The Romans are a fashionable breed. They are trendy, on the move, and the Italian fashion industry is renowned worldwide. With all of the high-end fashion designers from Italy (Armani, Versace, Valentine, Prada, Gucci, and more), there is a plethora of luxury goods and handmade artisan pieces alike.
You can pack some of these for the early days of your trip and then do some shopping once you arrive. This is a place to indulge a little and bring back some staple pieces! By day, you will want to wear flowy, light, linen-like materials to keep cool, especially in the hot summertime. And by night, you can dress up a bit and wear something a little more bold, opting for a leather jacket or shawl in the colder months.
Keep in mind that the Vatican City is a bit more modest and conservative than the rest of Rome. But regardless of the occasion, you’re in Rome and will naturally do as the Romans do!
What Should Women Wear on Vatican City? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Women should opt for feminine and comfortable clothing. You can put your best foot forward in Rome and dress more elegantly than you would at home (if from America). The European trends are about 2-3 years ahead of Western trends, so they tend to get everything a bit earlier!
You can go for linen pants, a stylish and fitted shirt, with comfortable sandals. When entering the Vatican museums, check you have a back-up shawl or cover-up, just in case. In the evenings, switch to a printed dress or chic jumpsuit to make a power statement.
Stick with wide-heels or flat shoes to avoid tripping on the ancient cobblestone roads. It can get chilly in the evening, so bring a lightweight jacket, and it rains more in the colder months, which means you may need a raincoat.
What Should Men Wear on Vatican City? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Men should go for a similar policy of comfort-first. Linen material is about as Italian as it gets, so invest in a pair of linen pants for yourself. A simple button-down shirt will look very polished and sophisticated. And your shoes really do make a big statement about you (especially in Rome, the capital of leather goods), so you may want to go all-out with a pair of loafers. You could also pack a comfortable lace-up sandal for day-to-day, or a nice breathable pair of Oxfords.
For a nice dinner, men may want a 3-piece suit or just a nice shirt. Nice socks are good to have on hand, and for colder seasons, a fleece shirt will be a wise choice. A waterproof jacket is also a smart investment in your travel wardrobe.
