What to Wear in Rome in Summer (4 Day Carry-On Packing Guide)

Last Updated on 6 April, 2026

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to decide what to wear in Rome where you want to look stylish, feel comfortable and adhere to the dress code for the churches? Don’t worry, I’ve got you!

I was in the same situation when planning my trip. The task of squeezing everything into a carry-on felt as daunting as deciphering ancient hieroglyphs! I knew it would be scorching in June, and I’d be doing a lot of walking, so I needed to be comfortable. But I also wanted to look cute. Additionally, I didn’t want to miss out on visiting churches and I wanted to look chic at dinner.

After lots of planning and outfit trials, I came up with this packing guide that worked perfectly for me.

I should note that I also brought a small backpack that fit under the seat in front of me in addition to my carry-on. Most airlines allow for a smaller additional item like a backpack, but if not, you might need to slightly modify this guide and bring fewer, more versatile items.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

What to Wear in Rome

Clothing

I recommend choosing lightweight and breathable clothing made of natural fibres such as linen and cotton when planning what to wear in Rome in the summer, as the temperatures can range from +23°C-35°C and it can be humid and sticky.

When visiting churches and the Vatican, there are certain dress code guidelines to follow: shorts, skirts or dresses above the knees, as well as sleeveless, strapless, or spaghetti strap tops, are not allowed. Additionally, cropped tops that expose the belly, open back tops, and deep neckline tops are not appropriate. Clothing that is see-through or very tight from head-to-toe is also not acceptable. You should also remove your hat before entering.

Some churches may have shawls available to borrow for coverage, but this is not common and cannot be relied upon. Bringing your own shawl to cover up may be acceptable in some churches, but not in the Vatican. If you are only visiting St. Peter’s Square, there is no special dress code required. While the square is technically part of the Vatican State, there is no border control and you will not be stopped upon entering.

When it comes to underwear I recommend packing extra as you may sweat more and want a fresh pair for evening wear.

Here’s a suggested list of what to wear in Rome in summer for 4 days

Footwear

You will be doing a lot of walking, so it’s crucial to wear comfortable shoes. Since it’s very hot in the summer, I recommend wearing comfortable sandals so that your feet could breathe.

When I was planning what to wear in Rome, I tried a number of pairs of sandals before the trip to ensure they were truly comfortable. If you’re ok with wearing trainers in hot weather, opt for a lightweight pair of white sneakers that will go with everything.

Avoid shoes with very flat soles or flip-flops as well as high-heels or wedges as the streets in Rome are paved with cobblestones and can be uneven. Having said that, a pair of block heel sandals will be fine for dinner especially if you are grabbing a taxi.

• Lightweight sneakers (my favourite are Allbirds)
• Leather flat sandals
• Block heel strappy sandals

Accessories

An easy way to elevate your outfit is with accessories – a larger necklace or earrings, a belt, sunglasses, a hat – all of these can easily dress it up or add a dash of colour and don’t take a lot of space in your bag.

• 1-2 pairs of sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Jewellery (something for every day and a statement piece for the evening)
• Crossbody bag for daytime
• Clutch bag/crossbody for the evening or just bring one crossbody bag that’s versatile enough

Toiletries, Skincare and Beauty Products

With a limit of a carry-on, you will be able to take only the essentials of your toiletries, skincare and makeup. Ideally in mini containers so that you could fit more in the clear, plastic bag that is required by the airport security. For the things you can’t do without and which don’t fit in the plastic bag, try buying the travel versions at the airport. 

• Toiletries & skincare products
• Makeup
• SPF for body and face 
• Medicine, plasters & vitamins
• Hairbrush & hair accessories

Check out some of my favourite clothing items here which might help you decide what to wear in Rome!

Other items

• Water bottle – Rome is dotted with drinking water fountains (called ‘nasoni’), so bring a water bottle or buy water once and refill it at the drinking water fountains. It’s completely safe to drink and the water comes out cold.
• Travel pillow – for me, this is not a must, but rather a nice, cosy thing to have. (Mine is made of memory foam and is the most comfortable thing in the world. I started sleeping on it when I got a new piercing and I cannot separate from it!), so if you want to go even more minimalist, leave this at home. I bought mine at Heathrow Airport for £12.99.
• Hair styling tool – this one is very personal and whether you want to pack it or not will depend on how you style your hair and whether you use it at all. If you only use a hairdryer, there might be one in your hotel, so do check beforehand.
• Multi adaptor– most devices nowadays are charged via USB/USB C cable, so it’s a good idea to have an adaptor that allows you to charge a few devices at once.
• Power bank – for when you have been out exploring all day, maybe using roaming for navigation which drains the battery quite quickly.
• A book or Kindle
• Headphones/earphones
• Tide stain remover pen – it’s small, so it takes very little space but it can save your clothes from permanent stains or remove some stains on the spot! It emits a mild soapy and watery solution that effectively dissolves and delicately lifts the stain from the fabric.
• Bank card with no fees – most places in Rome take cards, so you will only have to withdraw some money for tips. But even if you’re paying with a card, you don’t necessarily want to pay exchange and transaction fees. I love using Monzo when travelling. It offers no-fee transactions in any currency and allows you to split costs with your friends/partner in seconds. Join Monzo now for free and get £5 (when you sign up and make a card payment within 30 days).
• Travel insurance – last but not least, this one’s super important! Let’s hope you won’t need it but in case you do, you want to be covered.

Read More: How to Spend 4 Days in Rome, Italy

What are your must-have items for a stylish and comfortable trip to Rome in the summer?

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