What I Wore: First Three Days In Rome

what I wore sightseeing in Rome on rainy day

I’ve had requests to share more of my travel wardrobes “in action,” so have been trying to remember to snap an outfit photo each day.

Day 1

Our first full day in Rome was chilly and cloudy, with intermittent rain showers. I was glad I’d brought the weatherproof boots (similar)!

Wearing: earrings (similar) | jacket (similar) | scarf (similar) | sweater  |  jeans | bracelet | bagboots

I mentioned in a prior post that I’d swapped out the bags at the last minute. I remembered I’d worn this Lo & Sons Pearl crossbody bag when we visited Las Vegas a couple of years ago, and that it had been lightweight and practical. It doesn’t hold as much as my Givenchy, but so far I haven’t missed the space (or the weight!). We were on our feet all day, and then had a two-hour walking tour in the late afternoon. My boots were up to the task!

Day 2

The skies had cleared, but it was still windy and cool. I wore the same outfit, but swapped out the boots for the sneakers (similar).

I dressed up a bit for dinner, but the taxi was late picking us up so we missed getting an outfit shot before dark. I wore the stretch crepe pants, silk jacket and the leopard shoes (similar), and the Banana Republic scarf (similar). I’ll probably wear this combo again, and will make a point to snap a pic.

Day 3

what I wore sightseeing in Rome

Wearing: earrings (similar) | scarf (similar) | tee (similar) | jacket (similar) | jeans | bracelet | shoes (similar)

The weather was gorgeous…warm enough to ditch the outerwear, but not too warm for a lightweight jacket. Again, we were all day on our feet and I was happy with my footwear choice. Because we’d heard most businesses and museums would be closed Monday for the May 1 holiday, we decided to check out the Sunday afternoon shopping scene. (We weren’t the only ones with that idea, and streets were crowded!)

Missoni Happens…

trying on a Missoni jacket

So we may have, um, happened to wander into the Missoni store. Le Monsieur started pointing out some things he liked, most of which I knew immediately would never work for me. The Sales Associate (in the background) sized up the situation (and me), and brought out several pieces from the stockroom for me to try.

This knit jacket (similar) was a perfect fit and an instant hit. Even with le Monsieur. So much so that after leaving the store empty-handed (I like to have a cooling off period when considering major purchases) and having lunch, he said “you really should go back and buy the jacket.” So I did. It’s a lovely piece, a lightweight knit that will work well both in LA and for travel.

It’s equally at home with jeans and a tee (above) or with black pants for dinner (below).

evening look with Missoni jacket

Wearing: jacket (similar) | necklace | top ( similar) | bag (similar) |  pants | boots

I’ve rolled the sleeves of the jacket which I’ll have shortened once we get home. Yes, I know it would have looked better without the long-sleeved top underneath, but that’s what I’d packed for cool evenings.

Twice now we’ve gone out to nicer restaurants here, and have noticed that even including the Italian guests, we’re often among the most dressed up.

Next up…

With the holiday today, most museums and stores will be closed, so our plan is to explore some of the parks and perhaps wander around the Jewish Quarter. It will be a casual day. Tomorrow we catch the train to Lake Como. Look for a post tomorrow on some of what we’ve seen in Rome.

What’s your favorite wardrobe piece that you’ve purchased while traveling?

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84 Comments

  1. Love the look of all three outfits. And so happy you went back and got the jacket. My husband on the other hand would not be going in any stores or encouraging me to buy anything. LOL. Hang on to that man, he is a keeper! And, Rome is a favorite city, but my most favorite in Italy is Florence. Enjoy.

  2. The missoni jacket is wow, so gorgeous. I think it will work with lots of outfits, dressed up or dressed down. Love Rome, we stayed in the Trastevere area, very studenty, cool kids, great atmosphere. There is a beautiful church there it may be called Santa Maria, possibly!! Carole

    1. We visited Santa Maria in Trastevere, the tiny old chapel, Santa Maria in Cappella, and Basilica Santa Cecelia, all in the Trastevere district. Beautiful and well worth a visit.

    2. Carol, thank you! We explored Trastevere on foot our last day there, and really liked it. If we ever return to Rome, I’d vote to stay in that area.

  3. Just have to say that Day 1 outfit is absolutely the best look on you. It is everything you need, youthful in a classy way, just the right amount and tone of color- really compliments you! I am not, I am so sorry, a fan of all the black, black, black as I feel it just drains and overwhelms some peoples complexions. But the outfit here, molto benne.

  4. your pictures are bringing back memories of my trip 3 years ago with my mom….we only had 3 days in Rome…not enough time. its on my “re-visit” list.
    thanks for sharing your vacation with us! enjoy the rest of your trip

  5. LOVE the Missoni blazer! You just got yourself a new show pony in your wardrobe… although that one may qualify as both a show pony AND a workhorse, a serious bit of black belt shopping. xx

  6. Hurrah for Missoni! I’m such a big fan – I only have their scarves, but I think that their work is absolutely first-rate. And I applaud you for wearing the same outfit the first 2 days you were there; I think many of us discount the possibility of repeating outfits when we travel (or in real life!) for some reason. It’s not like we’re running a marathon, or digging up potatoes, so the clothes are perfectly wearable a 2nd day.

    Have a wonderful trip – be safe, eat too much, drink a lot, and take lovely photographs!

    hugs,
    Janice

    1. Hi Janice, thanks! Yes, my original intent had been to look for a Missoni scarf, but I’m so pleased to have found the jacket instead.

  7. I admire your pragmatic thinking when it comes to purchases but am thrilled you made the purchase of the blazer. It’s a keeper! My favorite purchase during our travels is a pair of Tropezienne sandals I purchased at Rondini in St. Tropez. I treat myself to a pair of Rondinis every year, But the Tropezienne sandals have formed so well to my feet from the years of wear. They’ve been brought back for repair after our dog snacked on one of the straps and were repaired beautifully. They will be packed for our visit back next month!

    1. Hi Catherine, thanks! Your sandals sound like a great purchase. I love shoes that conform to your feet.

      1. My favourite purchase in St Tropez a few years ago was a Roberto Cavalli handbag in silver leather – in mock croc. Apparently it had been on the spring runway in Milan only a month or so before. Tried to leave the shop without it as I absolutely hadn’t planned on buying a silver bag – but it pulled me back. Have been really happy with it.
        Love your Missoni jacket. Have several of their scarves – and love them too. Best wishes, Pamela

  8. Love, love, love the Missoni jacket! I’m a huge Missoni fan because their knits work well in the humid south. I will also admit to having the Converse Missoni sneakers. Rome is also one of my favorite cities! The statues in the Borghese Gallery are amazing. Enjoy!

  9. Do you feel that the Waverly bag is secure enough given that the center section snaps shut rather than zips?

  10. Long time reader, first time commenter! I *LOVE* the Missoni jacket on you. Looks like a great versatile piece. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!

  11. Love the blazer! You will get tons of wear out of it. What a great choice.

    I brought home a pair of leather gloves and a matching knit scarf from London about ten years ago. Those gloves were my winter go-to pair for years, although they’re just now starting to show a little wear (pretty good, considering that those were Wyoming winters).

  12. I knew that you would buy something and was right about Italian knitwear. That jacket suits you perfectly – a lot of Missoni is too colourful for people who prefer a more neutral or subtle wardrobe, but that black and white – or cream – hard to see in the photos – is ideal.

    There are always concerts on May Day – the large one is probably too noisy and “young”, but there may be others.

    1. lagatta, yes, as soon as I saw this black-and-white pattern, I knew it might work for me. Thanks!

  13. I enjoyed seeing your pictures and like that jacket on you. I got a laugh out of “Le Monsieur started pointing out some things he liked, most of which I knew immediately would never work for me.” My husband is the same, I sometimes wonder how he visualizes me.

  14. Such good pictures to really get an idea of what to wear, and when.. My husband is actually quite good about shopping with me, and yes, is always encouraging me to buy something! That jacket is so perfect for so many climates, places, occasions: very very good choice!

  15. You look great in all these photos — your superior packing skills are obviously paying off. And the new jacket is fabulous on you — I must admit I’m backing off buying anything expensive (which happens at a way lower price point than for you, I admit) while travelling. You’re certainly much better than I am at assessing clearly how well a piece will play back home, but I’ve brought home garments I loved, that I was sure I’d wear, and they end up languishing (I’m looking at you, wide-legged white linen pants bought in the Marais a few years ago). No question I’ve bought some favourites while travelling, but for every hit, I must say there have been a Miss or two. . .
    Glad you’re enjoying your time in Rome. It took a few visits (and a few carciofi alla giudia and a couple of stops in front of Bernini’s Saint Teresa) for it to really get its hooks into me. . .

    1. Thanks so much, Frances! It was really your posts about Rome that ignited the spark to get back here.

  16. The Missoni jacket is gorgeous. My favorite piece I ever purchased on vacation was a Burberry very light weight (looked like taffeta) trench in the Burberry classic cream/black check. I bought it in London because I had mysteriously not packed any rain gear. Anytime I put this belted trench on, I felt like a million bucks. Again, I’m not sure they even make this material in the more formal trench coats anymore. It weighed nothing and it’s the most complimented coat I have ever owned.

    Your outfits for the Rome trip all looked so pulled together and comfortable. Have a wonderful rest of your trip!

  17. OK, I love the blue and black combos (above) more than I can say. Cannot believe I’ve been so carefully matchy-matchy with my jeans ensembles in the past — either black OR blue. That was silly! 😉

    And the Missoni jacket — love it. Missoni patterns are among the very few clothing fabric patterns I can stand in foundational garments. And you picked a great one. You did good, girl. 🙂

  18. I think that Missoni is brilliant for you – black and white, as you wear so often, great for LA casual, but eye-catching for that extra kazow when you want to make an impact. Also it’s a brand I enjoy for its history – something that since I started to blog I pay way more attention to than I used to, do you?

    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! I can see myself wearing this a good part of the year in LA. (And perhaps in Vancouver? 😉 ) Yes, history, legacy. It’s part of the package. I need to read up more on this brand.

  19. Are you seeing mostly skinny jeans on women? Any straight-leg or boot cut jeans? I’m trying to decide what type to pack for an Ireland/Paris trip that we’re beginning in a few days.

    I’ve been debating about bringing some Aquatalia boots to Ireland since they are weatherproof, but I’m having trouble thinking about wearing boots in May…plus mine are mid-calf height.

    I so love seeing your travel outfits…helps so much with my packing. Thank you.

    1. Patricia, I’ve seen mostly slim leg jeans, a few bootcuts. Not super skinnies. For the boots, if the temperatures will regularly be below 70F, you’ll probably be glad to have them.

  20. Brilliant find! That jacket is a stunner. I had to chuckle when you said your husband encouraged you to go back for it. My husband would just as soon put his eye out, as tell me to purchase clothes.

    1. Jennifer, my husband is the same! Oh well…

      That Missoni jacket is gorgeous. I splurged on a Missoni cardigan last year (while visiting NYC) and it was a major investment for me too! But it has a black/white/grey colorway so I knew it would work with everything in my wardrobe. And the thing about their pieces is that they never date, they always have a timeless look to them with that signature knit look.

  21. That jacket is a great buy. It really sparks things up. I’m sure you will wear it many, many times. Love traveling along with you. Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date.

  22. I love your new jacket! I’m skittish about buying clothes on vacation since the mid-80s. At the time I was working in corporate America but felt compelled to buy a Laura Ashley dress while on vacation in England. Within a week of getting home, I gave it to a friend for her teenage daughter.

    1. Hi Mary, I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes purchasing clothing on vacation. Usually it’s pieces that are specific to the locale…resort or “Alpine” wear.

  23. I went back and looked at our Rome photos, trying to find one that showed a similar outfit I wore in March, 2016 — green lightweight coat, simple graphic long sleeved tee, and a scarf. In looking back at the photos, I found we were focused on selfies that showed both of us in front of the amazing scenery. I did want to mention that I travel with a Tumi cross-body lightweight bag and I protect the zipper using a screw key ring. It was a simple fix that only costs a couple of dollars. No one is going to be able to unzip that bag without me knowing about it. Here’s a photo. http://www.selectlocks.com/3070201

  24. Love that Missoni Jacket – and there you were just a few weeks ago talking about the need for a couple of “wow” factor pieces – Now you’ve got it! I also love your eye glasses – are they pink? i change my glasses up depending on my outfit – would love to know where you got them –
    You look great and I’m glad you’re having a fabulous time!
    katherine

  25. Wow! That Missoni jacket is stunning and so is the price point! Your husband is a darling to send you back to get it. I think it will pay for itself very soon, and every time you wear it you will think of Rome…..always Rome 😉

    1. Ainsivalavie, thank you! Yes, it’s an investment piece but I think it will definitely earn its keep over the years. (And I need to note that I saved a bit by purchasing here as I’ll get a VAT refund.)

  26. My very favorite travel purchase was a black cashmere sweater I bought at the Marks & Spencer in Cheadle, England. I was being entertained by the wife of my husband’s client, while they were having meetings. I have sworn, several times, NEVER to buy another sweater, since I live in Houston! But Sue (now my friend) convinced me to buy it. It’s a bit boxy, but drapes well, and has zippers up both sides, which really sold it for me. I LOVE zipper details, thanks to my childhood obsession with Mrs. Peel of The Avengers. I seldom wear that sweater at home, for obvious reasons, but it’s my go-to when traveling to cold weather destinations.

  27. Love the Missoni! Nice change and more refined overall! Great buy! Oh, these Italians know how and what to design. Always. You may buy the simplest of Armani, etc… and the cut is just exquisite!

  28. Perfect outfits and a great choice of jacket. You will always remember where you bought it. Sounds like the holiday is going superbly.

    1. Hi Mary, thank you! Yes, I love clothing and accessory souvenirs best. We’re having a wonderful vacation!

  29. Susan, the jacket is DOPE! I especially like it over the black layer for evening. You look fabulous!

    Must disagree with the commenter who disparaged wearing black. Black will take you anywhere. (If I tossed all of the black in my wardrobe, I’d be left with a couple of scarves, a pair of jeans, and one or two outer layers!) Probably true it does little for my complexion and perhaps it is unimaginative, on the other hand, it *is* the colour of my soul!

    Safe and lovely travels!

  30. I am going through all your posts about Italy and wasn’t planning on commenting on each one of them. But I have to say something about this jacket: what a beautiful piece. And so you. I agree it works equally good on jeans as on more formal trousers. The nice thing about it is that it oozes quality from afar. It is out of my league but a good investment. It will stay in your wardrobe and be good forever. Now that I know you buy Missoni I get why you weren’t that upset with the Paris Necklace as I was haha.
    Enjoy it dear.
    Greetje

  31. We landed in Rome Easter Sunday. We were there at the same time, but you look much better dressed. I was so surprised at how chilly and windy it was. And by the Easter Monday state holiday, the whole city seemed to be out walking about. I love how stylish so many Italians are. Even the garbage man had his orange cardigan folded perfectly with the arms tied around his shoulders and wearing giant stylish glasses. I do get bored traveling with so much black but for me, it’s just so easy.

  32. Hi, Susan! I love this patterned jacket…busy on the top would be good for me. But forget the jacket…it’s your hair that I really love. You look fantastic in short hair–and blonde! Enjoy hearing about all your travels.