What to wear in Rome in June

Wondering what to wear in Rome Italy? My approach to what I wore in Rome was to dress for style and comfort. You’ve looked up key phrases and wrote them in your notes, read up on coffee etiquette, and booked the sights. But what your City Break wardrobe?

 

Packing for Rome isn’t just about looking good in your holiday photos (although let’s be honest, that’s a bonus). It’s about being comfortable enough to walk for miles, prepared for the heat in June, and respectful of the places you’re visiting — especially churches and the Vatican. We took around 35,000 steps a day when we visited in June.

For our trip, I wanted to feel like myself — relaxed but put together. Rome is stylish, yes, but it’s also very real. You’ll see people in beautiful clothes, but you’ll also see a lot of tourists red-faced and uncomfortable in the wrong shoes. I planned outfits that could take me from my  morning coffee in Trastevere to a long afternoons exploring the Forum and streets of Rome, and still feel good enough for dinner in the evening.

What to wear in Rome in June

 

A few things to keep in mind:

1. Comfort is key — especially when it comes to shoes.
The cobblestone streets are beautiful but brutal if you’re in the wrong footwear. I saw more than one person struggling in sandals with zero support. I packed my Teva sandals and honestly, they saved my feet. Leave the heels at home.

2. Breathable fabrics work best.
Think linen, cotton, or lightweight blends that keep you cool during the day but don’t cling in the heat. I packed floaty dress, cotton skirts, loose maxi dresses and as we had a heatwave at 38 degrees I didn’t need to layer up when the sun went down.

3. Dress with respect when visiting churches.
Rome is full of stunning churches — many of which you’ll stumble across without meaning to. If you’re planning to visit the Vatican or any religious sites, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees. I kept a linen shirt in my bag just in case, and it came in handy more than once.

4. Be prepared for the season.
Summer is hot — really hot — and shade can be hard to come by in open sites like the Colosseum. Light, loose clothing, sunglasses, hats and sun cream are musts. Spring and Autumn are much more forgiving, but it’s still worth checking the forecast before you go. Layers are your friend but not in the Summer months.

5. Rome has a certain style — but don’t overthink it.
You don’t need to be dressed head-to-toe in designer labels. But there is a confidence to how people dress in Rome that’s worth leaning into. It’s more about feeling good in what you’re wearing than following trends. A simple outfit with a nice pair of sunglasses or a good bag goes a long way.

 

 

What to wear in Rome in June

 

What I wore in Rome, our 3 day trip in June 2025…