By Makinley Mastal, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Spring 2026

In the U.S., it is completely normal to roll out of bed and go to class in sweatpants, leggings, or an oversized hoodie. In Florence, that outfit would immediately stand out. People in Florence still dress casually, but the version of casual here is much more put-together. Even a simple outfit like jeans and a sweater looks polished because of the style, color palette, and effort put into dressing. It is one of those things you don’t really realize until you’re here.

This was probably one of the biggest adjustments for me. In the U.S., especially in college, you can wear almost anything, and no one cares. Here, people definitely notice, but not in a judgmental way. There is just more awareness around how you present yourself.

If you are preparing to study abroad in Italy, packing the right clothes can make the transition much easier. One of the biggest differences you will notice right away is how intentionally and polished people dress. You don’t need to completely change your style, but you should be thoughtful about what you bring. These are my top 10 packing tips and tricks to help you fit in with the locals, feel comfortable, and avoid looking like a tourist.

Back to Basics

The Italian style relies heavily on neutral colors–black, white, beige, brown, and navy. Bright colors and patterns are less common. Bringing solid staples and versatile pieces allows you to mix and match outfits easily without overpacking. You will end up rewearing the same things in different ways, and that is very typical here.

Master the Art of Layering

The weather in Florence can change quickly. One day it feels like spring, and the next like winter. Bringing sweaters, cardigans, jackets, scarves, and gloves is essential. Layering is practical but also a big part of the style here.

Easy Elevation

Accessories are a great addition to your packing list. They don’t take up much space, but they can completely transform a look. Think scarves, sunglasses, jewelry, and belts—these are great ways to elevate any outfit and feel put together.

A Little Piece of Home

You may think an old t-shirt is a waste of space in your luggage, but bring at least one! There will be days when you just want to throw on an oversized t-shirt, and having something familiar will be nice, reminding you of home.

Invest in Your Florence Look

You will see trench coats everywhere, and odds are you will bring one or buy one in Florence. My suggestion is to bring a puffer-style winter coat, and wait until you get to Florence to purchase a good quality trench coat–I got mine at a market for only 25 euros, and it is real wool. It is also an investment piece you will wear for years and something meaningful to bring home!

Your Secret Weapon: Tights

A typical night-out outfit usually consists of black boots, a black skirt, a black leather jacket, and a black top, but do not forget black tights! I suggest bringing at least one pair of black thermal tights and one pair of regular tights. These will come in handy–there have been times when I have used them to layer on colder days. They’re one of those things you don’t think about until you really need them, and they are much easier to find in the U.S.

Style Meets Stamina

You will walk everywhere—usually a minimum of 10,000 steps a day on cobblestone streets, so you will definitely need a good quality, comfortable pair of walking shoes. If you are looking for a comfortable, fashionable sneaker, I would opt for a pair of Veja or Adidas sneakers.

Pack Like a Pro

This is less about fashion and more about efficiency: use vacuum seal bags. These save so much space when packing and are helpful for weekend trips, especially since you often only have a small backpack and hope it doesn’t get flagged as oversized.

The “Just in Case” Outfit

Always pack a full change of clothes in your personal item or carry-on bag! A couple of my roommates had their luggage lost on the way here, so they arrived with nothing. It can be inconvenient to have to shop first thing when you get here—or maybe it isn’t if you love shopping—so having a pair of clothes when you arrive will save you time, money, and stress.

Dress the Calendar, Not the Forecast

This one took a little getting used to. If you really want to blend in, you should dress for the current season. Even on warmer winter days, locals will still wear coats and scarves. They dress for the season rather than the weather. You will also notice that people almost always have an umbrella with them, which proves useful!

Adapting to Florence’s fashion style is about understanding the mindset behind it. There is an emphasis on effort, simplicity, and cohesion. Once you adjust, getting dressed becomes a more intentional process and a part of your routine. Packing with this in mind will make you feel more confident and connected to the culture around you.