a lot less touristy. Right now, tall boots, opaques and a mid-thigh feather jacket or skinnies tucked into substantial boots seem to be the normative street look, but sheer black tights were everywhere last fall.

Great thanks frugal...that's really helpful.

Comfy shoes essential! Loads of cobbles everywhere!

Roman women have long glossy locks and wear sunglasses everywhere - even inside in winter.

I have never felt so frumpy in my life. I fitted in travelling in Canada much better!

So what sort of shoes? You'll walk miles, Rome just asks for it.

frugal is right about Roman style. Very classic and boring understated.

But I don't understand changing your personal style to match the inhabitants of a city you're visiting?? Seems so strange to me. I don't mean you in particular OP - these threads pop up very often.

I've been to Rome, Paris and Barcelona this year and quite enjoyed standing out with bright red hair, patterned tea dresses, leopard print fur and bright patent doc boots .

Last time I was in Rome everyone was in black and grey, often with knee boots. It was casual conservative. Very massimo dutti.

I agree with fairylea about the cobbles.

Often go and agree 100% with others re cobbles. Also with frugal's masterly analysis of the style.

I know what you mean Bunny, but I just didn't want
to particularly stand out as an obvious tourist. But I guess that's probably inevitable anyway! And I'm loving your outfit! Thanks for all the replies....I'm sooooo excited! 5 days alone....no kids! Freedom!

Rome is always thronging with every nationality under the sun, so I wouldn't worry about matching their style or standing out as a tourist. Tourism is their bread and butter! Most native Romans tend not to be about the main touristy parts anyway. I've been to Rome 6 times and have never seen much of the stereotypical stylish Italian as much as in other cities. As posters have said comfortable walking shoes, a secure cross body bag is a must. Possibly a nice dress for dinner?

Agree about the shoes, my feet were throbbing. And a cross body bag.

Also... not a style tip as such but Rome is notorious for pick pockets, so be careful with your money. Ideally use a cross body bag (rather than a shoulder bag as lots of thefts involve mopeds running alongside you and pulling the bag away from you) and put some money somewhere else - like a pocket - just incase the worst does happen.

We went there on our honeymoon in march 2012 when I was 24 weeks pregnant. We had a wonderful time.

The cafe near the colloseum up by the pallateine (spelling?!) Is amazing.