How to Dress for Rome in April: Chic, Comfortable & Weather-Ready

Springtime in Rome is absolutely magical—the city is in full bloom, the days are getting longer, and café terraces are filled with locals enjoying their morning cappuccino.

But if you're an expat or traveler, figuring out what to wear in Rome in April can be a little tricky. The weather is unpredictable, with mild days, cool evenings, and occasional rain showers.

So, how do you dress stylishly while staying comfortable and prepared for Rome’s ever-changing spring climate? Let’s dive into the essentials.

1. Layering is Your Best Friend

April in Rome brings mild temperatures, averaging between 10°C (50°F) in the morning and 18°C (65°F) by the afternoon. But chilly breezes and sudden showers can still catch you off guard. The key? Layers!

• Lightweight knit sweaters – Perfect for cool mornings and layering under jackets.

• Blazers & trench coats – Rome’s stylish women love these staples, and they add instant polish to any outfit.

• Stylish scarves – A lightweight scarf is practical for breezy days and adds a touch of Italian flair.

  
  

Pro Tip: Stick to neutral or earthy tones—Romans love a sophisticated, effortless color palette that mixes well with different outfits.

2. Comfortable Yet Stylish Footwear

Rome is a city made for walking, but the cobblestone streets are not high-heel-friendly. Here’s what to wear instead:

• Stylish sneakers – Think minimalist leather sneakers (like Veja or Superga) that offer comfort and Italian-approved style.

• Leather ankle boots – A great option if you want something dressier for evenings out.

• Loafers or ballet flats – These are ideal for when it’s warm enough to ditch the boots but you still want an elegant touch.

  
  

Pro Tip: Avoid brand-new shoes! Rome’s uneven streets can be tough on your feet, so break them in beforehand.

3. The Perfect Spring Dresses & Bottoms

April in Rome is the perfect time to embrace light, flowy fabrics while still keeping an eye on warmth.

• Midi or maxi dresses – Pair with a denim jacket or blazer for a polished Roman look.

• Tailored trousers – Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Pair with a tucked-in blouse for that effortless Italian elegance.

• Dark wash jeans – Romans favor classic, well-fitted jeans over distressed or ripped styles.

  
  

Pro Tip: Avoid shorts in the city—Romans tend to reserve them for beach vacations!

4. A Chic, Weather-Ready Coat

April still has occasional rain showers, so a light but practical coat is a must.

• Trench coats – The ultimate springtime staple—chic, timeless, and perfect for Rome’s unpredictable weather.

• Light wool coats – If early April is still chilly, opt for a classic, tailored wool coat in camel or navy.

• Denim jackets – Great for a casual yet put-together daytime look.

  
  

Pro Tip: Always carry a compact umbrella in your bag—Roman rain showers can be unexpected!

5. Simple Yet Elegant Accessories

Italians love accessories, but the trick is to keep them simple and refined.

• Sunglasses – April brings plenty of sunshine, so stylish shades are a must!

• A structured leather handbag – Ditch the backpack and opt for a classic crossbody or tote for a more polished look.

• Minimal jewelry – A pair of gold hoops or a delicate necklace is all you need to elevate your outfit.

  
  

Pro Tip: Romans dress with intention. Even casual outfits feel polished and put together, so embrace understated elegance in your accessories.

6. What to Wear for Different Occasions in Rome

🌅 Morning Cappuccino & Market Stroll → Dark jeans, a silk blouse, a blazer, and loafers.

🛶 Exploring Trastevere’s Cobbled Streets → A midi dress, leather jacket, white sneakers, and a crossbody bag.

🍷 Aperitivo with Friends → Tailored trousers, a fitted top, loafers, and a statement necklace.

🍕 Casual Dinner in a Roman Piazza → Flowy maxi dress, trench coat, ballet flats, and a leather handbag.

7. The Roman Approach to Style

Romans have a "less is more" philosophy when it comes to dressing. The goal is to look effortlessly put together—never overdone, but always chic and polished.

✅ Do: Wear well-fitted clothes, neutral tones, and classic styles.

❌ Don't: Wear flip-flops, gym leggings as pants, or oversized touristy logos.

Pro Tip: Confidence is the best accessory. No matter what you wear, own it—Romans love a woman who carries herself with grace and confidence!

Final Thoughts: Dress Like a Roman This April

Rome in April is the perfect time to embrace elegant, comfortable fashion that works with the city's beautiful but unpredictable spring weather. By layering smartly, choosing comfortable yet chic footwear, and adding simple Italian-style touches, you’ll feel confident, stylish, and ready to embrace la dolce vita.

Now, go enjoy your espresso in Piazza Navona, your evening passeggiata, and all the beauty Rome has to offer—dressed like a true Italian! 🇮🇹✨

Even Stylists Have Wardrobe Disasters! Here’s What I Learnt

I have had a bit of a week! 

And during that week I have also had a number of wardrobe fails – things that just didn’t work and made me feel sloppy and not “me”, which in turn made me feel much less confident than normal.

So, yes, even stylists have wardrobe disasters!

I was trying to analyse why this happened and there were a number of contributing factors!

1.      I managed to sprain my ankle on Monday, so had to wear trainers for a couple of days and as you will know if you follow me a lot, I am not a trainer girl.  They don’t make me feel good and completely change the way I feel about, and in, an outfit.

2.      I was stuck in traffic on the way to the office one morning and was drinking tea from a travel mug and managed to spill it all down the front of my white, short-sleeved, polo neck!  As I had a number of meetings that morning, I had to dive into a supermarket (the only thing open first thing in the morning) and buy a new top.  The only one I could find that went vaguely with my outfit, was a crew neck, short-sleeved t-shirt.

Crew necks do not suit me!  I don’t like the look against my neck and also, because my boobs are quite big, that sort of neckline accentuates them and not in a good way!

Also, the sleeve length stopped halfway down my not particularly trim biceps, which again accentuated them!  I felt self-conscious and un-stylish, and it didn’t help that the fabric of the top rubbed against the fabric of my jacket, so both kept riding up my body!

Not a good look for me!!

3.      My husband has been decorating the upstairs and you know what kind of chaos reigns when that happens!  The mirrors had been taken down and all the bits and bobs were piled up in my study/dressing room.  I pulled out a pair of blue wide-leg trousers (which would cover the bandage on my ankle!) and a short bomber jacket, which I love.  It didn’t feel right when I got dressed in the morning, but there wasn't time to change.  The trousers are wide-legged at the bottom, but not so wide on the upper leg and I have never been that pleased with them.  They are now going to a charity shop!  The jacket looks amazing with wide-legged jeans, but just didn’t work with these trousers as the proportions were all wrong.  Again, I felt uncomfortable and not "me".

It continues to amaze me how these things can immediately eat away at your self-confidence.  There is something so empowering about wearing an outfit that makes you feel fabulous.  You walk taller, smile more, feel much more confident in your dealings with other people and, generally have a better day!

Lessons learnt!

1.      Always try your outfits on the night before.  It takes ten minutes of my time and I can lay everything out for ease the next morning, make sure it all works and I feel good in it, I can sort out my accessories, shoes, underwear and also my coat to make sure it is the right length for the outfit.  This may all sound exhausting, but I promise you it only takes a few minutes and the amount of time and stress it saves in the morning is honestly worth the time spent!

2.      Any clothes that don’t make you feel 100% fabulous should not be in your wardrobe.  Those blue wide- leg trousers have been “iffy” from the moment I bought them, but I kept telling myself how useful they were and that they were classic and so would always be in style.  But they made me look larger than I am and don’t suit my body shape, so they should have gone to a charity shop a long time ago. 

Again, the crew neck tops I have  – they also don’t suit my body shape, so if I do wear them, I need to make sure that I either wear a long necklace, or a long scarf, so it breaks up the front area and creates a vertical line down, to minimise my bust area.  Ideally, I need a scoop neck or slash neck tops.

Best necklines for larger busts

3.      Take photos of outfits that really work and make you feel amazing.  Then, when you are in a hurry, or have a wardrobe malfunction, or plan an outfit for a warm day, only to wake up to rain or snow, you can quickly refer to your photos and put together another outfit in seconds.

4.      Don’t drink tea whilst driving!! 🫣

Would you like stress free mornings with an organised and curated wardrobe that makes you feel confident in your own skin? I would love to help! For More information visit Wardrobe Edit

Ditch the Tourist Look: The Italian Style Guide for Expats

Moving to Italy is a dream for many,but blending in and truly feeling at home can be challenging—especially when it comes to style. Italians have an innate sense of elegance, and dressing well is an unspoken rule of life. If you want to feel more included and avoid feeling like an outsider, the key is in your wardrobe. Here’s how to ditch the tourist look and embrace Italian fashion with confidence.

Why Style Matters in Italy

In Italy, style is more than just clothing—it’s a cultural statement. Italians believe that dressing well shows self-respect and respect for those around you. Unlike in many places where casual or athleisure wear is the norm, Italians put thought into their outfits even for everyday errands. By dressing the part, you’re more likely to be treated as a local, receive better service, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

Common American Style Mistakes That Scream “Foreigner”

Before we dive into Italian style, let’s address the most common fashion mistakes that instantly label you as an outsider:

• Wearing Athleisure Everywhere – Leggings, yoga pants, and oversized sweatshirts might be comfortable, but they are a dead giveaway that you’re not from around here.

• Bright Colors and Oversized Fits – Italians tend to stick to neutral, tailored clothing rather than bold prints and baggy silhouettes.

• Flip-Flops in the City – Save these for the beach; in urban settings, opt for stylish flats, loafers, or leather sandals.

• Baseball Caps & Large Logos – Italians favor understated elegance over flashy branding.

• Seasonal Mismatches – Wearing shorts in early spring or a heavy coat in mild autumn will make you stand out. Italians adhere strictly to seasonal fashion rules.

Italian Style Essentials to Adopt

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s how to dress like a true Italian:

• Tailoring is Everything – Well-fitted clothing is a hallmark of Italian style. Find a good tailor to make sure your clothes fit like they were made for you.

• Stick to Neutral Colors & Classic Pieces – Black, white, navy, beige, and earthy tones are always in style.

• Invest in Quality Fabrics – Opt for linen, wool, silk, and leather over synthetic materials.

• Shoes Make the Outfit – Italians take footwear seriously. Ditch clunky sneakers for sleek leather sneakers, loafers, ankle boots, or elegant sandals.

• Accessorize Thoughtfully – A well-placed scarf, leather handbag, or classic sunglasses can elevate your entire look.

Dressing for the Seasons

One of the most overlooked aspects of Italian fashion is seasonal dressing. Italians follow unwritten rules about what to wear and when, ensuring they are always stylish and appropriately dressed for the weather. Here’s how to transition your wardrobe throughout the year:

• Spring (March-May) – As the temperatures rise, Italians embrace light layers. A well-tailored trench coat, lightweight blazers, and soft knitwear are perfect for the season. Opt for neutral and pastel tones to reflect the fresh, airy feel of spring. Closed-toe shoes like loafers or ankle boots remain in style until summer truly arrives.

• Summer (June-August) – Italians beat the heat with natural fabrics like linen and cotton. Chic sundresses, flowing skirts, and well-structured shorts are staples, but nothing overly revealing. Light-colored, breathable clothing is essential, and stylish leather sandals or espadrilles replace heavy footwear. One key rule: no flip-flops unless you’re at the beach.

• Fall (September-November) – As temperatures cool, layering becomes essential. Tailored blazers, lightweight wool coats, and elegant knitwear make up the foundation of fall fashion. Rich earth tones like camel, deep burgundy, and olive green replace the lighter summer palette. Leather boots, structured handbags, and scarves add a refined touch.

• Winter (December-February) – Italian winters call for high-quality outerwear. A classic wool coat, preferably in black, camel, or navy, is a must-have. Layering is key, with luxurious cashmere sweaters, turtlenecks, and wool trousers keeping you warm while maintaining elegance. Leather gloves, a chic scarf, and sleek leather boots complete the winter look. Heavy-duty puffer coats are reserved for the coldest days, and even then, they remain stylish and well-fitted.

How Dressing Like an Italian Boosts Confidence

When you dress well, you feel good. Adopting an Italian wardrobe isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about embracing a mindset. Feeling put together will naturally improve your confidence and interactions with locals. Instead of feeling like an outsider, you’ll exude the grace and elegance Italians are known for.

An Online Program to Reclaim Your Power with Italian Style & Confidence

Where to Shop and Find Inspiration

You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to start dressing like an Italian. Here’s where to look for inspiration:

• Timeless Italian Brands – Max Mara, Ferragamo, Tod’s, and Luisa Spagnoli for classic pieces.

• Affordable Italian Chic – Massimo Dutti, Marella, and Intimissimi offer stylish yet budget-friendly options.

• Local Boutiques & Markets – Shop in small Italian boutiques or markets for unique, high-quality finds.

• Observe Locals – Pay attention to how Italians dress in different seasons and take style cues from them.

Final Thoughts

Embracing Italian style isn’t about losing your identity—it’s about refining it in a way that aligns with your new surroundings. By adopting a few key fashion principles, you’ll not only look the part but also feel more at home in Italy. So step out with confidence, knowing that you’re one step closer to truly living la dolce vita!

All pictures from Pinterest

Read more about finding yourself in Italy - If Not Now - When??