Italy Fashion Unpacked: What to Wear in Rome Summer
EST. READING TIME: 7 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Little White Dresses
Contrast Stitching
Belted Bodices
Spaghetti Straps
Airy Adornments
Fashion-Forward Flats
Craving a taste of ancient history with a glimpse into the life of gladiators? Over the centuries, the Eternal City has evolved from a small settlement into the capital of a vast empire, and later, a major European city—making Rome your Italian gateway to the past in which you can experience the likes of ancient history firsthand! Travel back to the grandeur of imperial Rome as you admire sun-drenched piazzas, charming cobblestone streets, and centuries-old fountains in a tapestry of rich cultural history which beckons exploration down each alleyway. With all this archaic adventure in store, ensuring you pack the right attire will allow you to comfortably survive the intense summer heat while embracing that classic Italian aesthetic!
When packing for your trip to Italy, remember fashion in Rome blends timeless allure with pieces which can practically endure the scorching weather, ensuring you’re comfortable enough to spend all day exploring this bustling metropolis while still capturing the historic city's effortless chic vibe. Known to be a rich historical tapestry dotted with ancient landmarks, Rome summer fashion invites you to embrace a classic, yet relaxed style, where sophistication meets everyday wear. Light neutral tones such as beige, white, and soft pastels are the natural choice, especially since they won’t absorb heat to the extent that dark black attire would! Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton as a general guiding principle when considering what to wear in Rome in summer are another must to stay cool under the Roman sun. As for footwear, opt for fashion-forward flats crafted with interesting leather strap configurations, since Rome’s cobblestone streets require shoes which offer stability with style. If you're keen on blending in with the locals, consider simple, well-tailored pieces to seamlessly incorporate elevated visual interest without added layers weighing you down!
Summer Climate in Rome
July in Rome marks the height of summer, bringing consistently high temperatures and dry conditions with long stretches of sunny days dominating the month. You'll find yourself navigating the city in the bright sun for most of the day, with humidity making the warm air feel even more intense during the afternoons, yet evening strolls remain comfortably warm. Despite the heat, Romans embrace the summer atmosphere—so you’ll find bustling piazzas during the day and chatty outdoor dining occurring well into the night.
During July, average sizzling daytime temperatures in Rome are predictably hot, ranging from 85°F to 95°F (29-35°C), while nighttime temperatures remain reasonably warm, typically hovering between 68°F and 75°F (20-24°C). These hot hot hot temperatures mean lightweight, breathable clothing is essential when considering what to wear in Rome in July—and you’ll definitely want to pack sun protection whether that’s simply sunglasses, or added UV defense provided by a hat and sunscreen. The midday heat can be intense, particularly when walking around historic sites and piazzas, so staying hydrated and taking breaks in shaded areas will be crucial to your daily itinerary’s longevity. Plus, the heat radiating from cobblestones and ancient ruins can make it feel even hotter, so wearing airy fabrics will be your best strategy for staying cool, confident, and comfortable.
Rain is quite rare in Rome during July and any showers that do happen are brief, offering little relief from the heat with only 1-2 rainy days throughout the entire month. The real challenge you’ll face is scorching summer heat. Temperatures soar well into the 90’s °F (32-35°C) and on particularly intense days heat waves push temperatures even higher, sending that fiery feeling into triple-digits! Humidity makes the ambient atmosphere feel even hotter, so prepare to sweat during sticky afternoons when finding shade or a quick espresso stop is a must!
Despite the heat, July is a clear-blue sky filled with beautiful sunny days perfect for exploring ancient ruins or enjoying al fresco dining in the evenings. With over 14 hours of daylight, from sunrise beginning around 5:45 AM to sunset fading just after 8:45 PM, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the sites. Be mindful of the midday heat, though—it’s not uncommon for locals to take a break during the hottest part of the day, and you’ll want to do the same to avoid the blistering sun at its peak. By dressing appropriately for the sweltering weather in Rome summer fashion, you’ll fully enjoy all the Eternal City has to offer during the coveted, dreamy Italian high season!
What to Wear in Rome Summer?
Little White Dresses
Think easy breezy dresses that keep you cool under the scorching Roman sun. Locals in Rome are known for their effortless elegance, often blending timeless fashion with practical solutions for the heat, and a little white dress fits seamlessly into that pragmatically fashionable style. A little white dress can be elevated with chunky jewelry or kept plain and simple for a more casual daytime look, making it a versatile option for wandering through Rome’s sun-drenched streets. The light, reflective fabric helps you beat the intense summer heat, and the clean, crisp lines of a white dress offer a chic alternative to darker, heat-absorbing colors associated with the more stereotypical “little black dress.”
Contrast Stitching
Elevate your summer travel wardrobe with the subtle sophistication of contrast stitching. Italians are masters of understated elegance, and monochrome contrast stitching adds a refined enhancement to any outfit without overwhelming it, as the clean lines created by contrasting thread offer just the right amount of visual interest. This type of detailing adds depth and polish to your look, drawing the eye to the features you want to emphasize while maintaining the timeless, effortless vibe that Roman fashion is known for. Pair pieces with contrast stitching with neutral, simplistic accessories to let the intricate detailing stand out, ensuring your outfit looks both stylish and sophisticated when walking down the cobblestone city streets.
Belted Bodices
In the heat of a Roman summer, layering additional clothing items on top of your base look can feel like too much fabric; instead, a belted bodice offers the perfect solution for adding elegant elements to your outfit which give it a polished finish.
This tailored detail imbues a structured, refined look that exudes old money charm, all without expanding the surface area of your collective garment. A beaded pearl or leather buckle belt cinches the waist, adding definition to your silhouette and sophistication without the need for extra layers. Opt for neutral tones and classic patterns to highlight the simplicity of the belt, keeping the focus on the clean, chic lines of your entire outfit.
Spaghetti Straps
When the summer heat in Rome is at its peak, opting for shoulder coverings can feel stifling and frankly leaves you too sweaty!
Instead, keep things cool and effortlessly stylish with delicate spaghetti strap holding up your tops and dresses, as this dainty style will keep you feeling fresh under the sun.
These barely-there straps offer a lightweight, airy feel while maintaining a chic, feminine silhouette that’s perfect for the ancient streets. Plus, the minimalistic straps allow for personalized adjustments depending on how much collarbone you want to show and easy accessorizing with bigger statement necklaces, all without adding bulk or discomfort in the heat!
Airy Adornments
Comfort is key to ensure you can last all day strolling through the streets of Rome, and airy adornments are the perfect way to stay stylish without sacrificing breathability. Be proactive when packing by checking to ensure the larger items, accessories, and outfit details you bring are made from breathable fabrics—such as linen and cotton—that won't weigh you down in the heat. Accent-wise, this could encompass gauzy scarves, woven belts, and delicate fabric-based clip-ons like floral appliqué which enhance your look without trapping heat. Think about this aesthetic as classic Italian refinement with a breezy, laid-back twist perfect for the city’s warm summer days.
Fashion-Forward Flats
Walking the cobblestone streets of Rome for hours on end requires footwear that’s both practical and dressy, making fashion-forward flats the perfect choice! Elevate your look from head to toe with flats featuring interesting strappy shapes or bold pops of color that add a swanky, playful twist to your outfit.
These chic yet comfortable shoes are ideal for long days of exploring, offering the support you need while still making a fashion statement. From minimalistic leather designs holding your foot in place in unexpected ways to vibrant hues, fashion-forward flats combine functionality with style, ensuring you can strut around town with ease without compromising on your aesthetic.
How I Styled Rome Outfits
Taking the most last minute Europe trip of my life—I put in my PTO request on a Monday after booking everything and then flew out that Thursday!—I visited Rome for one day in July 2024. Given the impromptu nature of this trip, I literally did not purchase one new clothing item, which is quite shocking for me since pretty much all my disposable income goes to taking trips and then buying new outfits to match the destination aesthetic. As such, while I generally make an effort to strictly follow my own style advice to a tee, this time I had to work with items I already had in my closet to address the question of what to wear in Rome, Italy in the summer, including:
My first and only pictured day in Rome was scorching, so much so that we returned to our hotel room three times to change into less sweaty clothing. As such, I only have the first outfit pictured here, including my:
Ruffle Tie Detail Blouse ($14.99) from NA-KD is one of my favorite purchases to date, with this airy adornment featuring a chiffon, transparent material and a front tie design which can be elevated with a clip-on rose appliqué. The lightweight material and ruffle layers make it feel effortlessly elegant while the asymmetrical sleeves and tie details glide behind me gracefully. While this top is cropped, the loose, wide silhouette means it can also be worn as a camisole—which is how I styled this sheer, breezy layer over a teeny spaghetti strap black cami on a particularly sweltering summer day.
Easton V Front Mini Skirt Black ($40) from Princess Polly. Knowing I was going to be in for a hot one, I paired my black top with a little black mini skirt to create a cohesive, dark monochromatic look. Retrospectively wearing all black was a poor choice, and I would’ve been better suited in a little white dress or matching set—maybe I wouldn’t have had to change outfits three times!
Although not pictured in this photo, I wore my edgy-meets-demure fashion-forward black Baylen ballet flats from Steve Madden ($59.97). The removable ankle lace ties create a ballet-inspired look while the grommet hardware straps crossed over the top of the tongue add an edgy punk element to create one of the most interesting, contrasted flat designs I’ve ever seen.
Zara Pearl Shoulder Bar ($69) - This may be my greatest purchase of all time, and I can thank the Miami South Beach Zara for that! This teardrop crystal shoulder bag is literally covered in pearls with crystal fixtures hanging off every which way to make it even more dramatic, serving as the perfect bright white contrast to my all black look! I was shocked to find such a beautiful bag in Zara for such a reasonable price, and I’m convinced this bag looks like it’s worth hundreds. This was the only purse I brought on my Italy trip, so you’ll notice it in most of the outfit photos from these related style guides!
Last but not least, I accessorized with my sharp black Prada PR A09SF butterfly sunglasses ($531) wearing a put-together pair of shades to keep my eyes safe from the sun.
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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