Dress code for Churches
 

I understand that most churches do not allow shorts. Can women wear knee length skirts in churches including the Vatican?

Thank you.

My recollection is that you can (though my wife wore pants whenever we went). Some churches do not allow sleeveless tops.

Yes, a knee-length skirt is fine, but no minidresses, sleeveless, strapless tops, etc.. There are dress codes for me as well - no jogging shorts, sleeveless Tshirts, etc...
Your wife would be well served to carry a large - but lightweight - scarf w/her in her bag, so she can cover if/when necessary.

The skirt must be knee lenghth, and the shoulders need to be covered. They WILL NOT let you in to St Peters if you are not dressed properly. There is always a group of people sitting right to the right of the entrance with skimpy tops, etc. I saw a man sitting there shirtless- he must have given his shirt to a companion to wear in, as she must have had a strappy top on.

In Florence this past weekend and the sign was clearly posted on the entrance to the Il Duomo Cathedral regarding the dos and donts--international symbols with the line through them (i.e. no food, no smoking, no shorts, etc.). I absentmindedly walked in with shorts on and wasn't even given a second look.

It was on a Saturday and there were many tourists there with shorts on. I didn't really take notice of any sleeveless tops, etc. I'm not sure why they didn't say anything to me or anyone else---my only guess is that it was a crowded, touristy Saturday and they just chalked it up to that?

I was in Rome a week ago and I wore shorts and a tshirt to the Vatican as well as a number of churches throughout the rest of Rome and Italy. The sign at the Vatican says shorts must be longer than the knees and no tank tops or sleeveless shirts. I saw a number of women buying little sweaters or coverups because they were wearing tank tops.