Rome is one of the best places which I have been to on holiday. I love everything about it, the walking around, there’s tons to see and do, and of course the hot weather in summer.
With that comes a question: What should you pack?
Here’s all the clothes I wore on my holiday when I went to Rome in Italy, day and night. From the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps, The Vatican and Trevi Fountain.
Travelling & Airport Outfit
Wearing light blue blazer from Mango, White Jeans, Stripe T Shirt, Ray Ban Sunglasses
When it comes to what I wore to travel in, I wore a smart casual outfit. Italy is a stylish city, and I wanted to arrive in style, so I chose to wear my light blue blazer which done the job.
It’s a great airport outfit, which balances style, comfort and sits right in the middle of being casual and smart.
Altare Della Patria Outfit
Levi’s White T Shirt, Beige Chinos, Ray Ban Sunglasses
When it comes to visiting the Altare Della Patria aka the Alter Of The Fatherland, I wore my white Levi’s logo T Shirt with beige chinos and needed my Ray Ban Sunglasses.
Rome Colosseum Outfit
Black T Shirt, Beige Chino Shorts
When I visited the Colosseum it was really hot, and I wore a simple black T Shirt along with a pair of beige chinos.
Palatine Hill Outfit
Black T Shirt, Beige Chino Shorts, Ray Ban Sunglasses
I visited Palatine Hill the same time as the Colosseum, so wore the same clothes. Plain black t-shirt and beige shorts.
The Pantheon Outfit
Plain White T Shirt, Black Shorts
When it comes to visiting the Pantheon, I wore a plain white t shirt and mid length black chino shorts. Most guys were wearing shorts, so it’s obviously fine to wear shorts in the Pantheon.
Spanish Steps Evening Outfit
Navy Stripe T Shirt, Smart Shorts
On an evening it’s time to get a little more dressed but I still kept things casual. Smart shorts alongside a navy stripe T Shirt which is from Jaeger.
Spanish Steps Day Outfit
White T Shirt, Beige Chino Shorts, Ray Ban Aviators
When it comes to visiting the Spanish Steps this is really casual. I wore a plain white T Shirt along with a pair of shorts and of course my Ray Ban Aviators.
Trevi Fountain Evening Outfit
Navy Stripe T Shirt, Smart Shorts
I visited the Trevi Fountain on the same evening as the Spanish Steps, so was wearing the same clothing. My navy stripe T-shirt along with smart shorts.
Trevi Fountain Outfit
White T Shirt, Black Shorts, Sunglasses
Visiting the Trevi Fountain during the day I wore a smart white T Shirt with black shorts, and of course needed my sunglasses.
The Vatican Outfit
Smart White T Shirt, Mid Length Shorts, Sunglasses
When it comes to visiting the Vatican, I kept things casual. I wore a smart plain white T Shirt with smart mid length shorts.
I wore this around St. Peter’s Square and around the Vatican in general and it was fine.
I did not go into the Sistine Chapel, however the official rules state men should wear trousers, or at least cover their shoulders and knees.
This dress code should be seriously considered if you’re going to avoid being turned away.
Good Walking Around Footwear
If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s take a good pair of footwear. I wear trainers, so I suggest these.
You don’t necessarily need to have a dedicated pair of walking shoes, but you’ll want something comfortable.
I wore my Nike Air Max 90 triple white trainers which are all white in colour. I love my Air Max, they are so comfortable to walk around in. Sports trainers are usually a good pick.
Do You Need To Dress Smart In Rome?
Italians and Rome is a smart kind of place, especially on an evening.
You should dress appropriately if you’re going to a restaurant on an evening, however generally during the day the place is filled with tourists, and most dress casually.
If you’re going out with your partner, make the effort and pack a dress shirt and smart shorts, chinos or trousers.
Can I Wear Shorts In Rome?
You can wear shorts when you’re in Rome in the summer. Most guys are wearing shorts. But if you’re planning on going to The Vatican, you should wear trousers, or longer shorts per their rules.
I recommend wearing smart shorts during the day and evening. Plain, mid length, tailored shorts or chino shorts do this well.
Men’s Essential Clothing Packing List
A men’s clothing packing list for guys going to Rome for 3 days and nights. These are the essentials which I take.
- Trainers
- 6x T Shirts
- 1x Button Up Shirt
- 1x Pair Of Chinos/Jeans/Tailored Trousers
- 3x Pairs Of Shorts
- Sunglasses
- 6x Underwear (Boxer Shorts & Socks)
Take a look at my entire holiday in Rome, where I break down what I did on each day and night I was there.
About Michael
Michael Adams is the founder and editor of Michael 84, blogger from Newcastle, UK. Sharing men's fashion tips, style advice and lifestyle information for all guys.
