I just returned from 10 days in Venice, Florence and Rome.
The weather ranged from high 50s to about 72F, and spring was definitely there.
In Venice and Florence, a preppy / English country look was common for women,
and I saw a lot of Barbour-type quilted jackets and tweed for the middle-aged
and up set. Younger women were wearing belted coats to create shape at the waist. In Rome, it was a bit more
high style, and that’s when the warmer weather set in (there were oranges on
many trees in the city), so people’s clothes were not obscured by their coats. 

I saw a lot of tailored blazers and pants worn together, but not suits as such.
Drapy woven scarves were definitely prevalent for both men and women.
Hairstyles (beyond the odd Mediterranean 65+ burgundy/eggplant look) were long
and sleek (flatironed, I think) or in orderly French twists. I didn’t see
anyone wearing super-high heels except manikins at Dolce & Gabbana and
their ilk. Neither did I see any of the Vans-style sneakers. Supergas were in a
lot of shop windows, but I didn’t see them on many feet. Jeans were definitely
for the younger women, and they were tucking skinnies into short grey or beige boots
with mesh-like cutouts. I came back feeling like I shouldn’t save my nice
blazers for special occasions, and with a resolution to try pant shapes other
than skinny. 

Maybe in another post I’ll talk about the fab leather jacket
and boots I picked up Or how well my capsule wardrobe worked out.

***edit to post: I forgot to mention that the prevalent handbag everywhere was the birkin (double handled softer satchel with flap top and gold clasp)