I owe you a full, in-depth blog post on my trip to Rome… and you will get that!
But for now, I wanted to start with something simple.
What I wore to the Vatican.
If you’re planning to visit the Vatican, or any of the beautiful, historic churches in Rome, just know that what you wear actually matters.
Not just because of dress codes, but because of the space you’re stepping into.
So here’s the thing, I never really know what I’m going to wear. I usually dress based on how I want to feel.
And since I was stepping into a sacred space, I wanted to feel
comfortable… but still elegant
practical… but still intentional
The Vatican, along with most historic churches, does have a dress code.
👉🏾 Shoulders need to be covered
👉🏾Skirts or shorts should fall below the knee
👉🏾 No low-cut or revealing clothing
It’s not overly strict, but it is something to be mindful of out of respect.
So I wanted an outfit that honored that… but was still me.
So here's what I wore:
I LOVE a good graphic tee. I just do. And if it speaks about Jesus… even better.
I don’t know when you plan to visit, but I went in the dead of summer. And with shoulders needing to be covered, the last thing I wanted was to feel restricted in a shawl or jacket. I also wasn’t trying to deal with noticeable sweat in a tighter tee.
So a loose t-shirt was the move.
I found this one with the intention of bringing it on this trip, and it did not disappoint. It gave me the comfort I wanted, with “Jesus saves” front and center, and the Gospel on the back.
I thought about wearing pants, but I remembered this skirt I bought when I was trying to bring more modest and timeless pieces into my wardrobe.
And I’m so glad I did.
This skirt has a bit of weight to it, and it moves so beautifully when I walk. It instantly added that touch of elegance the outfit needed, without sacrificing comfort.
For shoes, I knew I’d be doing a lot of walking, so comfort was non-negotiable.
I wanted something I could wear all day without thinking about it, but that still felt clean and put together.
These were perfect. Simple, lightweight, and easy to walk in… which, if you’ve ever been to Rome, you know is essential.
As for my bag, this one is extra special to me.
I want to give a special shoutout to The Testimony Tote.
The exact one I’m wearing is an older design, which makes it feel a little more special. She rotates designs, so there are always new pieces being released and you can even design your own.
This is one that’s currently available:
I love being able to carry something that not only completes the outfit, but also supports someone I know… someone who loves Jesus and has dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to creating pieces that encourage our faith. Take my money, friend!
What to Wear in Sacred Spaces (Especially in the Summer)
If you’re visiting churches, whether in Europe, the U.S., Africa, or anywhere else, it’s always good to be mindful of how you show up.
Different places may have different levels of formality, but the heart behind it stays the same.
A few simple things to keep in mind:
- Keep your shoulders covered
- Opt for skirts, dresses, or bottoms that fall below the knee
- Choose light, breathable fabrics for the heat
- Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’ll be walking or standing
- Simplicity is key
Looking for what to wear to the Vatican or other churches in Europe? This outfit is a great example of modest, intentional style for warm weather travel. May we honor God in every space we step into, but especially the sacred spaces!
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