Outfits for Venice break?

[AnSionnachGlic]

Looking for inspiration for clothes for a weekend in Venice , early February. It's been so long since we've been away that I'm not sure what to pack. I'm size 14 and like fitted clothes as anything loose makes me look 2 stone heavier(hourglass)! I like classic navy, white and black, but don't know how dressy to go for eating out at night. We are staying in The Baglioni as a belated birthday gift for myself and husband. Any suggestions please as I'm trawling through Sales websites but am stuck!

I agree with @FinallyHere that clothes wise it's nice to not stand out as a tourist-especially as you enjoy the fashion side of a holiday. You can look smart and elegant and leave the anorak at home nothing wrong with an anorak I wear one frequently

I went to Venice a million years ago on my honeymoon.

Much to DH chagrin i wanted to go to Harry's Bar.
Sat next to Maggie Smith and Joan Plowright.

I don't want to say it was the highlight of my honeymoon but it was a teensy bit thrilling at the time

Venice is such an amazing city-hope you have a fab time @AnSionnachGlic

Nice pair of black wide legged trousers which you can wear casual or dress up . A classic white shirt and a few jumpers . TK Maxx usually has cashmere ones for a reasonable price !

I loved the Baglioni when I stayed there hope you have a lovely time! I remember the Venetians being very smart and elegant but this was some years ago.

I have to agree that it is nice to dress up a little and not feel like a tourist. I plan to wear fine knit , long sleeve dress, boots and coat for travelling ( getting a transfer to hotel)...I can wear it for dinner one of the nights. I'll also bring black jeans, black/grey wool trousers with few knit jumpers ( and thermal base layer!) and my black (with fur collar) parka for days/sightseeing, with my comfy, wedge ankle boots. Also a knee length skirt and wrap top for another night and another dress. We are planning to make this a real treat , so planning on good restaurants so will feel better if dressed up a little. Also , for last 20 years, have usually had 4 kids/teenagers with us , so nice to have an adult experience ( sorry didn't mean in a rude way☺😅)!! Thank you all for your advice....really looking forward to it now!

I like dressing up as well, but I found that in Venice and Rome nearly everyone I saw was a tourist, and wore comfortable and practical sightseeing clothes during the day (Skechers was the footwear of choice in Rome). I was suprised at how much it can rain in Venice, and I really wished I had taken wellies and a waterproof coat.

Wear a red raincoat and go around murdering people ;)

Don't look now @pucelleauxblanchesmains

Chic trench /Mac. Cropped skinnies and brogues to walks about in cos there’s miles and unless you want to boat every where- you have to walk ( and get lost, and walk more lol)
I went, but in summer and took all stripes - so everything matched.
A Bardot neck jumper will always be chic, and horizontal stripes.
Roll neck long sleeved bodysuits
Same polka dots or animal print.
Black /tan fedora hat.

Chic trench /Mac. Cropped skinnies and brogues to walks about in

In Venice in February that just won't be warm enough. A thin coat plus exposed ankles - brrr!

Do ultra fashionable people never feel the cold?

Went at the same time and it was bad flooding, so wellies or shoes that won't be affected by water. Hotel will provide very flattering plastic shoe boot type things.

I wore a fitted wool coat, leather leggings, jumper, large scarf in various colours/styles most of trip and was warm enough with gloves also. Take umbrella.

It's a lovely time to visit, enjoy!

@RampantIvy what do you think people who live in Grampian do? Wear anoraks all year?

OP - you might like this site with webcams. Lovely views of Venice, and you can look and see what people are wearing. Your choices for sightseeing sound perfect - lots of parkas and padded coats today, which looks sunny, but cold!
www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/veneto/venezia/piazza-san-marco.html

I love the webcam, what a brilliant idea.

I live here and the previous poster saying cobbled streets must have been in another city ... Not a cobble in sight ! Start off with your feet - Comfy shoes are essential, something with a slight grip . Go with layers As it can be warm inside . Today it is cold and beautiful 3 days ago thick fog and damp! Don't forget FP2 masks as they are obligatory on public transport now. Eating out - you don't need to dress up smart trousers , nice shirt / top maybe nice accessories are great. If you want any tours or transport then send me a PM I happen to own a travel agency in Venice ! Yes to do give dicsount to Mumsnetters ! You will need to pre book entry into some places and I would also suggest pre booking any restaurants if its over a weekend and there are specific places you want to go to ! ( also Cipriani is closed ( normal in winter ) and currently Harrys ( notice on door saying currently closed ...)

The webcam tip is brilliant.

Do take warm layers and tall wellies. Have a wonderful time!

Another one here reminding you about the acqua alta. I’d take at least two pairs of good comfortable shoes/boots so you can leave one pair drying out while you go out in the other pair! There is a website for the Venice commune that forecasts it reasonably accurately so you can plan your day and know when to stay away from St Marks! (I can’t remember the link, but I am sure the travel agent above will know it).

Other than that, lots of layers. The wind whips in off the lagoon so the open spaces can be absolutely freezing but you’ll be in and out of places plus when you get away from the main lagoon it can be warmer.

I'm in North Italy and agree with other posts Venice is very, very cold in winter. I've been several times in and really felt the cold each time. It's a different kind of cold to UK too, it really gets into your bones, my hands hurt for two days after going on a vaporetto I was so cold, take thick gloves and a warm hat! But as mentioned, layer up as shops can be very hot. Contrary to popular belief, It's true we don't really dress up that much in Italy unless it's somewhere very upmarket. I once went to an elegant restaurant in Venice with some friends from the UK and in the nicest possible way, they were completely overdressed in thin dresses which were totally inappropriate for the weather, it was -6°c outside! To be dressed according to the weather is much more Italian. I'm going to a restaurant in North Italy tonight and will be wearing black trousers, a black cashmere jumper, simple jewellery and black Chelsea boots. On top a long warm coat with a really nice scarf, I'll be the talk of the town if I don't protect my neck from the cold. Have a great time and avoid anywhere with tourist menus, you'll be ripped off.

I can still remember the cold from our trip to Venice at the end of March a few years ago. I remember having to wear everything in my suitcase to keep warm and having to come back to the hotel for a hot shower just to warm back up again! I'd recommend a lot of layers OP!

Venice in February can be absolutely freezing, so warm coat, hat, gloves etc. Comfy shoes/boots - you will walk miles. If it's Aqua Alta (high water) you may even need wellies.

The website for aqua alta is Hi!Tide ...

I've been to Venice many many times OP & have been in Feb / March time. I wouldn't wear an anorak if you paid me. Unless I am out walking or cycling for exercise!

The last time i was there at the v start of march about 4 years ago I wore a wool coat which was sort of teal / duck egg & cream Herringbone tweed pattern. It was slightly cocoon shape & was from whistles. I had a cashmere knitted scarf & matching hat & gloves.
During the day I had slim fit dark blue & black jeans & merino or cashmere poloneck jumpers. Dark grey new balance trainers or leather Chelsea boots. Leather tote bag

For dinners I had dark grey velvet straight leg jeans (jigsaw Richmond- it was 4 years ago) which I wore with various nice silk tops from places like whistles, Noa Noa, jigsaw, Sandro. Some slim fitting merino cardigans. Gold jewellery

I also had a black velvet jacket which I wore to one event with dressy slim legged black evening trousers & a silk shirt (they were all Noa Noa) & leather flat boots.

I was warm, & comfortable through out but didn't feel like a backpacker- that's never my travelling style

Enjoy OP - Venice is one of the most magical places in the world & it's 3 years since I've been (mostly go once a year) & I MISS IT

I wouldn't wear an anorak if you paid me. Unless I am out walking or cycling for exercise!

Not even a fashionable but waterproof parka? I have a wool coat, and it isn't windproof and isn't anything like as warm as my parka. Besides, I hate carrying an umbrella, and I like having inside zipped pockets, especially in Venice.