Totally Rome
What to wear in Rome
Dress codes for churches, cobblestone shoes and packing for Rome's actual seasons.
The church dress code
All churches in Rome — including St Peter's Basilica, which is actively enforced — require covered shoulders and knees for both men and women. This means no vest tops, sleeveless shirts, shorts above the knee or short skirts. Scarves and shawls for covering up are sold outside popular churches; carrying one in your bag avoids the purchase and the delay.
The shoe question
Sampietrini — the rounded cobblestones of Rome's historic centre — are uneven, occasionally slippery and exhausting to walk on in anything without a flat, cushioned sole. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are not optional for a Rome trip; heels are inadvisable for most of the city center.
By season
Spring and autumn: layers — mornings and evenings cool, afternoons warm. Summer: light, breathable fabrics, sun protection; linen and cotton over synthetic materials in the heat. Winter: a proper coat, waterproof shoes, layers — Rome is cold and wet from November to March.
Smart casual everywhere else
Rome's restaurants have no formal dress code — smart casual is perfectly appropriate everywhere from trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants. The Italian standard is simply that you look like you made an effort.
