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Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat

164 replies

WhatToWearMilan · 11/06/2026 12:29

If you were very pale skinned, strawberry blonde & not good in heat generally but you had a dinner with a professional contact in Milan in July, what would you wear?

50yrs old 5ft 9" & size 12

I want to look as good as i can! There will possibly be some sightseeing and lunch / dinner / drinks

OP posts:
Thread gallery
36
Pieceofpurplesky · 13/06/2026 15:36

I wore similar to this in Rome - kept me cool with a fan! Mine wasn't from SHEIN but the picture gives an idea

Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat
Whataretalkingabout · 13/06/2026 15:45

You will swelter in black. Wear a very light gauzy white long sleeve shirt open over a tiny cotton or linen strapped top. White trousers for all in one look which is the new look. Even with pale colouring . Add one or two bright colored accessories- shoes and bracelet, or handbag and necklace/ watch?

In hot countries mid summer it's better to cover up and protect yourself from the heat. Milan is very conservative. Go with solids, neutrals with just a touch of colour or gold/ silver.

Cassiemoomoo · 13/06/2026 15:52

I have just bought this and it is absolutely gorgeous on. I would say however, that as it is lined it is heavier than a normal linen dress.

Whataretalkingabout · 13/06/2026 15:59

As for mosquitoes, I have found if you moisturize your arms and legs generously with your favorite body lotion this works surprisingly well as a repellent!

I do this before gardening. Much more pleasant with Chanel body lotion than some nasty insect spray!

TofuTuesday · 13/06/2026 16:01

I was in Milan last summer and wore lots of wide legged linen trousers and slim tops with cap sleeves.

EleanorMc67 · 13/06/2026 17:22

Whataretalkingabout · 13/06/2026 15:45

You will swelter in black. Wear a very light gauzy white long sleeve shirt open over a tiny cotton or linen strapped top. White trousers for all in one look which is the new look. Even with pale colouring . Add one or two bright colored accessories- shoes and bracelet, or handbag and necklace/ watch?

In hot countries mid summer it's better to cover up and protect yourself from the heat. Milan is very conservative. Go with solids, neutrals with just a touch of colour or gold/ silver.

That's not strictly true. It all depends on the cut of garment, the fabric used, & what you're doing & where.

I am a pale-skinned strawberry blonde & suffer a lot in the heat - to the point where I only holiday in hotter countries during their spring/autumn/winter. I often wear dark colours, as they're more practical than pale ones when you're travelling around. I like cotton/linen/viscose/silk in open airy weaves like gauze or cheesecloth.

The key is to wear loose clothing - if you're wearing a tight black T-shirt & leggings, then yes, they'll absorb heat quickly & trap it next to the skin. Plus tight fabric around the armpits & crotch collects sweat more. And so you'll be horribly hot & sweaty.

However, loose black garments allow the air gap between the fabric and skin to create what's known as a "chimney effect". The heat absorbed by the fabric escapes into the air before it reaches your skin. Black fabric is also an excellent radiator of heat. When you sweat, the moisture evaporates faster than in white/pale clothing, & cools the body. It's why Bedouins wear loose black robes in the desert.

Even if I was on a city break rather than travelling around India, I would wear dark as well as light clothing, & focus more on the cut & fabric of what I was wearing, rather than the colour.

If the OP is walking around lots in the heat of the day (unwise, & I doubt she will), white will be very effective at reflecting heat before it's absorbed by the skin. But if she's indoors/in the shade a lot, wearing loose dark clothing will actually radiate heat away from the body faster than pale clothing.

There is also, for me, the mess factor!! If I was meeting a wealthy work colleague for lunch in Milan, I would worry about wearing a head-to-toe white outfit. To the point where it would probably affect what I ordered from the menu!! Tomato sauces, oily salad dressings ... all that potential for splattering food over myself! The embarrassment ...!!! 😬

Kepler22B · 13/06/2026 20:19

What about linen culottes with a suitable top?

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E484127-000/00?colorDisplayCode=69&sizeDisplayCode=003

EleanorMc67 · 13/06/2026 21:50

Beachtastic · 13/06/2026 14:00

I'm so sorry, but if someone sat opposite me in a restaurant wearing that I wouldn't be able to eat for laughing 🫣

Really? I like seeing people with a distinctive style of dressing, who take an obvious enjoyment in it.

I love the blouse because it's fun & flamboyant, & I think that the person who wears it won't be shy & retiring in their dress sense.

Would I wear it? Probably not - as I suspect my boobs would spoil the line!!

EleanorMc67 · 13/06/2026 21:54

Cassiemoomoo · 13/06/2026 15:52

I have just bought this and it is absolutely gorgeous on. I would say however, that as it is lined it is heavier than a normal linen dress.

It's a very elegant-looking dress. The lining I would find useful in the UK - even in June the breeze here in Edinburgh has been whipping its way up my cotton dresses!!

But yes, in Milan heat an unlined dress or skirt would be best.

Pyjamatimenow · 13/06/2026 22:45

A spray tan

Cassiemoomoo · 13/06/2026 22:57

EleanorMc67 · 13/06/2026 21:54

It's a very elegant-looking dress. The lining I would find useful in the UK - even in June the breeze here in Edinburgh has been whipping its way up my cotton dresses!!

But yes, in Milan heat an unlined dress or skirt would be best.

Funnily enough I also live in Edinburgh! This is a good dress for a summer day in Edinburgh, but agree to heavy and fitted for Milan!

Choconuttolata · 13/06/2026 23:40

I have family who have a place in Tuscany and visited travelling through Milan, Florence, Tuscany and Rome in August. It is very hot and the mosquitos can be ravenous. Wide leg trousers and loose fitting blouse/shirt/top would be my suggestion, I have posted links with sleeves too (sorry for length of links I tried my best to make them shorter @EleanorMc67!). Black is a safe option and will work to transition into the evening and not show up food/sweat stains as easily. With a chunky statement necklace and gold/pearl earrings, flat sandals, hat with a brim, sunglasses and a lightweight cardigan/jacket/wrap. No satin/silky blouses as they will stain under the arms, stick with cotton or linen.

Wide leg linen trousers

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su771745/w66521

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60713330?color=PEAT

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-twill-drawstring-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60784657?color=HUNTERGREEN#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-SESSION-RECOMMENDATION_END_PDP_20_2:641503e7-d225-44b5-8861-8c1ad175db68

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/white-linen-blend-jerrow-wide-leg-trousers-b252135wht?_gl=1xidrjc_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnTyT-TRsz8D56CiyUAtKPk_oYfD4x5zGU12hs5Zm_5wVir1g39rd8aAkJbEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIXMiuwmBKVNIzdPShMzWeV-6

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/wide-leg-trousers-with-pleated-waist-detail-in-cream/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_23036889720&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23047005496&gbraid=0AAAAADrNWmzsy1HG7Fn0-qpDHb29F1zMy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jmbclY9mD9MrrnrR-3W-KRFhKkReK6uBhQtllhQIJFKCGmLabQj0n4aAm-qEALw_wcB

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-novie-crinkled-wide-leg-trousers-fuschia-pink/p115007912

Shirts/blouse/top

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su838583/y00995?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22747670873&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UV7HiKHVCV6P2MLI01PETsnU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jkCFqFBl_CQ2UAXvv0wF-1-SJW9ZjjnUz_4tcsigQ-nmK9P1lqNqYkaAp5FEALw_wcB

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/linen-blend-blouse-with-embroidered-details-l05143943?cS=527&utm_source=tradedoubler&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=MD_PER_ALWAYSON_TRADEDOUBLER_US_AFFILIATES_MIX_MIX_MIX_3123085&utm_term=3123085&utm_content=4

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/tricolor-flowing-shirt-l05188688?pelement=61850983

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-novie-asymmetric-top-fuschia-pink/p115007874

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/tate-embroidered-cutout-blouse-black/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_23036889720&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23047005496&gbraid=0AAAAADrNWmzsy1HG7Fn0-qpDHb29F1zMy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jkf8ALcZCwRwvhJ0Af17AkFm-nABHo-aXlDTVNsl__VuDTCHMZP9u8aAqnaEALw_wcB

https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/roma-blouse/black-with-ecru-details#size-6

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/asha-linen-blouse-100056805010.html

https://farmrio.eu/products/palermo-black-puffed-sleeve-blouse?srsltid=AfmBOop91vE6984Tduy_jbmqFtgIKokxd4pzGT6CuwdixkJCn8EKaGs4

Dresses/skirt

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-delphine-floral-shirt-midi-dress-stone/p115020269?size=10&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164127&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1yA8FkaJc3JK7n6PQoT0TgTM&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnC4soiosiv5oQGvUmNZaC79NmmWkBEncC1n36vNkkLNE2LJWOdIJ0aAvq3EALw_wcB

https://www.whistles.com/product/225318.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Whistles_UK_EN_BoF_PerformanceMax_LowCostPerformers&utm_id=23196321819&utm_content=agid_-ad_&utm_term=&utm_matchtype=&network=x&device=m&placement=&targetid=&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23205796225&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8dvb1epLyMCmPuOYhI4_lBQtf&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnfbt4rUpDPHUtHdXxEDq0xmyAmkn6E2gvGq1IAGhsMqHwrxr-g-FMaAifNEALw_wcB

https://farmrio.uk/products/palermo-black-maxi-skirt?currency=GBP&variant=47468328091962&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=d6e91d6232ff&utm_id=22743590299&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22733708325&gbraid=0AAAAAqwOh7RBuAfHWgsgF71EmizyUitYF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jlo4RhbPK4UHvAbxglKhJvKOzUw97kT_PoSUDP7C9eq7mgNoIgsp24aAk2_EALw_wcB

Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat
Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat
Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat
Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat
Dinner in Milan if pale & not good in heat
Ceramiq · 14/06/2026 06:47

I was at a restaurant in Italy (not Milan, but near enough) last night and the only people wearing black were American tourists.

ElleintheWoods · 14/06/2026 07:11

WhatToWearMilan · 11/06/2026 14:25

Thank you for the suggestions
I generally prefer trousers in heat
And don't like vests due to risk of shoulders burning but this has given me something to consider

Buongiorno!
Just chipping in as I work with ‘Italian professional contacts’ a lot. While I don’t know what your industry is and that particular person, being seen as stylish is extremely important to Italians, especially in Milan. People are a lot more dressy and even restaurants can be snobbish, dressing up is much more expected than in Northern Europe, and we can sometimes be caught out turning up underdressed.

If you’re keen on trousers for this, my only answer is a linen suit. Unless your industry is informal, I’d say full length. If you go for a breathable cut and light colour, that’ll be one of the ‘coolest’ outfits to wear ❄️

I guess you want to wear flat/ walking shoes, in which case I’d say ballet pumps, loafers or similar. If you want to wear sandals, they’re perfectly okay but steer very clear from holiday or Birkenstock vibes.

Dinner in Milan is usually late, after 7/8. Heat may well have subsided by then.

If it would be me, I’d wear Max Mara (2nd hand available for £100ish). It’s as ‘professional Italian’ as a brand can get. Most Italians are very knowledgeable about fashion/ style, and even if not stylish themselves, appreciate a flattering cut and quality materials. Not flashy at all, but they pick up on a good fit/ quality garment.

Unfortunately there’s a lot of snobbishness about particularly American style dressing, ie casual and comfy, or too revealing. Therefore anything that looks too touristy or has holiday vibes may not be as well received - away from your earshot of course.

In Italian culture dressing well is a sign of respect towards the others.

I have been close to refused service wearing cropped trousers and sandals/ looking casual

ZenNudist · 14/06/2026 07:16

Black all the way. The Milanese do not wear colour.

Melassa · 14/06/2026 08:30

ZenNudist · 14/06/2026 07:16

Black all the way. The Milanese do not wear colour.

Not true at all! A lot of natural colours but also brighter colours such as red, orange, pink, green etc. the shift dress linked further up the dress is absolutely a colour that would be worn. Just don’t do neon shades unless you’re 12.

I work in Milan every day and see less and less black and then it’s usually over the winter. I work in marketing for various industries, so I tend to see a wide range of people. Max Mara is a good shout, I have some pieces I bought second hand, but you don’t need to go full designer. There are plenty of people wearing Zara, for example, but mixing and matching well. Do not overdue the fashion, keep it simple.

@WhatToWearMilan the important thing is to carry yourself well. My DD has recently spent a lot of time in the UK and Ireland and tells me she’s noticed a difference in how people move there vs here. The posture is generally better here (no idea why, it’s not as if everyone does ballet as a kid) and people walk with more confidence with their head held high. No stomping and slouching, or not as much. That instantly makes clothes look better on you.

momager22 · 14/06/2026 10:48

I’d wear some cropped linen trousers in black or dark khaki and a white or cream linen shirt. Nice accessories - gold jewellery and leather flat sandals.

Joolay · 14/06/2026 10:48

No. No. No. To linen

Joolay · 14/06/2026 10:51

The yellow blouse 😬

Ceramiq · 14/06/2026 13:58

momager22 · 14/06/2026 10:48

I’d wear some cropped linen trousers in black or dark khaki and a white or cream linen shirt. Nice accessories - gold jewellery and leather flat sandals.

Cropped is for the sea side. Currently the glamorous women in Italy are wearing wide loose trousers.

Aluna · 14/06/2026 14:04

Nonsense to no linen. I wear a lot of linen in Italy in the summer. You can find linen dresses everywhere in Italy - the markets have great cheap linen dresses.

I’d wear something like this:

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/dresses/minidresses/product/tailored-linen-mini-dress-butter-yellow-1330096003

WhatToWearMilan · 14/06/2026 15:13

Wow so many opinions!
And loads of links to check out - thank you all!

OP posts:
EleanorMc67 · 14/06/2026 20:08

Choconuttolata · 13/06/2026 23:40

I have family who have a place in Tuscany and visited travelling through Milan, Florence, Tuscany and Rome in August. It is very hot and the mosquitos can be ravenous. Wide leg trousers and loose fitting blouse/shirt/top would be my suggestion, I have posted links with sleeves too (sorry for length of links I tried my best to make them shorter @EleanorMc67!). Black is a safe option and will work to transition into the evening and not show up food/sweat stains as easily. With a chunky statement necklace and gold/pearl earrings, flat sandals, hat with a brim, sunglasses and a lightweight cardigan/jacket/wrap. No satin/silky blouses as they will stain under the arms, stick with cotton or linen.

Wide leg linen trousers

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su771745/w66521

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-linen-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60713330?color=PEAT

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-twill-drawstring-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60784657?color=HUNTERGREEN#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-SESSION-RECOMMENDATION_END_PDP_20_2:641503e7-d225-44b5-8861-8c1ad175db68

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/white-linen-blend-jerrow-wide-leg-trousers-b252135wht?_gl=1xidrjc_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnTyT-TRsz8D56CiyUAtKPk_oYfD4x5zGU12hs5Zm_5wVir1g39rd8aAkJbEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAADQCJIXMiuwmBKVNIzdPShMzWeV-6

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/wide-leg-trousers-with-pleated-waist-detail-in-cream/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_23036889720&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23047005496&gbraid=0AAAAADrNWmzsy1HG7Fn0-qpDHb29F1zMy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jmbclY9mD9MrrnrR-3W-KRFhKkReK6uBhQtllhQIJFKCGmLabQj0n4aAm-qEALw_wcB

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-novie-crinkled-wide-leg-trousers-fuschia-pink/p115007912

Shirts/blouse/top

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su838583/y00995?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22747670873&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UV7HiKHVCV6P2MLI01PETsnU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jkCFqFBl_CQ2UAXvv0wF-1-SJW9ZjjnUz_4tcsigQ-nmK9P1lqNqYkaAp5FEALw_wcB

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/linen-blend-blouse-with-embroidered-details-l05143943?cS=527&utm_source=tradedoubler&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=MD_PER_ALWAYSON_TRADEDOUBLER_US_AFFILIATES_MIX_MIX_MIX_3123085&utm_term=3123085&utm_content=4

https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/tricolor-flowing-shirt-l05188688?pelement=61850983

https://www.johnlewis.com/french-connection-novie-asymmetric-top-fuschia-pink/p115007874

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/tate-embroidered-cutout-blouse-black/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%7Bcampaignname%7D_23036889720&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23047005496&gbraid=0AAAAADrNWmzsy1HG7Fn0-qpDHb29F1zMy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jkf8ALcZCwRwvhJ0Af17AkFm-nABHo-aXlDTVNsl__VuDTCHMZP9u8aAqnaEALw_wcB

https://www.sezane.com/en-en/product/roma-blouse/black-with-ecru-details#size-6

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/asha-linen-blouse-100056805010.html

https://farmrio.eu/products/palermo-black-puffed-sleeve-blouse?srsltid=AfmBOop91vE6984Tduy_jbmqFtgIKokxd4pzGT6CuwdixkJCn8EKaGs4

Dresses/skirt

https://www.johnlewis.com/phase-eight-delphine-floral-shirt-midi-dress-stone/p115020269?size=10&s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151164127&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1yA8FkaJc3JK7n6PQoT0TgTM&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnC4soiosiv5oQGvUmNZaC79NmmWkBEncC1n36vNkkLNE2LJWOdIJ0aAvq3EALw_wcB

https://www.whistles.com/product/225318.html?utm_source=google&utm_source_platform=google_ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NEST_Whistles_UK_EN_BoF_PerformanceMax_LowCostPerformers&utm_id=23196321819&utm_content=agid_-ad_&utm_term=&utm_matchtype=&network=x&device=m&placement=&targetid=&utm_tpl=live&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23205796225&gbraid=0AAAAADtW8dvb1epLyMCmPuOYhI4_lBQtf&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnfbt4rUpDPHUtHdXxEDq0xmyAmkn6E2gvGq1IAGhsMqHwrxr-g-FMaAifNEALw_wcB

https://farmrio.uk/products/palermo-black-maxi-skirt?currency=GBP&variant=47468328091962&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=d6e91d6232ff&utm_id=22743590299&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22733708325&gbraid=0AAAAAqwOh7RBuAfHWgsgF71EmizyUitYF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jlo4RhbPK4UHvAbxglKhJvKOzUw97kT_PoSUDP7C9eq7mgNoIgsp24aAk2_EALw_wcB

Good practical advice @Choconuttolata - & thanks for some photos too! I like a lot of the wide long trousers you posted. I also like that green Massimo Dutti top (being a sucker for green), & think it would look great with a full skirt as well as trousers.

Lots of conflicting opinions on linen on this thread. I think it depends on whether you care if it gets a bit crumpled or not. Some think it looks unkempt, others think it's part of its relaxed appeal. If it's a linen-blend, it tends to be a bit more resistant to creasing.

I notice that Me+Em has marketed a lot of their clothing as "crease-less" linen - as it's a blend of linen & viscose, I suspect similar near 50:50 linen:viscose fabric blends would perform similarly ...

https://www.meandem.com/int/crease-less-linen-black-summer-suit-co-ord

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