Whether you're heading out for a half-day or full-day walking tour, or taking a walking holiday with sightseeing, here’s how to dress and what to bring for a day trip with the city as your destination. Of course, always check the local weather and conditions (but it’s good to be prepared for the unexpected). Choose lightweight gear that works well in changing weather and for both indoor and outdoor visits. Here are some tips on how to dress for a city day trip.
What to Wear for a City Day Trip
The most important advice on what to wear in the city is simple: comfort comes first!
The most fashionable outfit in the world might make you feel great for a few photos, but it can still add unnecessary stress to your trip if it’s not comfortable, your shoes pinch your heels, your shirt’s fabric itches… you get the idea.
Comfortable shoes are an absolute must.
Visiting a city for a day trip means a lot of walking, and a surprising amount of that walking is on uneven surfaces. So, leave the heels and fancy shoes at home if you can.
What to Wear in the City in Spring
If there’s one word to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for a short urban trip in spring, it’s layers: you’ll probably experience some warm days during your tour, but especially early in spring, cool nights and mornings are still very common, from north to south.
Dresses
Fashionable, easy to turn into a complete outfit, simple to pack, and fun to wear: dresses are perfect for a spring city look!
Spring evenings can still be quite cool, so consider bringing a couple of pairs of tights or leggings to wear under dresses if needed.
Tops and Shirts
For tops, choose something a bit warmer than a basic t-shirt – though you can keep it fairly casual. And remember to bring at least one cardigan or light jacket for the evening!
Pants and Skirts
If it suits your style, spring is a great time to bring out cute skirts and pair them with extra-comfy leggings.
Dark skinny jeans are always in fashion, but be careful: avoid pants that are too tight and might cause discomfort or skin irritation while walking.
Shoes
Spring is a great time to wear boots or ankle boots like these in Rome – in fact, they’re popular year-round in cities and do a great job of looking stylish while protecting your feet and being comfortable to wear.
Sturdy flat shoes are also an option, but make sure they have good arch support! The last thing you want is sore feet while in Rome.
If you prefer comfort over fashion, a pair of sleek, slim sneakers like these won’t stand out much with jeans.
Jacket
Winter may be over, but you’ll still need a jacket during a spring trip to Rome: consider something simple and easy to pack like this, and opt for a neutral color – you can never go wrong with black!
Accessories
Definitely pack a bright scarf for a pop of color when choosing what to wear in Rome, Florence, or Verona in spring!
What to Wear in the City in Summer
Summer in big cities is scorching, so get ready to sweat and be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen.
There’s no way around it: summer in a metropolis is hot and humid, and while there’s never a bad time to travel, plan ahead and prepare well.
Dresses and T-Shirts
Think light, airy dresses: at least one dress that falls below the knee, so you don’t have to worry about dress codes if you visit a church in Milan, with their sparkling lights and scents of sweets and mulled wine, offering a magical atmosphere that warms hearts even on the coldest days. However, biting cold and humidity can make the northern climate a challenge for those unaccustomed, but for many, this is part of the irresistible charm of an Italian winter in the north.
Bring warm, layered clothes and fleece-lined leggings—they’re a great way to stay warm in winter without sacrificing style!
Sweaters
Cozy sweaters in dark and neutral colors are fabulous during winter in any city.
Pants
For colder regions, avoid jeans and opt for comfy sweatpants or other heavier fabrics.
Are you a fan of skirts? Much like spring and autumn, a skirt with a layer underneath (in winter, we recommend fleece-lined leggings) is a great choice: go for heavier, warmer fabrics.
Boots
All the boots! Winter is a great time to wear beautiful boots with all your outfits. If rain is expected, choose something waterproof. Otherwise, leather is always a reliable staple. Always remember arch support for comfort.
Jacket or Coat
Cozy wool coats are the way to go during a city winter—think something warm but not too heavy, in a neutral color.
Definitely choose something you feel comfortable in, as you’ll likely be wearing it most of the time you’re outdoors.
Besides a warm scarf, it’s good to bring a hat and a good pair of gloves.
Sunglasses for Every Season
Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes during outdoor sightseeing, not just in summer but also on unexpected sunny winter days, which you’ll surely prefer for your day trips.