Comfortable BØRN Sneakers from Coldwater Creek
Shop my black Amazon shirt dress here
Let’s talk about shoes because walking around Italy is no joke!
Between the cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, and hours of sightseeing, comfortable shoes are an absolute must!
I wore my BØRN knit sneakers from Coldwater Creek, and they have been wonderful for all the walking we’ve been doing.
I love that they look cute with a dress but still give me the comfort I need for exploring.
One thing I’ve learned about traveling is that you don’t have to give up style to be comfortable, especially when you’re over 50!
Exploring the Historic Castle in Bari
One of our first stops was the beautiful Castello Svevo, a historic castle in Bari.
The castle is filled with centuries of history, and I always love imagining what life must have been like inside those enormous stone walls so many years ago.
There were some beautiful artifacts to see, and the architecture itself was impressive.
However, I have to admit that we were a little disappointed that so many of the rooms and areas were empty. I was hoping to see more furnishings or displays that would help bring the history of the castle to life.
Still, there is something special about walking through a building that has stood for hundreds of years!
Watching the Famous Pasta Ladies of Bari
One of my favorite things we did was visit the famous street of the pasta ladies!
In the old part of Bari, there is a narrow street known as Strada Arco Basso, or the Street of Orecchiette.
Here, local women sit outside their homes making fresh pasta by hand, just as generations before them have done.
It was fascinating to watch how quickly they could turn little pieces of dough into perfectly shaped orecchiette pasta!
Orecchiette means little ears in Italian, which makes perfect sense when you see the shape.
I just love experiences like this because you get to see a little piece of everyday Italian life and traditions that have been passed down through families.
The streets were packed with people! I was actually surprised by how busy Bari was for October. You would have thought we were visiting in the middle of the summer tourist season!
Lunch in the Rain — Italian Style!
We were pretty lucky with the weather for most of the day. Rain had been in the forecast, but somehow we managed to miss most of it while we were sightseeing.
That is, until lunchtime!
We found a cute little outdoor restaurant across the street and settled in for lunch with our group.
And then the skies opened up!
I’m talking about a serious Italian downpour!
Thankfully, there was a large umbrella over our table that protected most of us. But those sitting around the outside edges started getting wet, so we all had to scooch our chairs and table closer together to stay dry.
It was quite the adventure!
But you know what? We laughed, enjoyed our lunch, and made another wonderful travel memory.
Because when you’re in Italy, even a rainy lunch can be fun!
Comfortable Travel Fashion for Women Over 50
One of the things I love most about this outfit is how easy it is to put together. If you missed my travel capsule for this trip click here
A simple black shirt dress, a denim jacket, and comfortable sneakers. Nothing complicated, but it looks pulled together and works beautifully for sightseeing.
When packing for Italy, I wanted pieces that could be worn several different ways without taking up too much room in my carry-on.
This black shirt dress has definitely earned its place in my suitcase!
And the BØRN sneakers? They are making all these miles of walking so much more comfortable.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy or anywhere that involves lots of sightseeing, my advice is to choose clothes that make you feel good and shoes that let you enjoy every minute of the adventure.
Rain or Shine, Italy Is Always Wonderful!
Our day in Bari had a little bit of everything: history, handmade pasta, crowded streets, delicious food, comfortable fashion, and a surprise rainstorm!
Would I do it all again? Absolutely!
Because sometimes the unexpected moments become the best memories.
And really, who doesn’t love Italy, rain or shine? ❤️
I’d love to know — when you travel, are you a dress-and-sneakers girl, or do you prefer pants for sightseeing?
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