What NOT to Wear: Aperitivo & Passeggiata Rome
It's six p.m., golden hour on Via del Corso.
Heels click on ancient cobblestones. Linen blazers catch the breeze. Every Roman looks effortlessly polished, like they stepped out of a magazine shoot without trying.
Then there's you—cargo shorts, running shoes, and a fanny pack slung across your chest. You might as well be carrying a sign that says "tourist."
Aperitivo and the evening passeggiata are sacred style rituals in Rome. They're not just about drinks or a stroll—they're about being seen, looking the part, and respecting the unspoken dress code that separates locals from visitors.
Get it wrong and you'll feel every sideways glance. Get it right and the city opens up to you.
This guide will walk you through what not to wear, what works by season, and how a stylish companion from Escorta can help you nail the look and the experience.
What Are Aperitivo & the Passeggiata?
Before you can dress for these rituals, you need to understand what they are—and why Romans take them so seriously.
Aperitivo: Italy's Hour of Ease
Aperitivo happens between 6 and 8 p.m., right before dinner.
It's not happy hour in the American sense—it's lighter, more civilised, and infinitely more stylish. You order a drink—civilisedritz, Negroni, prosecco—and the bar brings out small plates of olives, cheese, bruschetta, sometimes even pasta.
The point isn't to get drunk or fill up. It's about easing into the evening, socialising, and being present.
Passeggiata: The Eabout easingStroll
The passocialisealisingaly's beingily fashion show.
Around sunset, Romans take to the streets—not to exercise, not to get somewhere fast, but to see and be seen. It's a slow promenade through the most beautiful parts of the city, where every outfit is deliberate and every glance counts.
Via del Corso, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps—they are so much more than mere tourist sites. They're runways. If you're dressed wrong, you'll feel it immediately.
Romans Always Dress the Part
Romans don't dress up for special occasions. They dress well every day. It's not vanity—it's respect. For themselves, for the people around them, and for the city itself.
The "Bella Figura" Mindset
Bella figura is the Italian principle of presenting yourself well in every situation.
It's not about wealth or designer labels. It's about care, intention, and never letting yourself look sloppy in public. When Romans step out for aperitivo or the passeggiata, they're practising bella figura.
Subtle Flexes
Romans don't wear logos. They don't need to. The quality speaks for itself—tailored fits, delicate fabrics, perfect shoe game. Accessories are restrained: a leather watch, a silk scarf, a structured bag.
Polish over flash. Fit over brand. Confidence over costume. That's the standard that escorts in Roma live by every day.
Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid
Here's what immediately marks you as a tourist—and what to wear instead.
Tourist Tells
Athletic sneakers with chunky soles. Cargo shorts with too many pockets. Baseball caps worn backwards. Graphic T-shirts with slogans or logos. Athleisure that looks like you just left the gym. Wrinkled travel fabrics. Flip-flops anywhere outside the beach.
Romans will clock every single one of these from across the piazza.
Practical Yet Polished Alternatives
Swap athletic sneakers for sleek leather sneakers or loafers, and trade cargo shorts for tailored chinos or knee-length linen shorts. Choose plain, well-fitted T-shirts or lightweight button-downs over graphic tees. Replace athleisure with smart-casual separates—cotton trousers, a polo, a simple dress.
You can still be comfortable. You just need to look intentional.
Colour & Fit Missteps
Oversized silhouettes make you look sloppy. Neon colours or loud patterns draw the wrong kind of attention. Romans gravitate toward neutrals—navy, beige, white, soft greys, olive. They favour tailored lines that skim the body without clinging or drowning.
What to Wear by Season
Rome's climate shifts throughout the year, and so does the dress code.
Spring (March–May) – Layer with a trench coat or lightweight blazer. Women can wear midi dresses with cardigans or silk scarves. Loafers, ankle boots, or leather sneakers keep you polished.
Summer (June–August) – Linen is your best friend. Men should avoid shorts unless they're tailored and hit just above the knee. Polished sandals work for women; men should stick to loafers or minimalist leather sneakers.
Autumn (September–November) – Rome's most stylish season. Soft blazers, ankle boots, darker palettes—burgundy, charcoal, forest green. A leather jacket or tailored coat elevates any outfit.
Winter (December–February) – Outerwear is everything. A wool coat, a cashmere scarf, and leather Chelsea boots will carry you through. Romans judge winter style by the silhouette you cut from a distance.
How Luxury Companions Elevate Your Look
Navigating Rome's dress code is easier when you have someone who already knows the rules.
Experienced companions know the venues, the dress codes, and the trends. They can tell you if your outfit works, suggest quick adjustments, or recommend where to go based on what you're wearing.
A well-dressed escort in Roma enhances your appearance through matching aesthetics—colour palettes, formality levels, and complementary accessories. Walking into aperitivo with a polished companion shifts how people see you. You're no longer a tourist fumbling through—you're someone who belongs.
Don't Look Like a Tourist
Dressing well is half the battle. The other half is how you carry yourself.
Stand tall, shoulders back, no slouching. Lower your voice—tourists are loud. Carry a small leather bag or structured crossbody, not a bulky backpack. Learn basic Italian: "Buonasera," "per favore," "grazie." Keep sunglasses classic, not sporty. Watches and jewellery should be understated.
These micro-adjustments separate those who visit Rome from those who experience it like a local.
FAQ
- Are tailored shorts ever acceptable for men?
Yes, but only in summer. They must be well-fitted, hit just above the knee, and paired with a button-down or polo. Never cargo or athletic.
- Can I wear sneakers to an aperitivo?
Leather sneakers, yes. Athletic or chunky sneakers, no. They should be clean, minimalist, and intentional.
- How dressy is too dressy for the passeggiata?
A suit or cocktail dress is too much. Aim for smart-casual. Blazer and chinos, or a structured dress with flats.
- What bag should I carry?
A small leather crossbody or structured handbag. Avoid backpacks or fanny packs.
- Do I need to change outfits between sightseeing and aperitivo?
Ideally, yes. If you can't, swap shoes, add a blazer, or refresh your look.
- How can an escort help me choose venues?
Stylish companions know which bars and piazzas fit different dress codes. Need guidance? Contact us.
Step Out in Style Tonight
You know what not to wear.
You know what works by season.
You know how to carry yourself like a local.
Now experience aperitivo and the passeggiata the way Romans do—with confidence, style, and the right company.
Browse profiles of chic companions who can guide you to the best venues and make your evening unforgettable. Ready to plan your perfect Roman evening? Reach out, and we'll match you with someone who fits your style.
The city is waiting. Dress the part and own it.