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Florence is one of the most amazing Italian cities with endless things to do. Find out what to wear in Florence so you can look as stylish as the locals!

What to Wear in Florence

Written By: Maggie Fogg, Angela Sterley, and Lola Mendez

Situated in the Tuscan region of Italy, Florence encompasses all of the romanticism we associate with the Italian renaissance. Inspiration lurks around every corner in the Renaissance capital’s UNESCO Heritage Old Town.

The city is full of important historical art and architecture: the Duomo Cathedral with a beautiful mosaic-covered ceiling, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, and Galleria degli Uffizi, one of the city’s most celebrated galleries, housed in what was once the Medici Whitehall.

Here are few more guides to help you when packing for Italy:

A trip to Florence is a delicious taste of la bella vita. Be prepared to be dazzled by stunning facades, world-famous art, divine cuisine, Tuscan wine, rich history, fascinating traditions, and of course, incredible personal style!

Florence is considered an important fashion city in Italy, and once you are done wandering through museums and history sites (or sampling the city’s famous gelato), make your way through the many cobblestone streets, flitting in and out of some of the city’s most stylish shops.

Tip: Want to pack light, create the perfect capsule travel wardrobe which can easily fit into a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing!

Florence Clothing Style

Italian style is highly coveted and even more elusive. Nowhere else in the world do women know how to dress in a way that oozes feminine appeal while still looking effortlessly cool – matching Italian sensuality with silhouettes that are simple, comfortable and even sometimes verging on modest.

There is an element of glamour to Italian style and the women channel in in Florence. The materials are luxurious: think soft merino wool and leather as smooth as butter.

The palettes are natural and romantic, drawing on the colors of the beautiful vistas that surround the town. Women are attracted to colors that appear to have been drawn right from a Renaissance painting.

For more ideas on what to wear in Florence, please read this Ten Step Italy Packing Guide!

What to Wear in Florence in Spring

Spring in Florence is a breath of fresh air after a harsh winter. Temperatures in early spring are on the mild side, with April being the rainiest month of the season. Towards the end of April, you can expect thunderstorms in Florence as well.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:

When traveling to Florence in May or June, the temperatures will warm up and get into comfortable, mild summer temperatures.

Florence Packing List for Spring

Spring in Florence is a perfect holiday to channel your inner vintage screen siren. Sophia Loren is a classic icon and the epitome of femininity and Italian glamour.

Using Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn as inspiration for what to wear in Florence, opt for well-tailored pieces like a crisp white shirt and beautifully cut slim cigarette pants in a fresh print, like a black and white check or a striking color like burnt sienna.

Look no further than Audrey Hepburn style for inspiration!

Another perfect piece to wear for romantic strolls around the city – but one that can dress up equally well for dinner at a fine-dining restaurant – is a midi skirt. This is a perfect example of the marriage of effortless style, glamour and comfort that the Tuscans understand so well.

Carry the ‘vintage’ chic feel down to your footwear; while wandering endless cobblestone alleyways through the city of Florence, opt for a pretty and sophisticated flat that also provides comfort.

Sticking with a neutral color like a soft pink or cream will provide great flexibility for many outfits. A pair of d’Orsay flats work equally well with a well-cut pair of jeans, trousers or slim pants as they do with a midi skirt or spring dress.

These are some popular shoes for Paris and Italy!

What to Wear in Florence in Summer

Hot and humid days are common in Florence during the summer months. The amount of rainfall decreases leaving mostly warm sunny days for travelers looking to explore the city.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

Evenings in the city tend to be moderate but comfortable. During the daylight hours, temperatures often sit in the 80’s, making lightweight clothing a must when visiting Florence.

Florence Packing List for Summer

What to wear in Florence during summer starts and ends with lightweight fabrics. Locals and visitors often wear fabrics such as cotton and linen to stay cool during the hot summer days.

Italians also tend to dress less casual than the average American, with Florence being a key city in Italian fashion, so bringing along nicer tops and bottoms will help you blend in even in the summer months.

Wearing a day dress in a lightweight fabric would be a comfortable choice during the hot summer days. A nice pair of shorts with a blouse would also be a good choice for exploring the city while still staying comfortable in the heat and looking chic.

Take a look at the latest trends with these cute summer dresses for women!

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a key accessory to any trip to Florence. Like many areas of Italy, Florence includes multiple cobblestone streets so it is advised to avoid high heels. Many of the main attractions are in walking distance from each other so be sure to put on a classy yet comfortable pair of shoes or sandals to wander the streets.

Italy is also home to many well-known cathedrals. If you plan to visit any of these cathedrals, it is recommended that you bring more conservative clothing such as a top or dress that covers your shoulders.

Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too.

What to Wear in Florence in Fall

Fall in Florence is absolutely gorgeous with crisp sunny days with temperatures not getting much colder than 18°C/65°F. The breeze from the beautiful Arno river can make evenings a bit chilly, even in the early fall.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:

Florence Packing List for Fall

Fall is the ideal time to visit Florence, especially for sightseeing. The slightly cooler weather makes one crave all those delicious Florentine paninis, pastas, and pizzas but it still is warm enough to enjoy a scoop or two of gelato.

Denim is always a good option when deciding what to wear in Florence in fall, but pass on distressed styles or cut off shorts. If you don’t love a sleek pair of black, white, or wide leg indigo jeans, opt for a midi-length A-line skirt either in a jewel-toned neutral or a unique pattern. Pleated skirts are always a great option as they’re roomy and fun to twirl around in.

Here’s what our readers voted for the best skinny jeans!

To pair with your mix and match bottoms, pack a few different top options. A thin turtleneck in cream or other earth tones pairs well with just about everything. If you’ve stuck to neutral colors with your bottom pieces then pack at least one fun patterned blouse.

Fall temperatures can vary and Florence is a walking city so you’ll want to make sure you have some layering options with accessories, sweaters, and maybe even light outerwear. A trench coat is timeless and effortless and a faux leather motorcycle jacket can toughen up an otherwise ladylike look.

Enhance your outfit with your favorite accessories like a felt floppy hat, statement necklace, delicate watch, and of course shoes that are easy to walk in like ankle booties or trendy sneakers.

Here are a few trench coat outfits to inspire your travel wardrobe this season!

What to Wear in Florence in Winter

In winter, Florence sometimes sees a few days below freezing at around -1°C/30°F, usually in the morning. Snow is rare here, but possible, and quite lovely when it delicately graces the ancient Renaissance structures.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
How to Pack for Cold Weather
How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
The Best Travel Shoes for Winter

Florence Packing List for Winter

The key to what to wear in Florence for sightseeing in the winter is cold weather accessories and statement outerwear. The historic center of Florence is quite small and easy to explore on foot but in order to enjoy your day taking in all the sites you’ll need to be properly dressed.

Choose one winter jacket to bring with you and wear it on the airplane to save space in your bag. Opt for outerwear either in the same neutral color that will coordinate with your hat and shoes or compliment them. It will probably be too cold to take off your coat for photos in front of the Duomo or from the top of the bell tower, so decided if you’ll feel more stylish in a down coat or a wool jacket.

Here’s the best down jacket for travel!

As cold as it will be outside, the heat will likely be blasting inside when you visit galleries or stop for lunch. You’ll need to wear layers so you can be comfortable both indoors and out.

Wear a sweater over a blouse or a cardigan over a turtleneck so you can easily take off an extra piece if you get too warm inside. If you do wear a lighter top or dress, make sure you’re wearing enough cold weather accessories to keep you warm while outside. Sometimes I even layer with two scarves! I’ll wear a thin scarf inside around my chest and shoulders and a thicker blanket-style scarf over my outerwear draped around my shoulders.

The secret to packing light in winter is thermal underwear for women–find out why!

If you pack dresses make sure you have thick tights, ideally lined with felt. Or, you can layer with over-the -nee socks to keep your legs warm. Thick, warm socks will be crucial for keeping your feet happy when you’re out sightseeing all day.

Pass on high heels for this trip as you’ll be walking everywhere and will regret wearing them when you twist your ankle on an old cobblestone street.

Check out our collection of the best women’s waterproof leather boots!

What to Do in Florence

Florence is a city filled with a rich history that can still be seen today. One of the city’s most well-known buildings is the Duomo.

Ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes when you visit, as the Duomo challenges visitors to climb the stairs to the top, giving those who succeed an incredible view of the city.

Florence is also host to one of the world’s most well-known sculptures, David. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city’s history and buildings will prove of interest for anyone with an appreciation for Renaissance art and architecture.

Foodies will also love this city for its endless gelato shops and restaurants serving classic Italian and Florentine cuisine.

Tip: Worried about theft, add items like a money belt or Secret Bra Pocket to your packing list for Florence.

What are your tips on what to wear in Florence? Share in the comments below!

For more ideas on how to pack for Europe, please read:

Suggested travel resources:

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Author Bio: Maggie Fogg is a full-time traveler and writer. She left Toronto with a one-way ticket to Spain and has been making her way around the globe ever since. Currently, you can find her dancing and hiking her way around South America. Follow Maggie on Instagram.

Author Bio: Angela Sterley is a Los Angeles-based travel and lifestyle blogger. She has a background in the fashion industry and is on a mission to explore all the world has to offer. Join her adventures on Destination Drifter and follow her on Instagram.

Author Bio: Lola Méndez is a full-time traveler sharing her adventures on Miss Filatelista as she adds to her collection of passport stamps. She travels to develop her own worldview and has explored 46 countries. Passionate about sustainable travel she seeks out ethical experiences that benefit local communities. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

6 Comments

Leann Vorpahl on September 1, 2024 at 10:54 pm

Thank you for the tips, heading to Tuscany in October.
Cheryl Nelson on August 27, 2024 at 9:47 pm

Will be in Florence in October for a week. This is really good information. Thank you.
Nichole Parsons on September 18, 2023 at 7:18 am

Thank you! This is super helpful. We’re going in October and using your lists to help us pack more efficiently. We’ll bring layers and comfortable shoes. Can’t wait to share pictures and helpful tips after we return. Love this TFG community!
Phyllis on September 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm

I just returned from Florence-it was dreamy-and all of the tips were so helpful along the way!
Kristan on September 4, 2022 at 10:19 am

This has been so helpful. Thank you! I was originally planning to bring a few dresses with more revealing necklines and I swapped them out for more conservative dresses and am so happy to know that information before arriving in Florence and feeling disrespectful to the local culture.
Susan Kayden on August 22, 2022 at 9:35 pm

Visiting Florence next month – September! Good travel wardrobe advice. I’m hoping it’s not too chilly, but will come prepared with layers.

What to Wear in Florence: A Year-Round Packing List