10 STEPS TO PACKING FOR ITALY

 

 

 

I’m Going to Italy and Have No Idea What to Pack!

 

Planning a trip to Italy can be the dream of a lifetime until you realize you need to plan what to wear. Don’t stress! We’ve put together all the best tips from the entire website so you can easily access everything in one easy location. Follow these tips for stress free packing for your dream trip!

 

For more ideas on what to wear in Italy, please read:

• Best Walking Shoes for Italy
• What to Wear in Rome in Summer
• What to Wear in Italy Year Round
• What I Packed for Rome: My Milestone Birthday Trip

 

 

Add a chic anti-theft bag to your packing list, like the Travelon Classic Backpack

 

STEP 1 – Research Italy Packing Lists

 

Start by reading our Italy Packing List, which is a seasonal guide offering information on what to wear in the spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Depending on when you’re traveling, these posts on what to wear in Italy in the summer and what to wear in Italy in the winter will help you out! And if you’re traveling to other destinations in Europe in addition to Italy, use the guidelines explained in this Europe Packing Guide.

 

 

The Quince Shirtdress is made of 100% linen, which is the perfect fabric for an Italian summer trip where the weather really heats up!

 

These articles will ensure you’re prepared for the climate, the local style, and whatever activities and occasions are on the itinerary! We’ve covered the must-have essentials and provided some fashion inspo, too.

For detailed trip reports, top tips for visiting Italy, and some great outfit inspo, be sure to join our Facebook group to connect with other TFG readers! You’ll be able to ask the group for specific recommendations and information, too.

 

 

A good basic to build an Italy capsule wardrobe are tees—like the Madewell Whisper Cotton T-Shirt. It’ll go with everything!

 

STEP 2 – Build a Capsule Wardrobe

 

Now that you have an idea of the clothing and accessories to pack, plan a strategic capsule wardrobe that’ll give you maximum outfit options while keeping your packing list minimal.

It’s all about versatility when it comes to creating a great capsule wardrobe, so the foundation should be great basics, with some cute accessories mixed in and 2-3 pairs of shoes—read our ultimate guide to travel shoes for more information.

This is a handy tactic whether you’re traveling carry-on only or checking a bag, as it’ll keep your luggage light and make creating outfits on the go really easy!

 

 

Silk is a light and airy fabric to pack and won’t weigh down luggage. Try this Quince Washable Silk Dolman Blouse!

 

Packing everything you need for Italy in a carry on suitcase might seem overwhelming, but with a solid capsule wardrobe, it’s totally possible. In fact, readers do it successfully all the time (and often share about it on the TFG Facebook group)!

Take a look at the Pack Light Stylishly ebook for help with creating the perfect travel wardrobe for Italy.

If you’re typically an overpacker, trying carry-on only for the first time, or have a multi-stop itinerary, this Stop Overpacking guide will give you some amazing techniques to help you navigate varying climates and unexpected travel situations, all with a minimal wardrobe.

The guidelines in TFG’s Signature Packing Lists will help you customize your Italian travel wardrobe further!

 

 

These trendy and chic Anthropologie Wide Leg Pants are the epitome of Italian fashion but still geared for travelers!

 

STEP 3 – Dress Like an Italian Local

 

When sorting out your packing list, you might want to consider tailoring your wardrobe to the styles you’ll see around Italy. Italian women have a fashion-forward way of dressing while always keeping things practical and comfortable, so readers love to take note from the locals when deciding what to wear.

In general, Italian style is polished and simple. You can keep it feminine and romantic with flowy midi and maxi dresses and loose blouses or white button downs, or lean into the edgy side of Italian style with a darker wardrobe and leather boots. Italians often stick to neutral colors, too.

 

 

A sleek, simple piece like the J. Crew Gwyneth Slip Dress can be polished up with strappy sandals or worn with white leather sneakers for a casual look!

 

It’s important to note that Europeans generally wear the same things that everyone else does around the world – the only difference is HOW they wear them. People value simplicity, clean styling, and a good tailored fit above anything else.

Choose polished tees and simple tops paired with wide leg pants or wide leg jeans for sightseeing. For the hot Italian summers, dresses and skirts are popular in Italy, too. But specifically, linen dresses, linen skirts, linen shirts, or linen jumpsuits are really best. Check out our ultimate guide to linen for more!

Overall, keep all your clothing comfortable, as you’ll be doing a ton of walking around on your trip!

 

 

The Rothy’s Mary Jane Flats will look amazing in Italy in the spring or fall as “wild card” dressy shoes but are also cushioned!

 

STEP 4 – Pack for the Weather and your Itinerary

 

Next, check the weather forecast so you can adjust your packing list accordingly, and remember to continuously check it leading up to your trip! Accuweather and Weather.com are great sources.

Even if you know the predicted temperatures and weather conditions for your trip, weather can always change suddenly, so layering is key. It’s also handy to have a few clothing options in case the weather is unexpectedly warm or chilly.

 

 

A great jacket choice for fall in Italy is a trench coat—like this water-resistant trench from Lands’ End!

 

Italy experiences four seasons, with a hot, muggy summer and a gray, cold winter. If you’re traveling in the warmer season, keep cool with lots of breathable linen and cotton fabrics. In the colder months, avoid wearing too many bulky layers with thermals and lightweight yet insulating sweaters made of cashmere or merino wool.

If your trip shows both cool and warm weather, then take a look at this packing guide for mixed weather trips.

 

 

Long boots are seen all over Italy during the colder months. We really love this Blondo Symore Waterproof Knee-high Boots!

 

STEP 5 – Bring Proper Clothing for Winter Trips

 

Packing for cold weather travel can be quite daunting, especially if you’re trying to pack light. But if you’re traveling to Italy in the winter, you’ll need to bundle up!

There is one major difference between being at home in the winter and traveling when it’s cold: the amount of time you’ll spend outdoors. When you’re traveling, you’ll likely spend extended periods of time outdoors sightseeing, so don’t be caught unprepared.

 

 

The Terramar Silk Undershirts and Terramar Silk Long Johns are described as lightweight and work well under your clothes to keep warm!

 

The key to packing light and staying warm in the winter is by layering lightweight yet insulating clothing. Thermals or silk thermals are a must for layering underneath your clothing – don’t skip these!

 

 

Stay warm during the winter months in Italy with this cute yet practical Columbia Carson Pass II Jacket!

 

You can also avoid bringing a thick, heavy coat by opting for a packable down jacket instead. Make sure your outerwear is waterproof, as you’ll likely get some rain and maybe even know depending on the region! However, some Italian women love a wool coat, so if you choose to bring one, make sure it’s not super heavy in weight.

Lastly, don’t forget essential winter accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves! Gloves with touch-screen capabilities are ideal as they’ll allow you to use your phone and snap photos without having to take them off!

 

 

The Sorel Ella II Sandals are said by reviewers to be comfortable yet wickedly chic, and I agree! I just wore them for a recent solo European jaunt and loved them.

 

STEP 6 – Choose Comfortable Shoes

 

Choosing the right shoes for Italy is incredibly important, as you’ll be doing a LOT of walking! The last thing you want is for tired or aching feet to prevent you from enjoying the trip of a lifetime, so picking comfortable shoes is a must. Start by reading this 10 step guide to packing the best travel shoes for any trip as well as this article on the best shoes for Italy.

One unexpected issue that many travelers discover once they get to Europe are the cobblestone streets. While beautiful to look at, these cobblestone roads aren’t always the easiest to walk on and can make for sore feet even if you don’t normally have discomfort.

 

 

To tackle the cobblestones, the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers have a sturdy rubber sole, a slight platform for foot stability, and great looks!

 

Depending on the city, European streets can also be hilly, uneven, and very slippery when wet, so opt for shoes that have excellent traction and a durable outsole that will keep you feeling balanced. You could peruse these best walking shoes and best walking sandals to see what can handle those cobblestones!

For packing efficiency, bring three pairs of shoes max. You should pack one pair for sightseeing and walking, one pair of any special activities you have planned, and a third pair to either dress up your outfits for special occasions or one that’s appropriate for a change in weather. For more information on choosing the best travel shoes, read our ultimate guide!

 

 

For the winter months in Italy, these Born Verona Waterproof Chelsea Boots can protect you against the elements and you’ll still look fabulous, too!

 

These are the best shoes for sightseeing in the cold and these are the best shoes for sightseeing in the heat. Stylish sneakers are always in style in Italy, and black ankle boots are the most recommended shoes for Italy when dealing with either cold or mixed weather.

And count in sneakers as well. They are seen all over Italy. White sneakers, black sneakers, fashion sneakers, tennis sneakers or waterproof sneakers to stave off rain are all great ideas for this popular country.

 

 

The Travelon Messenger Crossbody Bag comes with anti-theft features and can hold all your day’s essentials at the Vatican!

 

STEP 7 – Select the Right Personal Item or Day Bag

 

Next up, you’ll need to select a day bag for your trip! When you’re out and about for hours on end, you’ll need a comfortable and secure bag to carry all of your essentials (and maybe a souvenir or two).

One of the best options for sightseeing in Italy is a crossbody purse. They’re comfortable to wear, will keep you hands-free, and are very secure, as they sit close to your body and always be in sight.

 

 

The Sherpani Soleil Convertible Backpack is perfect for Italy, with organizational pockets, RFID protection, and the ability to wear it different ways!

 

If you need to carry more items for the day or want to do a bit of shopping, then a backpack is ideal. But for touristy cities, readers strongly recommend an anti-theft backpack to protect your items from pickpockets. Backpacks make excellent personal items, too, so choose one with a trolley sleeve so you can use it both on and off the plane!

Also, convertible backpacks are highly popular for Italy, since they allow you to wear it different ways depending on the day you have planned.

 

 

The Nomad Lane Tomodachi Sling has amazing reviews and is compact for Italy, yet very stylish!

 

Another great option if you want to keep it light during the day is a sling bag or fanny pack. These bags have become super popular and readers love how convenient they are!

In addition to your day bag, you may want to consider crossbody phone cases. Many TFG readers love the convenience and security of these cases. They’ll offer peace of mind that your phone won’t get stolen or accidentally left somewhere, and they make it easy to snap the perfect photo without having to dig around your purse for your phone!

 

 

The BAGSMART Toiletries Bag comes in 2 different sizes to accommodate your travel needs!

 

STEP 8 – Downsize Your Toiletries

 

Now that your clothing is sorted out, the next step is figuring out what toiletries you need and how you’ll pack them. Start out by reading out Ultimate Guide to Packing Toiletries for tips on everything from downsizing toiletries to TSA liquid restrictions to the best containers and makeup bags.

Whether checking a bag or traveling carry-on, downsizing your toiletries is always a good idea, both to save space and streamline your routine during your travels.

 

 

HiBAR’s Shampoo and Conditioner Sets are super effective, color-safe, and made of clean, high quality ingredients!

 

If you’re traveling carry-on only, you’ll need to make sure all of your liquid toiletries abide by TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule. This guide to the 3-1-1 rule for traveling to Europe explains it all and offers the tips and tricks for packing you’ll need to ensure a smooth TSA experience.

One handy way to meet the carry-on 3-1-1 rule is by replacing liquid toiletries with solid toiletries. There’s a solid version for anything from shampoo and conditioner to sunscreen to toothpaste!

When figuring out exactly what products to bring with you, try to stick to the basics. Keep your skincare routine as simple as possible and create a capsule makeup collection. That way, your packing will be more efficient and getting ready each day will be quick and easy!

 

 

The Kitsch Flat Toiletry Pouches save so much space in your toiletry kit and hold enough products!

 

The biggest mistake travelers make with toiletries is not considering how much product they actually use, so be sure to take note of this leading up to your trip! Once you know how much you’ll need, decant them into travel containers. There are SO many great options to pick from, including flat pouches, stackable pots, and soft silicone tubes, so choose whatever works best for your particular products and the space you have available.

Finally, pack everything up in a toiletry bag. If you know you’ll have limited counter space or want to be able to see everything clearly, opt for a hanging toiletry bag!

 

 

The Compass Rose RFID Secret Bra Wallet is discreet and great for storing emergency cash and credit cards!

 

STEP 9 – Remember Anti-Theft Accessories

 

While Italy is generally a safe country, safety is always a concern whenever you travel, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions so you can enjoy your trip with confidence and security. Start by reading this ultimate guide on how to stay safe from pickpockets in Europe.

Keeping your belongings safe is especially important to consider when exploring touristy areas, as pickpocketing can be a common occurrence. That’s why readers always suggest bringing along a few anti-theft accessories when traveling to Europe.

TFG readers strongly recommend anti-theft purses or anti-theft backpacks when sightseeing in Italy. Designed with features like slash-proof fabric, lockable zippers, and lock-down straps, these bags will allow you to explore Italy stress-free, without constantly checking to make sure your belongings are still there!

 

 

The Alpha Keeper Money Belt can keep your cards and cash hidden (wear it under clothing)!

 

If your bag isn’t anti-theft or you just want some extra security, use accessories that go underneath your clothing.

A bra wallet is a great essential that’ll keep your ID, cards, and cash completely out of sight. Readers love that they’re comfortable and unnoticeable, too! Similarly, money belts and neck wallets are securely worn underneath your clothing to keep your valuables hidden.

Also remember that the safest place for your passport is locked in your accommodation. You may want to carry a photocopy or other form of ID when you’re sightseeing or are out at night. Read these tips on how to keep your passport safe when you travel!

 

 

The Travelpro brand is super popular, and the Maxlite 5 20” Softside is top-notch for Italy!

 

STEP 10 – Choose the Right Luggage for Italy

 

Now that your packing list is complete, it’s time to focus on luggage. If you’re looking for a new suitcase, read these tips on how to pick a suitcase and consider one of these reader-approved top luggage brands.

If you plan on traveling with a carry-on to Italy, these are the best carry-ons for international travel here! And if you’re concerned about weight, take a look at the most lightweight luggage options around!

 

 

The Delsey Paris Helium Aero 19” Hardside is ultra-chic and the ideal size for European airlines, and is said to pack well!

 

If you’d like to check luggage during your Italy trip, make sure it’s not majorly heavy, this list of lightweight checked luggage can give you ideas!

There are also times when backpacks are better than wheeled bags, so if you’re going on a more adventurous trip or want to be as mobile as possible, learn how to choose the best travel backpack.

Whichever option you choose, remember to check the dimension and weight requirements with your airline so you won’t end up having to check your bag or pay an extra fee.

 

 

Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes

 

Packing cubes will make a huge difference with your packing, and readers say they’re a must if you’re packing carry-on only! They’ll keep everything organized AND help you save plenty of space. See my packing tutorial on how to use them!

If you’re traveling to Italy in the winter and are bringing bulkier items (or if you tend to be an overpacker!), then compression bags will be an amazing travel tool for you.

Many readers use the Compass Rose Packing Cubes which are now offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim-size cubes measure 13″ x 5″ x 2.8″, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8″ x 13″ x 8.5″. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase and can help you organize and compress clothing items. The medium sizes is great for bulkier items.

 

 

Compass Rose Digital Luggage Scale

 

 

Keep in mind that most of Europe’s budget airlines have a carry-on bag allowance of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Airlines are becoming increasingly strict about baggage allowances, so use a luggage scale to always ensure you meet weight requirements.

To really optimize your space and keep everything as organized as possible, travel accessories like cord organizers, jewelry cases, and shoe bags will be a huge help.

 

Sign up for Travel Fashion Girl’s monthly newsletter and get instant access to free packing templates, downloadable checklists, ebooks, and more!

 

 

Bonus Section: Travel Tips

 

One of our biggest travel tips for any destination is to buy either a print or digital guidebook. They help you plan your itinerary, give you insight on where to stay, and even give you facts about the historical sites, too.

 

These are a few popular Italy guidebooks:

• Lonely Planet Italy
• Rick Steves Italy 2022
• Rick Steves Pocket Rome

 

Learn more about why I still use travel guides!

 

 

Accommodation in Italy

 

For accommodation, we love Airbnb for accommodation in Italy and other parts of Europe. Sign up here for a free $40 credit!

I prefer to to book “the entire home” instead of opting for shared accommodation on Airbnb. Aside from safety, I also like to feel like I’m living in the destination. It’s a small taste of local life plus you get more amenities than you would at a hotel such as a kitchen and washing machine.

 

Read these Airbnb tips for more info!

 

If you prefer the convenience and comfort of a hotel room, I like using both Agoda.com and Hotels.com. Tip: Hotels.com gives you a free night for every ten nights you book!

For flights, I like booking through Travelocity or Cheapoair (whichever one’s cheapest). Although I prefer Travelocity because they have a 24 hour money back guarantee.

To maximize your vacation time, fly into the city where you’re starting your trip and out of the city where your trip ends. Many times it’s the same price and saves you from having to spend extra time and money to go back to where you started your trip.

For hostels, we recommend Hostelworld and Hostelbookers. Always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea if the hostel is right for you. Some are quiet and family friendly while others are known for their party atmosphere.

 

Not sure about staying at a hostel? Read this.

 

 

Tours

 

Tours are a great way to travel if you’re not ready to travel alone. A few top choices include G Adventures or Intrepid Travel. While I haven’t traveled through Europe with G Adventures, I did go to South America and Africa with them as a new traveler in 2008 and enjoyed my experiences!

One of my favorite type of tours to do when I travel are food tours. In Europe, I’ve received complimentary tours by Eating Italy, Eating London, and Madrid Food Tours. I can’t recommend them enough!

In Rome, I did a City Tour and a VIP Vatican Tour with Roman Guy tours. Not only were there were only 3 people on my Vatican tour versus the groups of 25-50 around us but my guide Nina was a local fashionista. I also got to skip the massive lines and enter the Vatican one hour before the public!

For more city tours, New Europe has excellent tours and the best part? They’re free! All you have to do is tip your guide.

 

Before your trip, it’s very beneficial to learn a few key Italian phrases. Locals will have a warmer reception to you if you’ve taken the time to learn this simple courtesy.

 

Drink a Prosecco, enjoy the Italian piazzas and some delicious gelato, window shop, and most importantly, have fun!