Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with its beautiful natural wonders, historic monuments, un-rushed lifestyle, home to the Roman Empire, the beloved pizza, and some of the most luxurious fashion houses, Italy is a destination that needs no introduction

Planning a trip to the Bel Paese? Whether you prefer to wander Rome’s romantic streets, get lost in Venice’s maze of canals with a gondola ride, or experience new gelato flavors, make your holiday a special time and enjoy la dolce vita by following our Italy packing list.

Italy Packing List

They say all roads lead to Rome. Before embarking on your Italian adventure, make sure you’ve figured out what to pack. We want you to have a wonderful experience while in Italy, and the main goal of our packing for Italy guide is to help you make the most of your journey.

Before You Pack – The Perfect Bag for Italy

Before going further with the packing list, the first thing you should consider when you plan your trip to Italy is the type of bag that will accommodate all your essentials. Trolley or backpack? If possible, choose a backpack. This way you can enjoy your adventure hands-free and avoid overpacking. For all types of Italian adventures, we recommend a versatile and spacious carry-on you can take from the plane directly to the Colosseum.

One of our backpacks that’s up to this task, when you want to balance style with practicality, is the Nordace Comino Travelpack. This is the best backpack to keep you organized and still looking classy. It was thoughtfully designed with a spacious interior and multifunctional pockets to help you pack better your essentials and help you move smoothly. With plenty of room to carry your clothes, accessories, gadgets, and souvenirs, it is the best solution to pack light and still carry everything you need to enjoy Italy to the fullest.

Italy Travel Essentials

When packing for Italy, these items are the absolute must-haves.

Travel Documents

You need only your ID if you’re visiting from an EU, EEA, or Schengen country. But if you’re traveling from a non-EU/EEA country, you need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of exit from the Schengen Zone and/or a visa if your country of residence is subject to the Italian visa regime.

Travel/Health Insurance

Traveling is such a wonderful and liberating experience. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Having travel/health insurance gives you peace of mind so you can relax knowing you’re covered for whatever could happen.

Money

The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). We recommend bringing both cash and credit cards. Most shops and merchants are equipped with POS machines and accept card payments.

Italy Vacation Outfits – the Italian Dress code

One of the questions that might pop into your mind when packing for a trip to Italy is “What should I wear when traveling to Italy?”

One saying says “Speak English, kiss French, drive German, dress Italian” and that’s for a good reason.

You probably already know that this beautiful country is synonymous with style. Home to some of the preeminent names in luxury fashion in the whole world, Italy is and has always been the epicentre of fashion. Always well dressed, Italians exude an effortless, yet elegant style that has put Italy on top of the list of the most fashionable countries around the world.

However, styles differ from region to region. If Milan, the fashion capital itself, is on your list, then you should pack your most precious items and wear them gracefully on the streets. Smaller towns have their own unique flair.

So, if you don’t like to look like a tourist when visiting Italy, but still want to travel comfortably, continue reading your Italy style guide and get those Italy vacation outfits ready.

What to Wear in Italy

The Italy vacation outfits will depend a lot on the time of the year you’ll be visiting and the region. The best months to visit Italy are late May and early October when days are warm and sunny compared to the hot and crowded summer months. As for the region, while the south with its fascinating Amalfi Coast and unique cities such as Palermo or Bari can get really hot during summertime, in the northern cities such as Milan, Venice, Bologna or Verona you can enjoy the chilly breeze. Also, your outfits should be chosen depending on the activities you’ll be experiencing,

Italy Vacation Outfits for Women

These are the statement pieces you can mix and match to creatively organize your outfits:

• Capri pants – they are a must have in Italy. Inspired by the laid-back atmosphere of Capri Island, one of Italy’s most popular destinations, they are unique through their signature cut between the knee and lower leg. They are relaxed, comfortable, and super versatile so you can easily combine them with classic tops or shirts.
• Dresses – we recommend choosing lightweight dresses crafted from linen or cotton for warmer months.
• Fitted jeans – remember that Italian fashion is all about the perfect fit.
• White T-Shirt – it’s simple and goes with everything.
• Tank tops – they’re perfect for hot summers and can be combined with skinny jeans, shorts, capri pants or skirts. Choose them in neutral colors.
• Skirts – they are feminine and fit into any outfit
• Lightweight blazer style jacket or sweater for chilly nights
• Elegant dress for evenings out
• Long sleeve shirt – it’s casual, stylish, pairs well with anything and it’s a must-have when visiting churches and monasteries. A shawl can do the job, too.
• Stylish shoes are a must when packing for Italy. However, choose a pair of flats, sandals, or nice sneakers to keep your feet comfortable when wandering the cobblestone streets.

Top tip:

When packing for Italy, finish up the outfits with chic accessories such as hats, sunglasses, and scarves.

Italy Vacation Outfits for Men

Italian men are fashion-conscious and well-groomed. Pack these items for your trip to Italy and you’ll easily blend in and look like a fashionable resident:

• Cotton or linen shirts in neutral colors for summer days
• Casual shirts for evenings out and dining at fancy restaurants
• Fit white T-shirts – they are versatile and can be paired with anything
• Light sweater or jacket for chilly evenings
• Chinos in black, navy blue or neutral colors – they are comfortable and pair well with everything
• Comfortable shoes are a must and loafers are the best choice to feel comfortable and still look put together.
• Shorts – perfect for the beach

Styling Tips

• Keep it simple. We can say that Italians have mastered the art of simplicity and you can do it, too.
• Focus on the basics. Locals appreciate clean designs, high-quality fabrics, neutral colors, and minimalist accessories to spice up their outfits.
• Italians’ secret to always looking put together and stylish is wearing clothes that fit them perfectly. Take time to choose clothes that compliment your silhouette. It also applies to the bag you’re wearing. Find out more here about how to choose the best backpack for your silhouette.
• Dress up every day. And when we say dress up, we don’t mean flashy outfits. We mean being creative with your outfits. Italians don’t save their best outfits for special occasions; they make every day special by wearing them.
• Embrace neutral colors, all-black, or all-white outfits. Pastel hues are also a good choice. This way, you can easily fit your pieces to create endless outfits for your vacation.
• A chic bag can upgrade any outfit. Considering you’re on vacation and you need plenty of space to carry your camera, phone, and other essentials, a mini backpack is a great choice. With its classic, timeless design, our Nordace Ellie Mini backpack is packed with features that combine fashion and functionality.
• Confidence is the best accessory. Just take a look at a local and you will see they exude confidence, they feel good about themselves, and wear their outfits with pride.

Need more space to pack more and stay organized during your trip to Italy?

Choose the Nordace Pack-It-All Bundle with two packing cubes and one wash pouch the perfect bundle to help you save space, pack your clothes easily, and organize your essentials.

What to Pack for the Beach In Italy

Surrounded by azure waters on three of its sides, with white-sand beaches and idyllic fishing villages where time slows down, Italy has so much to offer to all sun lovers.

Make sure you have all the beach essentials when packing for Italy:

• Swimsuits
• Beach cover up
• Comfortable sandals
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Beach towel
• Reusable water bottle
• Sun cream
• Hat
• Sunglasses

If you’re trying to put together your Italy packing list, we hope our comprehensive guide will help you pack smarter and blend in like an Italian native. Pack, relax, and enjoy the dolce far niente lifestyle.