What to Wear in Italy for an April Trip: Packing list Essentials

Disclosure: AD, this is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.


After an eventful year in 2022, many of us will be getting excited about 2023 and what it might bring.

For us, this means we will hopefully travel back to Italy more often. We have just booked our Italian Spring holiday so this seems a great time to guide you on the types of items you should bring on an Italian vacation. April is one of the best months, being part of the shoulder season. There are warm days but it's not overpowering which can often happen in summer!

With that in mind here is our experience of travelling to Italy in April and what to add to your packing list!

A white handbag sat on a ledge next to a pair of sunglasses with a person wearing a white shirt leaning next to the items

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Weather

Depending on which Italian regions you are travelling to there will be a slightly different climate. The best thing is to check the average temperature before you go away and then bear in mind the following.

Southern Italy and popular areas like the Cinque Terre will have a maximum temperature of 18-20 degrees celsuis. In the north of Italy it will be slightly lower but you can still except warm weather and sunny days. We often visit in late spring, this is the best time of the year for a combination of climate and less crowds than the summer months.



Style

If you want to blend in as much as possible on holiday in Italy, these are the unwritten rules of Italian fashion! Stick to classic neutral colors, cream, navy, white, black or grey. If you love a pop of color, try and create a neutral outfit with one accessory with your bolder hue!

Every day Italian style is very understated, the general dress code is that you appear well put together with good quality items. There shouldn't be too much on display so avoid short skirts and shorts.

Italians only wear flip flops around swimming pools or at the beach. So don't wear these for a walk around the harbour, if you want to fit in.

Obviously all of these are down to personal preference so make sure you do whatever makes you happy on holiday!

If you happen to be shopping in Italy with your other half, exploring the country's renowned jewellery scene is a must. Italy boasts a rich tradition of crafting exquisite engagement rings and fine jewellery. From the romantic streets of Florence to the historic alleys of Rome, you'll find a plethora of esteemed jewellers and boutiques showcasing a stunning array of engagement rings.

Whether you're seeking a classic piece or a modern, avant-garde design, Italy's jewellery industry is sure to captivate you with its exceptional artistry and craftsmanship.

A lady sat on a bench wearing big, black sunglasses and a jacket draped over her shoulders

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Do I need a jacket?

Often the evenings are a little cooler in April so it's a good idea to bring a blazer or light jacket. If you would like to buy something new for the trip there are some great prices here with Joe Browns discount code.

This a useful item for sightseeing in the day as well. If you want to go into a church or any type of religious sites, normally you would need to cover your shoulders.

In northern Italy I also find having a trench coat or scarf perfect for windy day trips where you might be on a boat or heading up to the top of hills to see viewpoints.

Separates

For the main part of your outfit, pack items which can be mixed with other separates. Skinny jeans (without rips) or straight leg trousers work well. Or chinos, which I live in as they are smart enough but good in warm weather.

Polo shirts or T-shirts are perfect for men, they are comfortable and go with a range of clothing. Unless you are dining somewhere particular exclusive, a top with a collar is accepted.

Tank tops or vests as we call them in the UK, and shorts are mainly for the beach. However, the longer tailored style shorts which run to your knee are fine for men and women and are a good way to stay cool when visiting Italian cities.

For those of you who love a nice dress, there are plenty of opportunities to wear these and the weather will be warm enough. They pack well and with a pair of comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn every day for sightseeing.

From my experience one light sweater and a couple of plain tshirts always get used and you'll be glad you brought the extra layer.

A woman sat on a wall with her feet up, staring out to sea and the mountains

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Footwear

I keep mentioning footwear, so what are the best shoes for an Italian trip?

Remember that beautiful as Italy is, it's also quite ancient. You will likely spend a lot of time walking cobblestone streets which just don't like your high heels!

Visitors to the Amalfi coast will do a lot of walking. Much of the terrain is hills, mountains and heather. So ballet flats and sandals will be damaged and your feet won't thank you!

Bring with you some tennis shoes or smart trainers, something flat with lots of support. You will notice, Italian women tend to wear a flat heel and still look incredibly elegant.

A lady with long, black hair facing the camera in a narrow italian street, holding her dress out for the photo

Credit: Unsplash.

Other great choices

  • From Italian villages to big cities like Rome; there are fountains of drinking water readily available so bring your own water bottle.

  • Take sun hats for the whole family and sunglasses.

  • Although many love the fanny pack my favorite carry-all, is a crossbody bag. It's still stylish and keeps my items on me at all times.


We hope you found this useful when choosing what to pack. In our experience travelling to Italy in April is always magical. There's no discomfort from crowds or sweltering heat and there is so much to see wherever you decide to go.

Keep up with our travel plans this year and follow us on Instagram to see our Easter trip in 2023!