Italy Fashion Unpacked: What to Wear in Rome Summer

Outfit InspoEuropeItaly in July

Sep 7

Written By Ashley Federoff

LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 11, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 6 MIN

IN THIS GUIDE ✺

Summer Climate in Rome
What to Wear in Rome Summer?
- Little White Dresses
- Contrast Stitching
- Belted Bodices
- Spaghetti Straps
- Airy Adornments
- Fashion-Forward Flats
How I Styled Rome Summer Fashion

The grand façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Antiqua at the Roman Forum, with its intricate architecture and towering bell tower against a bright blue sky. Visitors walk through the historic grounds below.

A bustling street in Rome leading up to the Spanish Steps, with locals and tourists walking towards the famous landmark, photographed during a summer trip to the city.

Craving a taste of ancient history with a glimpse into the life of gladiators? Rome is your Italian gateway to the past in which you can experience the likes of a bygone era firsthand!

A detailed view of the ancient Pantheon in Rome with its iconic columns and Latin inscription, captured on a bright summer day during a trip to the city.

With all this archaic adventure in store, packing the right attire will allow you to survive the intense summer heat while embracing that classic Italian aesthetic!

When packing for your trip to Italy, blend timeless allure with pieces that can practically endure the scorching weather, ensuring you’re comfortable enough to spend all day exploring while still capturing the historic city's effortless chic vibe.

A rich historical tapestry dotted with historic landmarks, Rome summer fashion invites you to embrace a classic, yet relaxed style, where sophistication meets everyday wear.

Light neutral tones are a natural choice since they won’t absorb heat like dark black attire! Lightweight fabrics as a guiding principle when considering what to wear in Rome in summer are another must-have to stay cool under the sun. Simple, well-tailored pieces incorporate elevated visual interest without added layers weighing you down. As for footwear, fashion-forward flats crafted with interesting leather strap configurations are perfect for Rome’s cobblestone streets which require stability and style.

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. Navigate under the bright sun, 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—you’ll find bustling piazzas during the day and chatty outdoor dining lasting well into the night.

The Roman Forum ruins in the foreground with the Victor Emmanuel II Monument visible in the background, surrounded by greenery under the afternoon sun.

Average sizzling daytime temperatures range from 85°F to 95°F (29-35°C), while nighttime temperatures remain reasonably warm, 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 need sun protection whether that’s simply sunglasses, or added UV defense from 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 the longevity of your daily itinerary. Heat radiating from cobblestones and ancient ruins can make it feel even hotter, meaning airy fabrics will be your best strategy for staying cool, confident, and comfortable.

Rain is quite rare and any showers that do happen are brief, offering little relief from the heat with only 1-2 rainy days throughout the month. The real challenge is scorching summer heat. Temperatures soar well into the 90’s °F (32-35°C) and on particularly intense days heat waves push them even higher, sending that fiery feeling into triple-digits! 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 full of beautiful sunny days perfect for exploring ancient ruins or dining al fresco. With over 14 hours of daylight, from sunrise around 5:45 AM to sunset fading after 8:45 PM, you have plenty of time to soak in the sites.

Be mindful of the midday heat—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

Easy breezy dresses keep you cool under the scorching Roman sun. Locals are known for their effortless elegance, blending timeless fashion with practical solutions for the heat—and a little white dress fits seamlessly into that pragmatic style.

Elevate a little white dress with chunky jewelry or keep it plain and simple for a casual daytime look, making it a versatile option for Rome’s sun-drenched streets. The light, reflective fabric helps you beat the intense summer heat, and the clean, crisp lines offer a chic alternative to darker, heat-absorbing colors associated with the more stereotypical “little black dress.”

Elegant White Dress in the Heart of Rome

Stylish Roman Walk in Puff-Sleeve White Dress

Casual White Dress Paired with Adidas Sneakers

Structured White Dress for a Roman Stroll

Contrast Stitching

Elevate your summer travel wardrobe with subtly sophisticated 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 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. Contrast stitching with neutral, simplistic accessories to let the intricate detailing stand out.

Silk Slip Dress with Contrast Stitching at Rome Summer Party

Navy Mini Dress with White Contrast Stitching on Rome Streets

Textured White Mini Dress with Black Trim for Summer in Rome

Monochrome Contrast Stitching Dress for a Sophisticated Rome Look

Belted Bodices

In the heat of Roman summer, layering additional items on top of your base look feels like too much fabric; instead, a belted bodice offers the perfect solution as an added elegant element that gives your outfit a polished finish.

A structured, refined look that exudes old money charm without expanding the surface area of your collective garments. A beaded pearl or leather buckle belt cinches the waist, adding definition to your silhouette and sophistication without the need for extra layers. Neutral tones and classic patterns highlight the simplicity of the belt, keeping the focus on the clean, chic lines of your entire outfit.

Black Belted Bodice Dress with Sleek Style on Rome Streets

Sleek Beige Dress with Belted Bodice for a Sophisticated Rome Look

White Belted Bodice Dress for Classic Summer Style in Rome

Navy Dress with Belted Bodice for a Classy Day in Rome

Spaghetti Straps

When the summer heat in Rome is at its peak, shoulder coverings are stifling and frankly leave you too sweaty! Keep things cool and effortlessly stylish with delicate spaghetti strap holding up your tops and dresses, as this dainty style will leave 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 humidity!

Girl in Blue Corset Top and Tiered Skirt in Rome

White Puff Dress and Red Sneakers Street Style in Rome

Leopard Print Slip Dress Overlooking the Tiber River in Rome

Woman in Black Spaghetti Strap Dress at the Trevi Fountain

Airy Adornments

Comfort is key to lasting 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, gauzy scarves, woven belts, and delicate fabric-based clip-ons like floral appliqué 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.

Chic Brown Strapless Dress in Narrow Alley

Back View of Woman in Light Pink Dress with Flower Hair Clip

White Maxi Dress Overlooking Coastal Town

Fashion-Forward Flats

Walking cobblestone streets 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 interesting strappy shapes or bold pops of color that add a playful twist.

These chic yet comfortable shoes are ideal for long days exploring, offering support 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 strut around town with ease without compromising on your aesthetic.

Woman in beige strapless top with brown sandals showcasing fashion-forward flats in Rome

White halter top and maxi skirt with trendy brown flats in Rome street cafe

Black tube top and white trousers with bold orange flats in New York

Chic tourist in beige co-ord with black fashion-forward flats in Rome

Get Inspired — More on pinterest!

How I Styled Rome Outfits

Taking the most last minute Europe trip of my life, I visited Rome for one day in July 2024. Given the impromptu trip, I didn’t purchase even one new clothing item ahead of time, which is quite unusual since most of my disposable income goes towards trips and outfits to match the destination aesthetic. While I generally follow my own style advice to a tee, this time I had to work with items already in my closet to address the question of what to wear in Rome, Italy in the summer, including:

My first and only day in Rome was scorching, so much so that we returned to our room three times to change into less sweaty clothing. I only have the first outfit pictured here, including my:

A girl in an all-black outfit with sunglasses poses in front of the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome, demonstrating how to style Rome summer fashion.

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 front tie design which can be elevated with a clip-on rose appliqué. The lightweight material and ruffle layers feel effortlessly elegant while the asymmetrical sleeves and tie details glide behind 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.
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, I wore my edgy-meets-demure fashion-forward black Baylen ballet flats from Steve Madden ($59.97). The ankle lace ties create a ballet-inspired look while the grommet hardware straps 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 covered in pearls with sparkling 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 this beautiful bag in Zara for such a reasonable price, and I’m convinced it looks like it’s worth hundreds.
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.