Italy Packing List + Outfits

After last year’s successful Ireland packing list (my first real attempt at downsizing packing), I was excited to do it again this year for my Italy packing list. There are a few similar items, and generally similar ideas, but with a few slight changes.

First, the spring weather (this list is a perfect spring or fall Italy packing list) wasn’t looking to be as rainy as Ireland and not as cool. So I lightened up the layers and shoes.

CONTENTS

Italy Packing List

As always, I have a few things that help me keep my packing less. First, everything (yes, every single item) must be something you like to wear, meaning comfortable and functional. This whole list is based of rewearing outfits, so you wanna love the clothes you’re in.

A smaller packing list (Italy or otherwise) depends on doing laundry. AirBnBs often offer laundry, so packing less is easier because you have the joy of cleaning as needed. Alternatively, if you plan to stay in hotels, a little sink laundry is always a great option and many hotels offer laundry for those bigger items.

Layering is key and any layers that aren’t actively touching your body can be, and should be, reworn and reworn (e.g. a jacket and sweaters)! Oh and I almost never wash my jeans.

Ok. What else? In a perfect world, everything you take should be able to be interchangeably worn together… And you’ll see from my outfit photos that that’s exactly what I do!

3 short sleeve/sleeveless shirts
2 long sleeve shirts
1 ¾ sleeve shirt
2 pairs of jeans
1 crew neck sweater
1 outer jacket
Packable rain coat
Chelsea boots
Black slides
1 pair sneakers
1 stylish scarf
1 black scarf
2 belts
6 undies
2 bras
6 socks (no show and crew)
1 tank tops
1 purse

What to Pack for Italy in Spring

3 short sleeve/sleeveless shirts

Because we were getting some spring weather, I brought some short sleeve and sleeveless tops. I still wear them under sweaters or coats, usually, but they’re a good layer that’s cooler and can be worn on their own if the weather gets warmer than expected.

2 long sleeve shirts

We still had a few cools days and then sometimes I just wanted a light layer, so one black and one cream long sleeve shirt were great.

1 ¾ sleeve shirt

This is a top that can be short sleeve or long sleeve for you, but I have a beloved loose-fitting ¾ length sleeve shirt that’s comfortable and can easily be dressed up. I wore it on the plane to and from Italy.

2 pairs of jeans

My standard 2 pairs of jeans. I took this black washed pair and a dark blue straight leg denim pair. They go with boots, flats, and sneakers easily!

1 crew neck sweater

The quintessential layering piece. My black crew neck sweater is always a good call. It layers easily and doesn’t take up much room. It also looks fabulous with my printed silk scarf. Here’s a sustainable recycled cashmere sweater. And this one fits like the one I have.

1 outer jacket

I wanted to take one thing that was a little fun but still versatile. This printed cotton quilted jacket has been such an amazing piece in my closet. It’s somehow lightweight and so warm when I need it. The exact one isn’t available at the moment, but here are 4 similar quilted jackets in solids and prints.

Packable rain coat

This packable rain coat has been in my closet for about a decade and I plan to keep and use it another decade or two – it’s just so good. Unlined and very basic, this is a great outer layer in the rain and/or cold. It isn’t waterproof, but it’s water resistant. It’s also squishable (taking up no room and adding no weight).

Chelsea boots

These Chelsea boots are a travel-must for me now. They’re unbelievably comfortable (they fit my orthotics) and somehow manage to always be the right vibe and style.

Black slides

I snuck in three pairs of shoes for the trip, but this third pair is flat and pretty lightweight. Because the weather is kind of between seasons, I wanted to have something to give my feet a chance to breathe when it warmed up and these slides were great.

1 pair sneakers

These 3-strap sneakers are so comfortable and they were perfect on the trip. I wore them on the plane and loved that I could loosen them as needed for my feet. People in Italy wear sneakers. There’s so much walking to do and the cobblestones and streets dictate comfortable shoes!

1 stylish scarf

I treated myself to this beautiful scarf when it was on sale a few months ago, knowing that I wanted to wear it in Italy. It was perfect. Obviously taking up little space and weight, it’s the perfect accessory. See above for three ways I tied it while I was there!

1 black scarf

There’s a reason I’ve deemed this the best travel scarf. It’s warm, versatile, and so good. I used this on the few cool and rainy days we had for an extra layer of warmth.

2 belts

I like belts because they make my everyday denim style looked more refined, but this probably isn’t necessary. I took a black and chocolate brown belt.

6 undies, 2 bras, 6 socks (no show and crew)

All pretty self-explanatory. The only other thing to share is that I’ve learned to wear a bralette on the flight to/from because it’s SO much more comfortable than a traditional bra (read my Little Bra Company review).

1 tank top

I brought a light camisole tank just for layering purposes – a small item to help keep me warm as needed.

1 purse

This packable purse was a gift from my mom in 2013 before I went to Italy for the first time with my husband. It’s my go to travel bag because it packs flat, looks nice without looking too nice, has great pockets, and is actually made form recycled plastic, so it’s waterproof. it’s the same brand that makes the best straw hats.