Dress Code Advice

Molly Mac

We leave for our family vacation to Italy next week. Thanks to YLF, I found the perfect cross shoulder Baggalini bag for the trip. My current question has to do with cover ups. My travel research (thanks Rick Steves:) says that most churches and religious sites require modest dressing. I am bringing mostly midi dresses, but all are sleeveless. Temps are projected to be quite warm. Is a scarf thrown over to cover my shoulders considered appropriate or do I need to bring a more robust cover up? And bonus question, should my teenage boys wear long pants or are longer shorts OK ? I appreciate your feedback.

4 years ago

Dressing

5 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

Helena

Veteran

I haven't been to Italy (going this summer though!) but from my experience at more conservative Catholic and orthodox churches, a scarf worn as a shawl to cover the shoulders should do the trick. Not sure about the shorts; following with interest and can't wait to hear about your trip!

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Shoulders and knees need to be covered for men as well as women, esp at the Vatican. Convertible pants would work. The scarf works.

4 years ago

nuancedream

Veteran

I used a scarf or a lightweight shrug when I visited Assisi and Chartres. I concur with rachylou's suggestion for convertible pants. They're very practical to deal with the frequently oppressive heat in Italy.

4 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

It’s been awhile but a scarf/shawl over your shoulders should be fine. At the time, my boys were maybe a bit younger than yours (early teens?) and shorts were fine for them. It was also very, very hot, a heatwave if I recall correctly. Maybe the churches were less strict because of that...can’t remember. We also visited the Vatican.

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

A scarf should be ok to cover up your shoulders. The boys and men cannot wear shorts in these places. I remember the Vatican having a life sized poster board couple showing what must be covered. Shorts for men were out. There were lots of American tourists who were angry about this but the patrol did not back down. They may also need a jacket and tie for nice restaurants. No mini skirts or shorts for women either. Most women also covered their head with a hat or scarf but I don’t remember if that was required. I think not. It is pretty cool inside unless there are a large group of tourists. Except for the Sistine Chapel area ( crowded with tourists) I was comfortable being covered.

4 years ago

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