Take this with a grain of salt, as I know Rome very well (I lived there twice) and less Florence, but I would ditch the LBD in favor of a colorful, white, or patterned dress! Black is used a lot less in Italy... it reads as a boring color, like you're a member of the clergy. When I moved there in my 20s I was mocked for my nun-like style (lots of black and skirts to the knee...it had felt edgy in NYC!). They have a ton of fun with fashion over there. Make yourself a capsule that feels like your most fun stuff and you will be ready! There is a level of formality there, especially Florence, where despite the heat, you won't see casual things like tees or tanks, except for the tourists. Go for dresses or *real* tops.

I agree with Lesley; I saw so much color in Italy and only very elderly ladies wore much black. If i can ever go back i will wear red pants! Have a steak at least once in Florence. I ate a steak with white beans that had me mooing with pleasure. And of course you should visit the Museum of Costume and Fashion in the Pitti Palace.

If I was going to Florence, I'd be heading to the Santa Maria del Fiore. https://www.atlasobscura.com/a.....urches-to-

How exciting! Lots of great suggestions here. I taught in Italy last summer and don't have too much to add. I always tend to dress up a bit, skirts, loose top & a scarf. Linen & natural fabrics. I wore black with colorful scarfs & fit right in.

Flat sandals are very popular, all colors and especially metallics. Lots of Birks--even the italians wore them. Sneakers were also popular, usually a classic leather style. A cross body or satchel bag big enough to hold water, book, camera & scarf. I would often wear a sleeveless top + skirt & carry a linen or lightweight blouse to cover up as necessary--August sun is brutal

For museums, I would reserve the Uffizi in the morning, and then later the Accademia as it is smaller and takes less time to visit. There are so many sights, the Bargello and Galileo museums are fantastic, as are the Boboli gardens it just depends on your interests!