When in Rome

How to dress cool and look it in a hot city this summer

This morning I woke up to Yolanda writing a newsletter post on how to do Rome this hot and crowded summer, and she asked me to give some advice. We recently had a friend visit who felt he packed the wrong things—and was desperate for some good linen shirts, so he could feel put together and stay cool. (His normal Bay Area t-shirt and denim look felt too casual and too hot once he got to Rome.)

After I downloaded her on all my thoughts, she told me I should just turn this intel into a post, because I had some very specific things to say. So here you go—yes this is Rome-focused, but it should be helpful whether you’re heading to Charleston or NYC, because actually, this is some advice about how to dress to be comfortable and look good during summer in a city.

Now back to Rome—if you arrive and find that you packed all the wrong things for your trip, here are some thoughts: My two favorite spots to recommend for last minute on the fly shopping are Boggi Milano and Spada Roma—they have several locations in town, are modestly priced and the cuts are classic (think the Banana Republic of Italy). They have long sleeved linen shirts, polos and jackets--and you can find well fitted Bermuda shorts in linen that are smart, if you need to walk around in shorts ( I do, to the horror of a couple friends in the men’s world). You can find cotton or linen blazers in good colors and classic Italian style for under $500, and often even under $300 as they usually have good sales.

If price is no option, and you’re not into the more mass experience, there is always Ralph Lauren, Massimo Alba, or Battistoni—and then you are sure to find independent men’s shops as you wander around. (In case you missed it, I wrote a list of my favorite Italian shops here.)

On the subject of footwear, if your feet get abused as much as mine by the cobblestones while you’re wearing your favorite leather-soled loafer, I would be on the lookout for a rubber-soled shoe that is good in the heat. A boat shoe is a good option here, and you can find Sebago Docksides pretty much everywhere as they are now owned by an Italian company. Another favorite option that is also readily available and great looking are Adidas Stan Smiths. Finally, if you’re interested in more exposed footwear, you can’t beat the classic Birkenstock (the Arizona) in black or brown, leather or suede. These are all easy to find all over the city and will same your feet and keep you looking good, for sure better than the average tourist in Sketchers.

However, if you’re reading this before you’ve packed for a summer trip that includes a hot city, take all this into account: pack cool clothes that look good and fit well, like a favorite of mine, the Sunspel Riviera polo in cotton (I have them in black and navy), or a Massimo Alba long-sleeve linen polo-in white and navy. Also, pack your favorite chino, white denim (my favorite is Polo) or a pair of smart looking shorts (from Sid Mashburn). For a jacket, I will pack a seersucker (it’s light, and the more crumpled the better, mine are RL Polo or bespoke from J.Mueser) and a light summer weight hopsack double breasted navy jacket—my favorite is from Ring Jacket—it’s somehow indestructible for travel. I always pack a neck scarf and a pocket square, usually something in cotton from Drakes—the neck scarf in case the nights get chilly, and the pocket square because I think a jacket should always have one. Now here is my really pro hot weather tip: body powder! In Rome ( and all over Italy for that matter) you can find Borotalco. This is the stuff Italian moms have been powdering bums with since the talcum formula was created by Dr. Henry Roberts in 1878. Before I dress, just after a shower I will powder the areas I know will succumb to the heat and sweat of the day—I’m sure you can guess where that is. It keeps you fresh—and I will also dust my shoe and sneaker interiors with it as well. When in Florence I stock up on the body powder made at Munstermann Farmacia. It is a mom and pop operation and their powder is talc free and smells great. I have been known to hoard this product all year round and turned many of my friends on to it, men and women alike.