If you’re going to Italy in August, there’s a high chance you’ve booked yourself a beach holiday, or at least I hope so.
I’ll be giving you outfit ideas with that scenario in mind, while also pointing you in the right direction if you’re heading off on a city break instead.
So, let’s get you packed up and ready to enjoy la dolce vita during the hottest month of the year!
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How’s The Weather In Italy In August
Unlike most of my other monthly outfit and packing guides, this one is really simple to explain. Wherever you go in Italy in August is scorching hot, even places up in the mountains – think Ortisei and Soprabolzano experience the heat wave.
Truthfully, that’s the same also in July, and you can read all about it here:
What To Wear In Italy In July: Stylish Hot Weather Outfits
That also means, you can also use those outfit ideas and wear them in August.
So what’s different in August?
While the temperatures stay unchanged in most Italian regions, in my opinion, August feels hotter. It could be that it’s been hot for what feels so long that we’re just ready for the temperatures to drop. You might perceive it the same way if you’re coming from a hot climate.
I also have this unproved theory that because it’s been hot for longer, the heat keeps building up in the air and inside the buildings, and that contributes to make it feel as hotter. The higher humidity levels add to that.
If you look at the single main cities’ temperatures, you can see the averages stay the same. In some cases, they may vary by one degree higher or lower.
For example:
Rome in July – 20 to 20 °C (or 68 to 90 °F)
Rome in August – averages stay the same
Venice in July – 19 to 29 °C (or 66 to 84 °F)
Venice in July – 18 to 28 °C (or 64 to 82 °F)
Please, keep in mind those are just averages. Except for the temperatures to go up way above 90°F.
What does this mean for your packing?
I explained it very well in my July post, so I am not going to repeat myself. Go read that one next.
In summary, you need to pack lightweight breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and plan for extra clothing in case you need to change your outfit throughout the day. That will be likely if you’re someone who sweats a lot, or doesn’t handle the heat very well. Of course, you can always choose to sit under the ac unit.
What To Pack For Italy In August (And What To Leave Behind!)
Please, please, leave behind your jeans, and don’t even think of trying to style your boots with dresses in August!
Find the full list in my July post. It’s the same since the temperatures are also the same.
If you need a packing checklist for Summer, the same one I use, click the link I just shared.
I am going to focus on things to avoid.
Avoid packing heavy fabrics.
I know with certainty that if you live in a colder country the Summer clothing you’ll be offered by most brands is going to come in fabrics that are not always suitable for the real hot countries.
That also happens in the hot countries too. I really don’t understand why brands like Zara and Massimo Dutti don’t think about this when they are born and based in hot countries themselves.
So it’s up to you to take a good feel for the fabric and ask yourself is this suitable for the hottest time of the year in Italy?
Cotton and linen are your best options.
And so is silk.
For the evening, or for an hour or two, you might get away with light less breathable fabrics, like satin, chiffon and viscose.
You also want to be very mindful about the colors you’ll be wearing. While I love black and dark colors, and they suit me best, if you’re going to be in the sun, opt for light colors. You can always find the right shades that suit you. You can read this Color Analysis Guide to help you with that.
When it comes to shoes,
you can still pack your sneakers, just be mindful of the socks you pack – light and breathable cotton is the best.
You can also pack your loafers, but you might want to have a thin sock to avoid any blisters due to sweating. The same applies for mules.
I share many more shoe tips in my What to wear in July in Italy, all based on my hot Summer travel experience.
Other than that, I want to emphasize that you’ll need a sunhat and suncream with you all the time!
So, what do you wear in Italy in August?
Let’s see a few outfit ideas. You’ll find more in my July post.
What To Wear In Italy In August: Outfit Ideas You Can Copy
What’s great about this outfit?
Sleeveless, even better, spaghetti straps. And it still looks very tasteful.
Light colored dress, with just a thin black trim to give you that little bit of black if you too love it as much as I do.
Big bag to throw all your beach needs.
The hair is up, and the jewellery is minimal. Make sure you’re not wearing anything that tarnishes with sweat or salty water.
The only two things I would be mindful about this outfit are these:
- the dress fabric – is it light enough, both in terms of weight and breathability?
- the dark flip flops – if you’re fair, you can burn more with darker open shoes. (Also, are they comfortable enough for whatever is on your itinerary?).
Find more dresses ideas here:
The Best Summer Cotton Dresses & How To Style Them
Timeless Linen Dresses For Summer
For Men
The same holds for men, especially if you have a light cool skin tone that burns easily. Of course, it also holds for you if you’re darker but can’t stand the heat!
Can you see how this outfit works because it’s light fabrics, light colors, and even the shoes are suitable!
Having your shoulders covered is actually a great idea if you burn easily, because that’s the first thing to burn other than your face, the back of your neck, and the top of your feet.
If you’d like to wear shorts in the evening while you’re in Italy, I talk about that in this post, as well as share more shorts outfit ideas.
Find more men shorts outfit ideas here:
Shorts Outfits for Men: How to Wear Them Like an Italian
What Do You Wear To The Beach?
It’s simple. Put the same effort you would put if you were going sightseeing.
Unless, you go out of your room and jump directly into the pool or the sea, you want to look presentable.
That’s the best way to look like a local on vacation!
Don’t wear see through, way too short, and provocative clothing, just because you’re near the sea.
If you like looking chic, you’ll want to carry that from beach to dinner. I am sure you get it.
Here’s a good example. It can act as your breakfast outfit; you can then go to the beach or the pool wearing it; and then you can take a stroll into town. You look good, presentable, and classy. But you’re also dressed for the weather, the season, and the location, even without being over exposed.
It’s that simple!
And the same holds for men. Here are a few tips:
Don’t walk with your shirt off.
- Don’t wear short and tight swimwear.
- You can elevate your swim shorts with a short sleeve linen shirt.
- You can elevate your shoes from simple flip flops to nicer sliders.
That’s how you look less like a sloppy tourist (no offense, as many tourists look stunningly dressed too).
What About The City?
Whether you’re vising Rome or Milan in August, or taking a day trip, you’ll find these Summer outfit ideas helpful.
Classy Shorts Outfits With An Italian Touch (for women)
Travel Outfits For Women Over 50: Inspired By Italian Style
Italian Women Style: How To Wear A Maxi Skirt In 10 Ways
The shorts, maxi skirt outfits are perfect for Summer, and you’ll find different styles to suit your favorite aesthetic, from more casual to more sophisticated.
The same holds for the travel outfits for women over 50. There’s a whole section dedicated to Summer.
I also invite you to look for more ideas in my June and July Italy outfit guides, which I am linking for you here:
What To Wear In Italy In June: 15 Chic Warm Weather Outfits
What To Wear In Italy In July: Stylish Hot Weather Outfits
If you want more than that, there’s so much more on the blog, from glamorous outfits for the Amalfi coast to Tuscany capsule wardrobes. You can use the search function and find what you’re looking.
More Italy Travel Resources
Other than my fashion tips, if you’re heading off to Italy soon, I think you’re going to appreciate these other guides:
50 Basic Italian Phrases For Travel With Pronunciation
Top 10 Italian Foods You Are Likely Missing Out On
Best Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time (find day trip ideas)
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Buon viaggio (nice trip).
Alessia
