Can you wear shorts to dinner in Florence?
There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals. Unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant, dark jeans or other slacks are acceptable.
Although summer in Italy can be rather hot, you'll rarely see Italian women wearing shorts. The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead. But if you just can't part with your shorts, save them as a beach cover up.
As long as you don't wear the tatty shorts, grubby t-shirt and baseball cap (especially not on backwards!), you should be ok. 'Dress shorts" for very casual places otherwise all else is find if not going for fine dining.
If you are going to a nice restaurant, I would recommend wearing something slightly more formal than shorts and flip flops. Maybe a nice sundress or even a pair of slacks with a blouse. It really depends on the restaurant though. Some are more casual than others.
There are typically no dress codes for museums in Italy. However, dress codes are enforced in the Vatican Museums. If you plan to visit a museum and church on the same day, you should remember to wear clothing appropriate to enter a church.
There is no dress code when going to most restaurants but you might receive some funny looks if you show up in sweats. Dressing well is respectful and you'll want to try to blend in with the locals. Unless you're going to a very fancy restaurant, dark jeans or other slacks are acceptable.
To enter the cathedral, visitors must be adequately dressed. All visitors to the cathedral are required to remove their sandals, sunglasses, and hats before entering. Avoid wearing low-cut tops, short skirts, and short shorts.
In one word: Casual. That's about it, unless you are invited to some formal event. Although the casual in Europe is different than casual in US. Think it more like smart casual in the US and you'd be fine everywhere in Italy.
Casual Dress
The range includes casual daywear, casual evening wear, and tasteful outfits. Avoid shorts and flip-flops unless they are absolutely appropriate to the climate.
It is forbidden for both men and women to enter with uncovered shoulders, midriffs or knees. That means no spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops, crop tops, shorts, or above-the-knee dresses. Some attractions may offer shawls or cover-ups if you are dressed inappropriately, but others may turn you away at the door.
How do tourists dress in Italy?
Italians dress head to toe, and shoes are a dealbreaker.
Instead, opt for sleek ballerinas or pretty jeweled sandals to dress up your outfit; for more casual wear, bright white sneakers or strappy leather sandals (never flip flops or rubber clogs) are both stylish and comfortable enough to take on uneven pavement.
Wear a length you find most comfortable and avoid overly casual fabrics like denim and chino for evening. Keep the fit of the shorts on the more relaxed side to keep the polished feeling of the look in tact.
In which case, you can expect casual wear like t-shirts, hoodies, cargo pants, shorts, and jeans are highly inappropriate. Outfits like this will have a fine dining restaurant turn you away indefinitely – especially if they have a strict formal wear dress code.
You may want to bring some lightweight clothing like a dress, or a nice shirt with shorts. Keep in mind some places you visit in Florence (like the Florence Duomo) have a dress code. Typically, the dress code is to make sure you have your knees and shoulders covered.
During your summer in Florence you will need comfortable and very light clothes, perhaps made of cotton or linen, to face the days under the Tuscan sun. Bring clothes that mix and match and that can be layered.
Admission to the cathedral is allowed only to people wearing clothing suitable for a place of worship. Visitors with bare legs and shoulders or wearing sandals, hats and sunglasses are not allowed inside the cathedral. Bulky backpacks and bags are not allowed.
If you'd like to experience some of these spots on a curated walking tour, check out and book a seat on Curious Appetite's Aperitivo Tour or our Progressive Dining Crawl of Florence. Dinner usually works in 2 time slots, 7:30pm and 9pm, some restaurants allow 8/8:30 bookings but generally locals eat from 8pm and on.
Italians eat dinner anywhere from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, depending on how hot it is, the time of year and the region.
Tipping in Florence is not an expectation, and it's okay to decline. Tipping is not mandatory in Florence, but feel free to leave something extra when you receive truly exceptional service.
Bare-backed and/or low-cut clothing, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not allowed inside the Duomo Milan.
Can you enter the Duomo with shorts?
1.1 The Guest, in order to enter the Monumental Complex, must be dressed modestly. Specifically, sleeveless or low-cut garments, short pants, mini-skirts, and hats are not permitted within the Duomo. 1.2 The Guest consents to a cursory security check before entering the Monumental Complex.
Men can wear shorts, as long as they level at the knee.
Italians love a nice pair of short shorts, and not just for women . Guys, girls, grandmas; everybody wears shorts, and they're probably a lot smaller than you're used to. If you're traveling to Italy during the summer, get ready to wear shorts that show a little thigh. Italian style is pretty skimpy.
Dress Nicely
Italian women as well as men tend to dress much less casually than we do in the States. Let's just say that wearing shorts is a good way to advertise that you're a tourist. So are flip-flops. Steve suggests that you wear clothes that fit the occasion” and making sure you present yourself neatly.
A dress code consisting of sober and refined garments that are less formal than a purely elegant look. It can be defined as 'a sophisticated look with a relaxed style'.
References
- https://classiccleaners.com/how-to-wear-shorts-for-evening-events/
- https://eatingarounditaly.com/traditional-italian-meal-structure/
- https://theflorenceinsider.com/what-to-pack-for-florence-in-summer/
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- https://thecuriousappetite.com/2023/07/19/best-outdoor-dining-florence-italy/
- https://www.tickets-florence.it/duomo-florence/rules-regulations/
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- https://www.sightseeingtoursitaly.com/tips-articles/what-to-wear-in-florence/
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- https://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/what-to-wear-in-italy/
- https://www.viator.com/blog/Dress-Like-an-Italian-What-to-Wear-in-Italy/l98229
- https://duomo.firenze.it/en/discover/cathedral
- https://www.thevaticantickets.com/vatican-dress-code/
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-dress-code-for-a-nice-restaurant-Can-you-wear-shorts-and-flip-flops-if-you-are-going-alone
- https://pleasebeseatedfortakeoff.com/how-to-dress-dine-in-italy/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccahughes/2023/06/26/italy-is-cracking-down-on-dress-codes-here-are-the-clothing-rules-you-need-to-follow/
- https://isiflorence.org/dos-and-donts-of-dining-in-italy/
- https://help.opentable.com/s/article/What-is-the-dress-code-1505260332255?language=en_US
