What to pack for Venice? Urgent!

[Ujjayi]

Just been surprised with a trip to Venice by DH...we go in 2 days' time! Wonderful but I have no clue what to pack.

A visit to Harry's Bar has been arranged. Other than that it will be galleries & sightseeing plus dinner.

Any guidance welcome

Ooh, lovely! I have been there twice in winter and both times it has been quite wet (the second time the whole of the Piazza San Marco was under water, with raised boards to walk on) and on one occasion really quite cold, so take sensible clothes for the weather. I love just walking around it, so lots of exposure to the elements!

We went in November, it was coolish. You want to be comfortable walking around - comfy shoes are essential and a warm jacket. It did not strike me as a particularly dressy place, but we didn't go anywhere very high end. We drank a few cocktails in Harry's bar, I don't know if the restaurant is fancier but the bar is quite low key, you don't need to dress up. Hot chocolate in Florian was a nice treat too, but could not be described as cheap!

Wellies last time I was there we got soaked, and it is quite damp generally so warm clothes will make you more comfortable for walking around

Weather forecast is lots of rain!

My usual style is dresses & layers (All Saints, Viv Westwood). However from your replies, I am thinking layers on top with skinnies & flat knee high boots? And I guess for dinner the same low-key chic.

The only properly waterproof coat I have is my dog walking coat or ski jacket (which is hot pink - therefore not an option!) So looks like my regular wool winter coat with an umbrella!

Agree with everyone else.

Comfortable shoes vital as walking the only way to see it. I'd also check weather forecasts online as it can be very cold and I've ended up having to buy gloves there in winter. That should also tell you if rain likely to be heavy enough for serious boots to be needed.

Agree Harry's Bar isn't very dressy so no need to take any special outfit.

See you have checked weather - sorry. Your winter coat sounds fine as do your planned clothes. I really don't think sandals are a good idea or indeed heels . Stick With your boots! You certainly don't need to take dresses unless you really want to.

It would not be an entirely awful thing to be forced to buy gloves in one of the glove shops there.......

PS and definitely not Capri pants in Jan. /Feb!!

Seriously - if you have good wellies then take them. Every January I have to send 200 pairs of Wellington boots to our Venice store because of the flooding/waterlogged issues.

This year is no different.

Re: Wellies...I actually said to DH maybe I should take my Hunters! They are battered from field & woodland walks but I could give them a wipe . Are they really a possible option?

I also have flat knee high leather boots but from what you say about flooding they may well get wrecked?

Sodding weather - tis cold but dry until weds & then again on monday...the heavens will be open purely for the duration of our trip!

I have a good idea of Italian style but as a Westwood gal, I just don't do pared down classics with blingy accessories

I would second the no to sandals and capris, you really won't be floating about in little cardigans with flippy skirts and sunglasses are hard to see through in pouring rain! You may be floating though so wellies are a good notion. Cashmere jumpers, nice scarves, quilted jackets, smart trousers with boots, that is more the Venice look in winter.

Sunglasses for the next 2 days to shield your eyes from the crazed jealousy radiating your way.

You are SO LUCKY.

It's NOT FAIR.

WAAAAAAH

live webcam
It looks like there's some flooding at the moment but you wont be wading though it. Flat knee boots sound good but wellies are worth considering.

I went in winter last year. It was bright and sunny but cold. I lived in jumper dresses, smart boots, bright scarf and coat with big sunnies and jaunty beret and leather gloves just in case. Have an amazing time! I was worried about the weather too and the water level since I read some hotels were providing complimentary wellies! Not very glam!

I've just checked out the webcams over Piazza San Marco...there is a LOT of water and people walking on raised boards! There are also a lot of brollies and rather, erm, bold rain jackets! So I will definitely go for layered tops (cashmere knits & long sleeve tees or cami's beneath) and skinnies for daytime. I am never knowingly without a scarf and pendants & bracelets. Possibly a funky dress and opaques (they look great with my wellies and I often wear this look when I can't be bothered to change for a dog walk).

chemenger - yes in my head I would want to be floating around in an Audrey Hepburn-esque cloud of chic. Those webcams are a whole reality check though!!

MrsBodger He never ever does anything like this! I am still in shock!!

Me! I don't take up much room.
But like everyone else, warm, comfy, waterproof.
You lucky lucky girl.

quick question about dresses: just thought about churches and dressing respectfully etc. If my dress is above knee height but I am wearing opaque tights that would be okay, right? It's not like we are talking about mini skirts and bare legs... Or do I need to go strictly below knee even with tights?

I think dresses and boots look a bit nicer than skinnies and boots, and are still practical.

Have a wonderful time!

My dresses were above the knee but with opaques and knee high boots that were flat ish. I felt my attire was appropriate everwhere we went and I Was pleased with myself as I rarely get it right! That included churches and decent bars and gondolas!

I am married to a Venetian and have spent a lot of time there in the winter months. It is usually colder than UK - remember it's in the middle of a lagoon, winters are extremely damp, foggy and cold! It can feel a bit warmer if the sun comes out during the day, but at night you really do need to be well covered. Absolutely no sandals/capri pants or heels!

Wellies are a good idea as acqua alta (high water/flooding) is very likely at this time of the year. If you've got the hunter fleecy welly linings, definitely take them and avoid freezing your toes. I'd take lots of jeans/trousers/cashmere or similar jumpers/nice scarves and of course big sunglasses. Shorter dresses with opaque tights are absolutely fine for the churches, it's only shorts and sleeveless tops that are frowned on (but if it's cold, believe me you'll be wishing you'd put a pair of trousers on)....

Have a great time!!!!

I've only ever been when it's warm....

I'd pack waterproofs though and something slinky for evening - dress wise.

Comfortable footwear. You will be doing a LOT of walking.
lucky you!

Freezing in Italy (damp & rainy & breezy & foggy) at this time of the year so I'd take my winter staple, a water repellent down jacket. I normally never wear wellies in Italy but had to put them on yesterday and narrowly avoided pneumonia so do wear yours!

It can be almost as cold indoors as outdoors so pack warm flannel pyjamas, thermals, sweaters and woolen socks. I haven't worn a dress in weeks, too cold for that, I'd think in layers of merino/cashmere/alpaca and dark neutral colors. Jeans and trousers are fine, nobody really dresses up in the winter.

Thanks for all suggestions.

Frugal what about going out for dinner/drinks? A dress or skinny trousers & silk blouse?

I have a stack of heattec tops for layering beneath dresses. And may even take a lightweight ski baselayer!