Expect the Unexpected - Dressing Abroad

I have been studying abroad since May in Italy and it has been nothing but full of surprises. From dress to lifestyle, I have come across the most unexpected things this summer.

My thought before coming to Italy was that I was heading to an extremely hot, sunny, summer expecting to wear nothing but dresses and skirts. I was very wrong.  I have been all over Italy and it has rained almost everyday of May. Most days are even cool enough to wear pants. A black leather jacket has been the most common article of clothing I’ve seen here. I stay in a small town right outside of Rome and all the locals wear leather jackets, which is the last thing I thought I would need for summer. I had this idea in my head, and from social media, that I was going into a hot European summer with flowy dresses and sunny days. But it’s been umbrellas, jackets, and long sleeve button downs all month long. Italy is a bit behind the US in season and is not quite dressing in summer clothes yet. Locals are dressed for more of spring season with pants and warm jackets. Most days you do not know what you’re going to get till you step outside. 

May in Italy is not like the usual May back at home in the US. A hot and sunny summer wearing a cute dress is not always the case. Come prepared for chilly and cloudy days with layers, and most importantly- an umbrella. There is truly no perfect way to dress for an abroad summer except preparing for the unexpected.