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

Can I please be cheeky and high jack this thread slightly to ask Frugal whether we'd be mad to visit Rome in Feb? And if so when would be better but not full on touristy?

Hope you have a fabulous trip Ujjayi ...not jealous at all...

I think Rome in Feb would be similar but I went years ago in mid April and it was t shirt weather but very busy. Not particularly helpful I know, just thought I'd share my experience! But I'd go to any part of Italy at any time of year and I'd love it and if I got the packing wrong I'd just buy weather appropriate attire when im there!

Gypsy I have several friends coming over now in Feb because the flights are dirt cheap but there is a reason for that - the weather is really unpredictable right now. The day bf yesterday was stormy and grim, yesterday sunny and cool, today gray, dry and overcast.

So if you are lucky you'll have a series of dry sunny days that are cool for Italians but nice provided you have packed enough warm stuff. But if you are unlucky the winter rains will hit and you'll hide behind shut shutters for a week. Two years ago we got a heavy snowfall in Feb and the city stopped functioning for a few days and children were sledding in Villa Borghese. The upside - the city is relatively tourist free and you get to enjoy most sights free of throngs. April and May are very different (but avoid Easter), my favorite times here, and Sept-Oct too.

Ujj the last time I went out for drinks in the evening here (about 2 wks ago) I noticed that everyone wore dark gray cashmere v-necks (one had a black lace inset in the shoulder area, very chic) or sweatshirts with jeans or dark trousers and chunky boots; natural makeup (some women wore bright red lipstick) and fabulous hair and one standout piece of jewellery. The materials were luxurious and the grooming immaculate but people were extremely laid back. This was an enoteca in an upmarket neighborhood in Rome. Skinny jeans have no particular cachet here, straight leg, long bootcut with heeled boots and boyfriends are equally acceptable, and the really trendy women tend to do flares for maximum impact, but that might not be practical in Venice. Women wear a lot of sumptuous real fur and discreet but expensive handbags; the default outerwear choice is a Moncler or Colmar piumino.

if there is an aqua alta due (and there usually is at this time of year) you may well be walking through a few inches of not very clean and cold water. Wellies are the only answer. Not fashion boots, waterproof wellies.

they put walkways in but they don't go everywhere.

the place will be damp and cold - and still magical!

I agree about willies, I ruined some lovely shoes and trousers last time as the water was about 18 inches high. I would but a cheep pair from a supermarket before you go....you can buy them there but often it is too late or very expensive!!
Have a great time.

We were there last weekend. Down doudounes with big fur collars was all I saw. And sunnies when the sun made an appearance.

Frugal thank you. I think we may wait until April . I'm not that keen on getting stuck if there is snow. We have form for that! Can I extend my brass neck cheek please and ask if I may run some areas by you when it comes to picking hotels?

Definitely wellies.

I am snorting at 'capri pants and sandals' wholesomemum have you ever been to Venice in the winter???

In terms of a bag I would take a cross body if you have one. Getting in and out of boats is best done two handed!

Have fun, it is so magical. The light is amazing and like nowhere else I have been.

Gypsy I'd stay in my neighborhood of course but Monti and San Giovanni would be my favorite areas near the centro storico. Both have some real neighborhood feel and quiet back streets but are not totally overrun by tour groups and Monti has great dining. Avoid hotels in the blocks around Termini unless you like, um, a vibrant night scene. It gets sketchy around there. Katie Parla's food blog has fantastic restaurant recommendations.

I have never been as cold in my life as in Venice one February!!!!! Make sure you have plenty of layers, plus hat and gloves especially if you take a water bus ride or gondola.......enjoy!!!!!!! The hot chocolate is to die for over there, have one for me it's years since we've been!

Thank you all so much for all suggestions. I have packed. I have gone as minimalist as I can bear with an Isabel Marant vibe:
slouchy knits,
Indigo skinnies
Black slim fit trousers
scarves,
2 dresses which can be worn with tights or over skinnies,
heat tec & fine wool long sleeve tees,
a blazer & heels for a smarter but still relaxed evening look;
Wellies, brown flat knee high boots & tan ankle boots with a small heel.

Oh...and I treated myself to a rather fabulous Helmut Lang dress which I am hoping will wow DH .

Thanks again - really looking forward to the trip now.

Sounds like you've nailed it. Have a FAB time!

Padded coat. Italians have them lined with fur! Skinny jeans and biker boots or chelsea boots would work or wellies if flooded. St Marks Square always floods.

Frugal Fab, many thanks .