What to Wear in Rome: 11 Classic Items to Pack

Planning a city break to Rome and want to blend in with the locals? Italian style is less about having a uniform and more about a bold, in-the-know approach to fashion. Confidence is key. Consider well-fitting (not necessarily tailored), smart pieces such as a pencil skirt or a camel coat, always freshly pressed and snag-free. Wardrobes here are bold but not over-the-top – one showstopper skirt can be paired with a simple knit, a la Mrs. Prada.

1. A Printed Dress

A bold printed dress, whether boxy or fitted, oozes Italian style. For a city break to Rome, choose one that will work for day-to-night and can be worn with layers if needed.

2. A Classic Handbag

When it comes to beautifully crafted leather bags and shoes, Italians always know best. The king of understated Italian style is Loro Piana. Case in point – the brand’s newly launched ‘Bale’ handbag, which comes in a large or micro size made of beautifully crafted plonge leather.

3. A Pair of Loafers

Milan is a beautiful city to explore on foot, so a pair of comfortable flat shoes are essential. To fit in with the classically dressed locals, skip the dirty trainers for a pair of neat leather loafers.

4. A Colourful Suit

You can never go wrong in a sharp suit, especially a color-popping statement look like Dolce & Gabbana’s pink style. Layer over a roll neck for caffe in the arty Regola neighbourhood, or with a smart pair of sandals for a gallery tour.

5. A Printed Blouse

A printed blouse will make a hard-working addition to light packing. Team with denim for daytime or under a suit for the evening and always wear tucked in and a little undone.

6. Flared Jeans

For a grown-up feminine look, choose a pair of high-rise flares. These can be dressed up with a printed blouse and blazer for the evening or worn simply with a t-shirt and flats for long daytime lunches or sightseeing.

7. A Classic Camel Coat

If you’re traveling in the cooler months, an elegant camel coat will keep you warm and looking the part. For the ultimate investment, embrace Italian heritage brand Max Mara, which is famed for its timeless camel coats.

8. A Pair of Colourful Heels

There’s often a sexiness to Italian style like no other Europeans can quite master. What better way to inject a dose of this into your packing than a pair of stilettos? Choose a simple leather heeled sandal in a bright shade and slip on with a shift dress for evenings out in the city. Don’t forget to add “get a pedicure” to your pre-trip to-do list.

9. Sunglasses

Don’t even think about your trip without a good pair of sunglasses. Embrace Monica Bellucci levels of glamour with a pair of oversized tortoiseshell frames, ideal for strolling along Via Cola di Rienzo.

10. A Shoulder Bag

Iconic Roman house Fendi first introduced its legendary Baguette in the late 1990s, conceptualized by the recently appointed Silvia Fendi and creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Since then, it has had countless iterations and makeovers, from fabrics and sizes to collaborations. This boxy version is the perfect cross-body accessory for a day out exploring the city.

11. A Statement Skirt

Mrs. Prada knows a thing or two about wearable high fashion, and nothing says Italian style quite like a statement skirt teamed with a simple block color knit. This high-waisted skirt in powder blue will look beautiful on your next Roman holiday. Pair it with a light knit or t-shirt and flats.