Italy’s capital Rome is a vibrant city steeped in a rich history. This was, after all, one of the main stomping grounds of the old masters – and their legacy lingers beautifully in the region's ornate buildings and intricate frescos. And while Paris may be the city of love, Rome doesn’t do too badly on the romance front either. Exceptional cuisine, fine wine and winding cobbled streets combine to make this a lovers paradise.
And if you’re wondering what to wear for your Rome city break, it’s simple – when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or dress like them, at least. Street-style in Rome is characterised by a combination of luxury and playful experimentation. Think richly textured fabrics and classic cuts accentuated by bold, bright accessories. The Gucci SS17 campaign was shot in the city and served as a love letter to the eye-catching fashion sense of the locals, featuring sleek jumpsuits, high-octane gowns and laid-back T-shirts – and providing ample inspiration for Rome holiday outfits. When deciding what to wear when you visit Rome, there's no such thing as too much.
Shopping at the Porta Portese flea market
The Porta Portese flea market is one of the largest and most popular markets in Rome. Nestled on the banks of the Tiber River, hundreds upon hundreds of stalls sell everything from vintage clothes and old furniture to leather goods and keepsakes. If you take the time to browse, you're bound to unearth a few gems.
Taking place every Sunday, the market provides the perfect opportunity to debut one of your Rome weekend outfits. As it will involve a lot of walking (and plenty of sunshine), achieving the perfect balance between style and comfort is key. A bright red wrap shirt dress by Isabel Marant pairs beautifully with some gladiator sandals and a vividly colourful box bag by bastions of Italian taste, Dolce & Gabbana. For men, blue and white striped shorts by Moncler Gamme Bleu worn with a nonchalant white tee make a classic choice. A chunky silver watch lends a sophisticated finish.
Coffee at the Roman Forum
What could be more continental than a cappuccino at the Roman Forum? This little outing blends two of Rome’s greatest pleasures: coffee and architecture. The Roman Forum is an area surrounded by the ruins of several ancient government buildings and it's located in the beating heart of the city. Dozens of cafés sit nestled in the shadow of this historical monument – perfect for sitting and watching the world go by (while also displaying your Rome holiday outfits to best effect, of course). To really impress the locals, only order espressos after 11am (they consider cappuccinos to be a morning drink).
A pair of slim-fit chino trousers in an oily blue shade by Gucci, loafers and an open-collared shirt make the perfect ensemble for men enjoying this cultural hotspot. There’s no such thing as being overdressed in Rome and Italians appreciate the effort. Women can resolve any uncertainty over what to wear for your Rome city break by channelling Audrey Hepburn in – what else? –Roman Holiday with a long, pleated skirt in a shimmering metallic hue by Valentino and a crisp poplin shirt.
Pasta by the Colosseum
With an emphasis on bold flavours and fresh produce, Italy is definitely not short on gastronomic delights. Tick the Colosseum off your sightseeing list and then head to Trattoria Luzzi, a little bistro nearby, for sustenance. Its speciality is pizza, and you can expect native Romans to make up the majority of your fellow diners – always a good sign.
To create Rome holiday outfits that will take you straight from sightseeing to a night out sipping cocktails, striking scallop-trimmed jumpsuits from MSGM pair perfectly with pavement-pounding-friendly ballet flats – and not forgetting some dramatically oversized shades to shield your eyes from the sun. A sleek blazer makes a stylish menswear option, especially when worn with something summery such as the striped jumpers and pristine white jeans in the Kiton SS17 menswear collection.
Gelato at the Trevi Fountain
There's something wonderfully indulgent about exploring balmy evening streets with no set destination in mind. And when you're in Rome, this kind of aimless sauntering is more likely than not to involve stumbling across an iconic piece of architecture such as the Trevi Fountain. Bursting with life, the fountain's theatrical sculptures of rearing horses and Roman gods are breathtaking to behold– and make the perfect spot to enjoy a couple of scoops of gelato.
When settling on what to wear for your Rome city break, laid-back elegance is key. Kick-flare embroidered jeans look effortlessly cosmopolitan when paired with a cropped striped shirt by Maison Mihara Yasuhiro. For men, Rome weekend outfits comprised of slim-fit jeans and a thinly striped T-shirt by Ami Alexandre Mattiussi are bound to hit the spot.