Off Duty Traveler

I visited Italy in early March on a guided tour that included Venice, Florence, Rome, and Sorrento with an EF Go Ahead Tours group. March is the official shoulder season in Italy, meaning you can expect crisp, cool temperatures, occasional spring rain, and much lighter crowds at major landmarks like the Colosseum and St. Mark’s Basilica.

I personally prefer cooler weather, especially when walking miles through historical city centers, and the fewer crowds, the better! With this in mind, and knowing that I always prefer to pack light to leave suitcase space for authentic Italian souvenirs, I created this practical guide for what to pack for Italy in early March.

Shop My Travel Gear: You can find many of my exact tried-and-tested European travel essentials directly on my Amazon Store

Understanding European Street Style vs. American Casual

European street style is decidedly more tailored, dressy, and polished, or as I like to say, snappy, than typical American casual wear. When touring historic Italian cities, choosing classic, streamlined outfits helps you blend in seamlessly and avoid looking like a target for pickpockets.

When packing your suitcase for Europe, it is generally best to avoid items such as:

• Baggy sweatpants or loungewear
• Disney-themed or graphic logo apparel
• Patriotic or flag-themed clothing
• Political statement shirts and jackets
• T-shirts with offensive or vulgar language
• Baseball caps

EF Go Ahead Tour Review Guide

Thinking about an EF Go Ahead Tour to Europe? Check out my Ultimate Guide to EF Go Ahead Tours where I detail all the destinations I’ve traveled with them so you’ll know before you go.

Group Tour Packing Calculator

Not sure if your gear will actually fit? Use my standalone Interactive Group Tour Packing Calculator to test your luggage capacity before you start packing!

Packing for Italy: Coats and Outerwear

When traveling during cooler months, remember you will be wearing a coat the majority of the day. Bringing more than one coat helps provide variety in your wardrobe and allows for one warm and one rain-repellent coat to accommodate changing weather. Temperatures in early March in Italy range from 45 to 55F, so it’s good to have a couple of options. I generally plan my outfits around the coat I’ll be wearing.

On my trip to Italy, I packed two trench coats. Both can be paired with a variety of layers but still have a dressy, European flair. I look for pockets, a good closure, a zipper for example, and rain/sleet resistance.

Selecting the Right Trench Coat for European Travel

On my Europe trips, I always pack two stylish trench coats, making sure they both pair with a variety of base layers while maintaining a dressy, European flair. When shopping for travel outerwear, always look for deep secure pockets, a sturdy zipper or double-breasted closure, and strong wind/rain resistance.

I love black and red, so for me these trench coats were perfect. Both are available in multiple colors, and the red version has a detachable hood, which is extremely helpful if you don’t like carrying an umbrella.

Hint: Clicking on each item will take you directly to where you can purchase them.

RISISSIDA Women Double-Breasted Trench Coat: Ideal for layering with sweaters over trousers or dresses.

Chrisuno Women’s Double Breasted Trench Coat: Excellent water resistance with a detachable hood for rainy days in Venice or Florence.

What to Pack for Italy in March: Daily Outfits & Layering

Did I mention you’d be wearing your coat every day? For this reason, I pack a variety of neutral layers such as dressy leggings, light and fitted turtleneck sweaters, loose blouses, and comfortable pants, all with a slim profile so as to not be bulky under my coat. You’ll still look great when you take off your coat for lunches or indoor tours, but you won’t feel weighed down. Choose items you can wear multiple times, mixed and matched.

Don’t be weird about wearing the same clothes more than once. Doing so makes it so much easier to pack and leaves room in your suitcase for those leather goods you plan to purchase.

Airport & Flight Outfit Recommendations

For your flights to and from Italy, I recommend leggings and a soft, comfortable top with a light jacket or vest. This allows for maximum comfort during that long flight and an easy transition through TSA security.

For my flights, I am obsessed with these KUHL pants and tights. They are warm, comfortable, and stylish enough for the long flight and transition perfectly to city wear or outdoor activities like hiking in the Tuscan countryside.

My turtlenecks and tops are from one of my favorite brands, OGL Move. Their products are sustainable, so comfortable, and high-quality. They have a minimalist style that I appreciate, especially when packing for travel. They are light enough to wear under coats and jackets, wrinkle-free, and so, so soft.

This Max Warm Long Brami Turtleneck is incredibly soft and warm and has a built-in bra, and comes in lots of colors. It’s perfect for touring and great for layering.

Here I am in Venice wearing this exact outfit!

Travel Dresses for Daily Sightseeing

For daily touring, I am in love with this simple black turtleneck dress. Pair it with tights and boots, and you are good to go!

ninovino Women’s Turtleneck Ribbed Knit Long Sleeve Slim Fit Sweater Dress: Form-fitting, cozy, and pairs perfectly with boots and scarves.

Sherosa Womens Basic Casual Long Sleeve Slim Fit T Shirt Dress Tunic Top: Another classic travel dress, easy to wear and no wrinkles.

Footwear for Italian Streets: Shoes and Boots

Just as with my coats, I bring more than one, typically three, pairs of shoes and boots. European travel requires a great deal of walking, often on uneven terrain and cobblestone, and it can be wet, dirty or a combination of both. We often walk between 10 and 12 miles each day, so comfort is a must.

Packing two to three pairs allows me to rotate them, keeping them dry between wearings and rubbing to a minimum. I’ve personally worn these boots and shoes and can recommend them as providing comfort, yet still allowing for the style I want. I have two pairs of tall boots, both black and camel.

Tested Boots & Sneakers for Cobblestones

Over the years I’ve walked at least 150 miles in each of these Clarks Women’s Sharon Hop Chukka Boots. (Black and Camel): They deliver exceptional arch support, keep your feet dry on wet cobblestones, and look sophisticated in photos.

Remember what I said about the cobblestone and wet conditions? You want something you can wear that’s stylish and allows you to navigate across uneven and slippery conditions while still staying dry. These Clarks Women’s Maye Carly boots have passed that test.

I wore black Clarks Women’s Layton Rae sneakers for the first time on this trip, and they were great. So lightweight, easy to take on and off for airport security, and super comfortable.

Accessories: Elevating Your Look with Scarves

Since I am wearing the same two coats and just two or three pairs of footwear, I like to change up my look each day by wearing a variety of scarves. Here’s where you can add a pop of color and style without adding a lot of bulk in your suitcase or your budget.

I recommend light scarves rather than bulky blanket scarves as they won’t interfere with your bag strap, audio tour headphones and other things around your neck. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself constantly adjusting your scarf and untangling yourself when you’d rather be taking photographs and enjoying the scenery!

My favorite color is red (and why I named by business Carmine Media) so you’ll usually see at least one red item in my photos. Go with your favorite color combinations here.

Essential Travel Bags, Power Converters, and Electronics

When traveling to Europe, I bring one duffle bag-style suitcase to check, one carry-on tote bag and one cross-body day bag. For the flight over, I pack a few of my toiletries, a scarf, chargers and perhaps one outfit in the tote bag just in case my checked suitcase doesn’t arrive. I then have what amounts to an empty tote bag for the flight home for any purchases I make.

Recommended Travel Bags & Anti-Theft Protection

I can easily bring the tote bag on the bus each day filled with a water, snacks, phone batteries, an umbrella etc, and leave it on the bus if I only need my day bag to tour. It fits under the seat on both the plane and bus. Easy peasy.

Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel Bag – 28-Inch Durable Rolling Luggage with Inline Skate Wheels: A durable, lightweight rolling duffel that easily accommodates all your layers while leaving space for souvenirs.

For my day bag, I prefer to use a cross-body version with lots of zippered compartments in a color that goes with all my outfits. Pickpocketing is a big problem in Europe, especially on public transportation and in crowded areas, so having a bag with zippered compartments allows you to protect valuables such as your money and passport. Keep what you need in the same place in your bag throughout the trip, and you’ll never be digging for it.

Here’s an example of one I’d recommend. These come in darker colors such as black and deep red, which I would personally prefer as they’d show less dirt and wear. Whatever bag you choose will be across your body every day, all day, for the entire trip. Choose one that’s comfortable and durable.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic North/South Crossbody Bag: Pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist hubs and on public transit in Rome and Venice. A crossbody bag with locking, zippered compartments keeps your passport, credit cards, and cash secure while keeping your hands free.

Power Adapters & Battery Banks

External Battery Power Bank with 5V/2.4A Output and USB-C Input: taking photos and using navigation apps drains phone batteries fast. Carrying a slim portable charger ensures your phone stays powered all day.

Universal Travel Plug Adapter 5 in 1 Charger: Italy uses specific Type C and L electrical outlets. A multi-port universal adapter allows you to charge your phone, camera, and power bank simultaneously from a single wall outlet.

Makeup, Skincare, and Final Packing Essentials

I mentioned you’ll be outside touring the majority of the day, right? For this reason, no matter where I travel, I choose a foundation with built-in sunscreen. Bring a good lip protectant like chapstick or Vaseline to avoid chapping, and a couple of your favorite lipsticks that highlight your scarves and outfits.

Keep the fuss to a minimum and avoid anything you need to reapply often. Leave valuable jewelry at home and, if you want, opt for costume jewelry. But like everything else, keep it simple.

Nails: Keep your nails low-maintenance with a travel-ready manicure.

Travel Beauty Tip: Check out my guide to the Perfect Affordable Home Manicure for Travel to keep your nails looking salon-fresh during long trips without breaking the bank!

This Super Stay lip liquid from Maybelline stays on all day, even after eating. You won’t need to reapply, trust me! And I’ve found the perfect affordable manicure for travel as well, which needed an entire blog to describe it!

Bring a great pair of sunglasses for those sunny days, a small umbrella in case of rain, and keep a pair of gloves handy in case it gets cold, especially in the evenings. A simple pair of black leather gloves will go with everything and stay good-looking even if they do get wet or slightly dirty.

This red vented travel umbrella looks great in photos!

You will look like a movie star in these Michael Kors sunglasses!

Weather Essentials: Pack a sturdy pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, a compact windproof umbrella (a bright red umbrella looks amazing in photos!), and a classic pair of black leather gloves for chilly evenings in Northern Italy.

Ready for Your Italian Adventure?

By packing versatile layers, comfortable footwear, and a few stylish accessories, you will be prepared for everything from rainy gondola rides in Venice to sunny afternoons in Sorrento, all while keeping your luggage light!

Check out my women-friendly Amazon finds for more ideas on what to pack for Italy in March, and to see a review of one of my tours, read my EF Go Ahead Tour Review of Italy blog post! Arrivederci!

Note: If you buy any of these Amazon items I may be compensated.