How to Dress in Rome During Summer

Dress Light - It's Hot!

Summer days in Rome tend to be very hot; daytime temperatures in July and August can reach over 100°F (38°C). Even if you are used to high temperatures back home, Rome heat may be worse to deal with because air conditioning in public transportation and many old buildings isn’t that great. Some restaurants don’t even have air conditioning. This means that the less you wear, the better you feel. At the same time, you don’t want to reveal too much because a major part of sightseeing in Rome is visiting churches. That's why, for your summer trip to Rome, you should pack light dresses and skirts instead of tiny shorts and mini skirts. The key to dressing light on hot days without revealing too much is to choose breathable materials like cotton or linen. Another great idea is to carry a light shawl to cover up with if required. A hat, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen are must-haves when visiting the Eternal City in the summer.

Vatican Dress Code

While covering up in some places is simply respectful, Vatican imposes a special dress code for the Holy City. According to the Vatican Museums' website, “Access to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens and Saint Peter's Basilica is permitted only to visitors dressed appropriately (no sleeveless blouses, no miniskirts, no shorts, no hats allowed).”

Comfortable Footwear Without Sacrificing Style

You will do a lot of walking in Rome, so you will need comfortable walking shoes. Strappy walking sandals are ideal for long walks around the city in summer. Flip-flops or shoes with flat soles will not work, because Roman streets have a lot of uneven bricks, so it is better to choose padded shoes that provide some support.

"When in Rome, Do as The Romans Do”

Italy is often called the fashion capital of the world. Italians, on average, dress very well, but not over the top—I would call it casual chic. When packing for your trip, keep in mind that Rome is a good place to style your outfits a bit. However, if you worry about looking like a tourist, guess what? Italians already know you are a tourist, so wear what you feel best in.