12 Lake Como Travel Outfits, According to Locals

The Mediterranean’s beaches are popular for travelers who want to hit Europe’s best sunbathing spots, but if you ask me, nothing beats a weekend vacationing in Italy's lake district. For my family, our go-to choice is always Lake Como with its breathtaking scenery, cute villages, and some of the country’s best luxury hotels in this little part of Northern Italy. 

I have been back and forth to Como for almost a decade, and some of the friends I met on my first visit remain close mates. Cristina Zucchi, the managing director of two hotels on the lake, Lake Flori and Vista Lago di Como, is someone I never fail to visit for an aperitivo when in Como. Over the years, Zucchi—who, to me, is the most stylish person in Como (think stiletto heels, a rockstar haircut, and that Italian flair we all wish we had)—has helped me perfect my travel style so I blend in with the locals and don’t stick out as a tourist.

“The temperature around Como varies, so always think comfortable but chic,” she says. “Lightweight, breathable fabrics are key since it can get warm during the day, but always remember to bring a jacket or scarf if you head out on the water.”  I always know I’m in good hands when she tells me what to wear and what not to wear around her lake. Guided by her Italian fashion wisdom, here are the best clothes to wear in Lake Como, according to a local.

Tailored Shorts

Zucchi has her own personal tailor, but for those of us who don’t, suit-style shorts look polished and elegant instead of baggy. These shorts are slightly longer than normal, making them more elegant and perfect for day and night wear. There is a zip fly with a hook and bar closure to ensure these bottoms stay in place and fit nicely around the waist. 

Linen Dress

Most Europeans will tell you that linen is the most important material to travel with during the summer, so this 100-percent European linen dress is a must-have for Como. It’s designd to be breathable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight for comfortable wear, and there are also functional front pockets as an added bonus.

Mini Skirt

It can get very hot and humid around the lake; Northern Italy reaches temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit at the height of summer. Zucchi suggests always traveling with skirts—both midi and short lengths—to combat the heat and stay cool. This San Carlos Embroidered Linen Blend Mini Skirt has a high-rise fit and is made from mostly linen for a soft, lightweight feel. It’s machine washable, so upkeep will be a breeze.

Stylish Blouse

Despite Como being a major hub for tourists wearing casual gear around the lake, I like looking somewhat dressy when visiting the area. This shirred bubble-sleeve top is great to travel with because it adds flair to a regular white shirt, so you can get more wear out of it. Tuck in and out of your pants or mini skirt to style up this shirt as you please.

Wide-leg Low-rise Jeans

Rather than wearing super tight, uncomfortable jeans, Zucchi recommends a loose wide-leg denim pant instead. “Pair this with a simple shirt and you have my favorite look,” says Zucchi. These low-rise baggy jeans have a cool light wash for a lived-in look, and the cotton blend fabric will be soft and comfortable.

Flats

Although most tourists wear sneakers when visiting the area, Como is still an upscale Italian village, so wearing nice shoes to lunch and dinner is always a good idea. These Quince flats are made with American cow leather and are guaranteed to be soft, but the real beauty is in the breathable design so your feet won’t get sweaty. There’s also a non-slip, flexible rubber outsole for stability and an insole for added cushioning.

Silk Shirt

With the hot, humid temperatures around the lake, a silk shirt can help you keep cool. This buttoned-up Everlane shirt is polished, with stripes for added flair. The button-up style is a versatile option for packing, since you can wear the shirt on its own or layer it to stay warm on a cool evening.

A Wide-brim hat

Zucchi says she’s never without her hat when walking and working in Como, and she just loves Italian-made brand Borsalino. Its Sophie Braided Straw Hat is a favorite, as it’s lightweight and sits firmly on your head with a cute little grosgrain ribbon, helping you blend in with other well-heeled Italians around the lake. You can try a few lower-priced options, too, like this Furtalk straw hat from Amazon or the Brixton straw hat from Nordstrom.

An Evening Dress

This Quince dress is comfortable to wear while having an aperitivo by the lake or out to dinner. Slightly stretchy because of the tencel fabric, the dress is very comfortable, with one reviewer saying they love “how fantastic it looks under a blazer or jacket.”

Sunglasses

Not many people go to Lake Como for hiking, trail running, or cycling, but if you don’t, you’re definitely missing out. There are hundreds of well-marked trails from Lake Como, and you can also hire bikes from your hotel to make the most of the mountains flanking the lake. Packing sunglasses is important for keeping the flies and mosquitoes out of your eyes on the trail, as well as shielding your eyes from the blaring Como sun. These polarized sunglasses prevent glare so you can see clearly, and they’ll match everything in your wardrobe.

Boat Bag or Picnic Bag

Picnics around the lake or simply having an aperitivo on a boat means you have to lug all your food essentials (prosecco, rosé, and the list goes on) with you. I love this Cotopaxi Allpa Gear Hauler because it can fit large bottles of wine, beer, and food without everything getting squished. The outer material is also made with nylon so it’s easy to wipe down if it gets dirty.

Scarf

Boat rides on Lake Como are a must, and Zucchi recommends always traveling with a scarf because things can get choppy and windy. On my last trip, I loved speeding around the lake in a speedboat with my folks giggling behind me, and I remember a scarf was super useful to keep the water out of my eyes. This scarf is made with a mix of cashmere and silk, so it’s soft, plush, and comfortable for warmer nights in Como, too.

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