How to Dress in Italy in Winter

As soon as winter hits the Italian peninsula, things start to get serious weather-wise especially in the North of the country. While winter is not the most popular season amongst tourists, the cold brings its own charm and life to Italy with events such as the lively Christmas markets and nativity scenes which happen all around the country, New Year’s Eve festivities, and the carnivals that happen in various parts in February and March.

It is also the best time to enjoy less crowded cities, to go for a skiing holiday, or to take advantage of winter sales that start in January. There’s a lot to do and see in Italy in wintertime, and you will want to be dressed comfortably and appropriately to ensure the colder temperatures don’t get in the way of fun tourism. So if you’re wondering how to dress in Italy during winter, have a look at our quick pointers below which will help you pack when visiting any part of Italy in winter.

Base Layers are Key

Keeping warm while staying active is of utmost importance and is the key to enjoying your trip to Italy in winter. This means dressing in a way that doesn’t hinder your movement and avoiding excess clothing. That’s where base layers such as leggings, long sleeved tops and long socks come in, and choosing the right material will keep you warm without the need for too many extra layers. For northern Italy where temperatures are usually colder, choose merino wool or insulated base layers that give you extra warmth, but if you’re heading to the south where winter is milder, you can go for lighter material such as cotton base layers.

The Right Jacket

While fall is all about light and stylish jackets, winter is when puffer coats and jackets come out. They are a favourite amongst Italians and can be found in a variety of lengths and colors. They are an excellent option when it comes to winter jackets as they are insulated which makes them very warm, they are waterproof and windbreakers which means they can be worn in all types of weather, and best of all they are light making them a great choice for moving around easily and for light and easy packing.

It’s All About Accessories

No winter outfit is complete without the right accessories, and a scarf, beanie and gloves will ensure you are completely covered. But choosing the right accessories can also be a fashion statement and a way to look your stylish best in the country of fashion. Italians love colors and patterns any time of the year and you will commonly see colorful jackets around the streets, but another way to style your look with color is to wear a neutral jacket and finish it up with fun accessories and an elegant handbag.

Winter temperatures vary depending on where in the country you are. In the south, temperatures will rarely go below the 50s even in the coldest months, while in the North temperatures stay below the mid 40s in January and February. That’s why it’s important to match your attire to the exact area you’re visiting. Below are the average highs and lows in Fahrenheit and Celsius for the major cities in Italy during the months of January, February and March, taken from ilmeteo.it:

Did you find these tips for how to dress in Italy in winter useful? Do you have any other tips or experiences you’d like to share with us about Italy’s winter? Leave a comment and tell us about them!