We leave for Rome and Venice at the end of the month for spring break with our boys, and I am very much looking forward to this time away together as a family. Italy is a special place for me. Did you know I went to first grade in Milan!? We’ve been back many times since, but it has been far too long since our last visit. John was just a toddler then, and that was a very different trip than this one!
We’re all looking forward to seeing the sights, eating the pasta, and soaking in the wonderful Italian culture.
As always, I like to put together a packing list before traveling. Mapping out my clothing, shoes, and accessories in advance helps me narrow things down, pack efficiently, and choose pieces that can be mixed and matched to get the most bang for my buck. Today, I’m sharing my Italy packing list featuring all of the pieces I plan to style during our upcoming Rome and Venice getaway.
P.S. If you’re in the early stages of planning and looking for the perfect destination, there are tons of great options to explore in my posts on the best spring break destinations for families, 10 tropical islands to add to your bucket list, and the best Florida resorts.
Deciding What to Pack
Before we get into the outfits, I always recommend reviewing my must-have travel essentials and tried-and-true travel tips. Those posts go into much more detail about my overall packing strategy. And while I won’t be covering all of the small details today, I do want to highlight three important things to keep in mind when planning any travel wardrobe.
1. Research the Weather
I always recommend checking the weather repeatedly before any trip and adjusting your packing accordingly. Last year, I was fully expecting plenty of rain and cold weather during our spring break trip to London. But we only needed a raincoat for about an hour one day! So you truly never know.
In general, the weather in Italy this time of year is very spring-like, with some rainy days mixed in. So most of the outfits I’m sharing today are suited for that type of climate.
2. Map Out Your Activities
While you might not know every single day’s agenda too far in advance, I always like to plan out as many activities as possible before packing. This is so helpful when selecting outfits that are both appropriate and comfortable during your vacation.
For this trip to Italy, we plan to tour the Vatican and Colosseum, take a gondola ride in Venice, and enjoy a few fun dinners that I’ll want to dress up a bit for. So I kept those activities in mind when building my Roman Holiday capsule.
3. Choose a Color Scheme
If you look back at my packing lists for different destinations, you might notice that most of them follow a specific color scheme. And honestly, many of them stick to a similar palette of blues, greens, and neutrals (including this one). What can I say? I like what I like!
But truly, selecting a few color families when packing for travel makes it much easier to mix and match pieces and create multiple outfits.
What to Wear in Italy
Okay, now let’s get to the best part — putting together outfits to wear in Italy! While I may toss in a few additional items or make a few swaps, these are the pieces I plan to bring for our upcoming trip to Rome and Venice.
Classic Travel Day Look
I’m kicking things off with my travel day look. When flying, I like to feel elevated and put together, but still comfortable, and I think this outfit strikes the perfect balance.
These Sarah Alexander signature shirts are truly timeless. I love the elevated neckline and all of the beautiful color and print options. I almost always wear a cashmere wrap on travel days because it’s warm, chic, and doubles as a blanket. I plan to pair these tops with these super-soft cashmere pants and the sneakers you all went crazy for! I’ll keep the accessories simple with small hoop earrings, a delicate necklace, and of course, chic sunglasses.
As for my travel day bags, I plan to bring this seafoam green tote as my personal item — I’m obsessed with the color and quality! And I’ll be using this carry-on suitcase, which is just as functional as it is stunning.
For additional travel looks, be sure to check out these comfortable airport outfits, which also encompass the perfect combination of comfortable and chic!
Tops, Sweaters, & Coats
Next up, let’s cover some basics with the tops, sweaters, and coats I plan to bring to Italy. Every packing list should include a great white tee and a timeless button-down — this is simply a fact! These pieces can be layered and mixed and matched in so many ways for almost every season.
I also typically bring along a cashmere sweater. Even in the warmer months, it’s nice to have one to drape over my shoulders or throw on if I get chilly inside restaurants.
For outerwear, I’ll continue wearing the cashmere wrap from my travel day look. I also plan to bring along a trench coat that doubles as a raincoat (20% off with STUCKER20) and this wool coat, which is classic and perfect for cozy evenings.
Pants & Pajamas
Moving on to the two P’s — pants and pajamas! For a spring trip to Italy, I’d definitely pack a favorite pair of jeans (for me, it’s this kick-flare style) and a flattering pair of white denim. Silk clothing is all the rage right now, and I’m here for it, so I’ll be bringing along these stylish and comfortable silk pants.
And speaking of comfort, these navy trousers are great for travel days, but they’re also chic enough for days spent sightseeing — making them a win-win! You can use code STUCKER20 for 20% off.
When it comes to pajamas, you’ll almost always find a pair of LAKE in my suitcase. For this trip, I’ll be bringing this beautiful green short-long set, which is incredibly soft.
Dresses & A Matching Set
And now onto one of my favorite categories — dresses and sets! I love getting all dolled up in a new dress or a tried-and-true favorite when traveling. It’s the perfect time to wear something special.
During the spring and summer months, I always pack a favorite white dress, and this new style is incredibly flattering and timeless. This brown beauty is another classic that can be styled in so many different ways.
For statement dresses, I’ll be packing this gorgeous green midi dress. I love the color and the elegant cut. I’ll also be bringing this corset maxi dress for something fun and a little different.
And for a night out, I plan to wear this stunning green dress, which is actually reversible, or this chic matching set. I absolutely love the structure of these pieces — they’re just begging for a night out in Rome!
Shoes & Accessories
Last but not least, make sure you plan out your shoes and accessories before traveling. Again, I like to think this through in advance and select styles that can be worn with multiple outfits.
For jewelry, I plan to bring a simple pair of huggie earrings, a delicate necklace, and a timeless watch.
Scarves have recently become part of my persona, so I’ll be bringing along this cashmere beauty and an old Pucci scarf (when in Italy!).
I’ll likely bring two different bag options — this stunning bamboo-handle Gucci Diana bag and this navy woven crossbody.
And for footwear, I’m hoping to narrow it down to four essential pairs — the sneakers from my travel day (paired with these cute ruffle socks), these woven flats, these sandals with a heel wide enough to survive all of the Italian cobblestone streets, and these neutral flats that will match everything.
Italy Spring Packing List
Whether you have an upcoming trip to Italy or are planning to travel somewhere closer to home here in the U.S., I think these classic outfits would make wonderful options for many different destinations this spring. And beyond vacation, I’ll be wearing these styles around home for everyday wear, events, and more all season long!
I hope these outfit ideas are helpful as you plan. Enjoy your travels, friends!
For more travel inspiration, be sure to check out these posts:
