Packing for your holiday but not sure what to wear in Rome? The Italian capital is one of the most stylish cities in the world, and to fit in, you're going to want to pack a selection of stylish outfits that feel appropriate for this culturally rich destination. But, of course, we have to think about luggage allowances too, so a compact, capsule wardrobe that's ideal for travel is also a consideration.
Italians aren't shy, and if you want to truly encapsulate the style of the city, you need to be bold. When it comes to what to wear in Rome, don't shy away from colour or print, statement style is very much the Italian way, just look at some of the best Italian clothing brands for inspiration, such as Versace, Gucci and Pucci, and you'll quickly realise minimalism isn't their thing.
While key wardrobe staples are still important in any Italian woman's wardrobe, these style building blocks are the neutral base on which to add fashion flair. Think unique and fun accessories, and add a dose of glamour to every look. Add chandelier earrings to jeans and nice top combos, or up-style a dress with a bold, colourful blazer. Nailing what to wear in Rome means understanding how to dress joyfully, pairing feminine shapes with dramatic details such as power shoes, statement shoulders and of course, oversized sunglasses.
WHAT TO WEAR IN ROME - OUTFITS CHOSEN BY A FASHION EDITOR
Italian fashion covers a range of categories and with luxury designers such as Fendi to street style brands like Miss Sixty, what unifies Italian style is quality and a sense of fun. Italian women love to throw out the fashion rulebook and dress how they feel that very day.
Of course, when you’re packing for a trip, you don’t want to be taking every item of clothing you own, so these are the essentials that will help you build cohesive summer outfit ideas and make you stand out on the Rome streets for all the right reasons.
1. BEST DRESSES TO WEAR IN ROME
When it comes to what to wear in Rome, a bold, printed dress should be top of your packing list. A polar opposite to what to wear in Paris, where neutral, simple dresses are in favour, in Italy, dresses should make you ‘la bella figura’. Translated, it means ‘the beautiful figure’; however, the wider meaning is to dress well to make a fabulous impression and enhance your silhouette, dressing proudly for your shape.
Italian women understand the power of a bold print or bright colour - they practically live for dopamine dressing and colour drenching - and one of this season's best summer dresses will make a versatile addition to any holiday wardrobe.
Italians tend to go for more of a fitted style, with fashion brands such as Dolce & Gabbana regularly featuring lingerie-inspired corset dresses within their collections. While we're not suggesting stepping out in your smalls, do think about the silhouette of your dress, a fit and flared option will look feminine, fashionable and create a gorgeous hourglass silhouette that feels ideal for what to wear in Rome. Whatever colour or style you choose, wear your best midi dress with a blazer and sunglasses. The main key here is too bold and unapologetic.
The corset bodice on this dress gives it a super feminine feel. Don’t just keep this beauty for evenings though. Team it with your best white t-shirt for a more dressed-down day look, adding a leather jacket for instant glam.
Perfect for some alfresco dining, this gorgeous red dress screams a summer outfit in Rome, from the bust-enhancing sweetheart neckline to the curve-skimming A-line skirt, this bold colour encompasses that European flair for romantic evening dressing. Add a tailored blazer for a directional finish that will beat the evening breeze.
Italian fashion houses such as Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana have long been associated with fashion's favourite animal print and this leopard print wrap dress captures the essence of this enduring style trend. The cross over style with tie belt will flatter an hourglass body type, while the full skirt and V-neck creates an elegant finish.
2. BEST SKIRTS AND TROUSERS TO WEAR IN ROME
Ditch your jeans for something altogether more elegant and tailored. A floaty wide-leg trouser will tick a box for the spring/summer fashion trends for 2025, and if you factor in a bold colour, even better.
.A pair of clashing heels will look playfully chic come evening, and when it comes to sightseeing, team them with your best white trainers for a cool and practical outfit.
The same rules apply for skirts or trousers, go bold and bright, embracing all that summer has to offer. To keep packing simple, team your bright bottom half with simple t-shirts or mix and match your maximalist trousers with equally bright blouses to lean into that Italian aesthetic.
A simple blazer can help add polish to any ensemble, and a more muted colourway will add sharpness and help to calm your overall look.
In an eye-popping orange, these wide-leg trousers certainly bring a dose of drama and glamour to proceedings. Pairable with a graphic tee or a fancy blouse, you can dress them up or down for day to evening wear.
These graphic knitted trousers just exude Italian style; the slightly flared leg adds to their delightfully retro feel. Lean in and pick out one of the colours in the print for your top half.
Italian's are big on print and colour, and this paisley wrap skirt is the perfect piece for a trip to Rome. For slightly cooler evenings, add a pair of black biker boots and a leather jacket for an edgier feel.
3. BEST TOPS TO WEAR IN ROME
Italian fashion is all about drama, and an easy way to introduce this into an outfit is with a voluminous sleeve on a blouse, a super bright t-shirt popped under a blazer or a slinky camisole embellished with a feather trim.
This might sound OTT but there’s always a balance to be struck in any Italian outfit. That shorter skirt suddenly looks chic when styled with an oversized jumper; playing with proportions is key to getting this part of your look right. Your simple cashmere sweater gets an injection of style with a statement necklace. It's about juxtaposing pieces in an unexpected way. For a summer in Rome, directional graphic print tees under well-tailored blazers paired with wide leg trousers and statement shoes is the cool, smart casual outfit idea you need.
Keeping all the drama on your top half is also great if you’re looking to pack minimally, as an attention-stealing top will elevate simple mom jean outfits in an instant and means you can pack multiple tops, but re-wear just a couple of trousers or skirts throughout your trip.
Known for their leather work, a high-quality leather fringed top feels like it pays homage to Italian's love of this exceptional fabric. The vibrant red and playful tassels deliver a passionate and dramatic finish.
A ruffle fronted, white blouse is a great option if you want to have a little extra wow factor to your outfits, but still prefer something more muted. This silk iteration feels super luxe too.
Of course, if you're heading out to do some sightseeing, this graphic print tee is just the ticket. The vibrant print taps into the maximalist aesthetic, but the boxy shape feels relaxed.
4. BEST JACKETS TO WEAR IN ROME
The Italian flair for drama is well suited to statement jackets. The perfect finisher to any look, while it is summer in Europe, evening temperatures can still dip, so a little cover-up for breezier nights will ensure you can enjoy dining alfresco late into the night.
Oversized styles with dramatic finishes such as large collars, bright patterns or embellishment will make you look like a Roman native.
Think trophy jackets, patchwork, or quilted styles for a smart casual finish, or tailored blazers to add a touch of androgyny to any look, offering immediate polish.
Boden might be a British clothing brand, but its use of print and colour slots in perfectly with what to wear in Rome. This statement embroidered jacket will add a maximalist finish to any look. Pair with jeans or dresses for a show-stopping look.
A tweed jacket is more associated with French clothing brand Chanel, but this style of trophy jacket is universally loved by stylish women. The added raw hem detailing on this design gives it an edgier look.
Adding texture to your look, an embroidered jacket is a chic addition to your travel wardrobe, as it can instantly up-style simpler, neutral outfits to give them some evening embellishment.
5. BEST SHOES TO WEAR IN ROME
While they may not be the best for sightseeing, the shoe of choice in Rome is most definitely a heel, no kitten heels here though - super high stilettos or platforms rule. A bright pink stiletto really has the power to lift an ordinary outfit, such as jeans and a blouse, into the realms of the style-savvy.
If you prefer a pair of comfortable flats, nothing is more Italian than a loafer, especially if it’s been designed by Gucci or Tod's. Not sure how to style loafers? Pair them with a midi or mini skirt and socks for a preppy twist.
Trainers aren’t really a thing on the streets here, but if you do need a sporty shoe, make sure you at least choose a cool Italian brand such as Superga - purveyors of the best white trainers or Fila.
When it comes to leopard print, brands such as Roberto Cavalli and Dolce and Gabbana rarely fail to include this print in their collection, and these boots feel like they could've sashayed off the runway.
Making some of the most exquisite leather loafers, you can't talk about this smart shoe style without talking about Tod's. This timeless fringed design will up-style anything it's put with.
It's not just bright colours that we associate with Italian style, but beautiful fabrications too and this deep purple velvet stiletto will add a focal point to any simpler ensemble.
6. BEST HANDBAGS TO WEAR IN ROME
Italy is home to some of the best designer bags, so it’s no wonder that a chic bag is a must-have for most Italian women and a great choice for what to wear in Rome if you want to fit in. Whether it’s Gucci, Furla, Bottega Veneta, Prada or Marni, Italian leather craftmanship is the gold standard when it comes to handbags, regardless of whether you have chosen the best designer tote or the best designer backpack.
While a backpack is an obvious choice for a weekend away, the women of Rome prefer to tote a small clutch or crossbody bag while out and about. The bag is often the centre of the outfit, rather than the finishing touch, and while classic colours such as black, tan and beige never date, embellishments, patterns and bold hues are also popular.
Make sure that whatever style bag you choose that it’s big enough to carry around your essentials, but not so large that it becomes a burden.
Stylish and compact, this modern crossbody by Italian brand Furla comes in four chic hues. From classic white to acidic yellow, flamingo pink and bold red, it's a statement accessory that's also practical.
Charles & Keith make affordable bags that look designer and this bucket silhouette with woven chain detail looks runway-ready, perfect for chic holiday outfits.
One of the most famous Italian fashion houses, Versace, makes some of the most exquisite and recognisable accessories, this gold handbag is not for the faint hearted.
Deciding what to wear on any holiday can be stressful, but when it comes to what to wear in Rome, we get it, there's the added pressure as the Italian's are an extremely stylish people.
While quiet luxury, pared-back pieces won't harm you, if you want to fit in on your trip, leaning into a more maximalist style will certainly align more with local tastes.
In order to pack as concisely as possible for your holiday, because after all, luggage allowance, even in Rome, is still an issue, opt for items that fit within a similar colour palette, so even your loud colours and printed items can work seamlessly together.
Finish any look with a great handbag, and while it doesn't have to be a designer iteration, look to classic shapes, such as camera silhouettes or timeless totes, to keep a feeling of luxury around your accessories.
