Venice Outfits: What To Wear In Venice, Italy

The best Venice outfits are dressy yet comfortable enough to walk long distances in — think sundresses in the summer and slacks in the winter.

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When it comes to deciding what to wear in Venice, you really can’t go wrong with cute-casual attire.

The main thing to take into consideration with packing your Venice outfits is weather. Venice can be extremely hot in the summer. In the winter, you can expect a lot of rain and flooding.

Summer Venice Outfits

Floral Sundresses

Summer days in Venice are very hot and humid. Expect average daytime temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). This means cool clothes are a must.

The best outfits to wear in Venice in summer are loose, lightweight sundresses that go below the knees (for church dress codes).

By wearing sundresses, you will stay cool outside while simultaneously looking great in your trip photos.

This blue and white floral sundress from Floerns is my favorite dress to bring to Italy. It’s also featured on my Positano outfits guide and is one of my blog’s bestselling travel dresses.

Satin Maxi-Dresses

Similarly, maxi-dresses are another fantastic option when deciding what to wear in Venice.

This brown satin maxi-dress from Abercrombie (sold out, here’s a similar dress) kept me cool while touring the bustling Venice streets. Whereas, this black satin max-dress from xxxiticat (runs small) allowed me to look as classy as possible on my gondola ride.

If you’re prone to thigh chafing, I highly recommend this Gold Bond Friction Defense stick. This stick saves my sanity on every hot trip I take, including the summer trip I took to Venice last year.

Cotton And Linens

Lastly, lightweight cotton and linen clothing will also keep you both cool and classy.

I wore this tan Zesica sundress one day in Venice, and it was perfect for roaming the canals and indulging in our fine Italian dining.

Can I wear a dress in Venice?

Yes! Dresses are the best outfits to wear in Venice. You’ll stay cool in the hot summer months, fit in with the nicely dressed European locals, and adhere to church dress codes.

Do you have to cover your knees in Venice?

Yes. In Venice, you have to cover your knees and shoulders in the churches and basilicas.

For example, if you plan to visit St. Mark’s Basilica while in Venice, you will need to wear the appropriate coverings.

Church dress codes in Italy are fairly strict compared to other countries.

The easiest way to adhere to the Venice church dress codes is to wear long sundresses and bring a satin head scarf. You can easily pack the scarf in your day bag or tie it to your purse while walking around the sunny streets. When inside churches, just wrap it around your shoulders for sufficient covering.

I brought this cheap black and gold satin head scarf from Amazon, and it looked great in photos too.

Winter Venice Outfits

Coat, Hat And Scarf

Although Venice is one of the least snowy regions of northern Italy, you will regret not bringing full winter gear.

Bring a winter coat, hat and scarf to Venice in the winter. Expect daily temperature highs of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius).

While 50 degrees may sound like mild winter weather to some (I’m from Wisconsin, so I understand this assumption), you will be sorely mistaken if you brave the winter Venice streets without a proper coat.

Layers

On that note, layers will be key. Because nighttime winter temperatures in Venice hover around freezing, you’ll want long sleeves and sweaters to layer under your coat.

Do people wear jeans in Venice?

Yes, most people wear jeans in Venice, especially in the winter.

You can wear either nice slacks or jeans in Venice.

What Colors To Wear In Venice, Italy

Neutral colors, such as black, white, brown and tan, are the best colors to wear in Venice, Italy.

First of all, neutral colors will blend in well with local attire. Additionally, neutrals can be dressed up or down depending on what you are doing in Venice. You can also easily mix-and-match neutral colors into difference outfits, which will help you pack lighter.

Furthermore, neutral colors will match the scenery perfectly in photos, offering fantastic vacation pictures that will last a lifetime.

Venice Outfits Men Should Wear

Plain Shirts And Slacks

No matter the season, plain t-shirts and slacks make the best Venice outfits for men.

Not only will you be comfortable in the summer heat, but you will also easily be able to layer up in the winter. Plus, you’ll fit in with the locals.

Business Casual Attire

On the other hand, in the evenings, men should opt for business casual attire.

If you wear t-shirts and jeans to dinner in Venice, you may feel underdressed. So, I recommend bringing at least one or two nice outfits to change into before dinner.

Which of these Venice outfits was your favorite? Now that you know exactly what to wear in Venice, packing will be a breeze. Don’t forget to check out my Venice day trip itinerary for all the best things to do in Venice.

More Venice Travel Guides

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Positano Outfits: What To Wear In Positano, Italy

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