One of my favorite things about packing for Italy this time was choosing Coldwater Creek Travel clothes for us women over 50 that could really work hard for me. I wanted clothes that were comfortable enough for long days of walking and sightseeing, but still felt polished and pulled together.
The Coldwater Creek pieces I packed ended up being some of the things I reached for again and again: the packable raincoat, my purple tunic sweatshirt, knit denim jeans, and beige BORN knit sneakers.
And Italy gave me plenty of chances to put all of them to the test!
The Packable Raincoat Was a Trip MVP
I was so glad I packed this raincoat because we had several rainy days and some chilly evenings. It was lightweight, comfortable, and easy to layer over everything from T-shirts to sweaters.
I normally wear a size large, but I’m wearing a medium in this coat. In my experience, Coldwater Creek coats tend to run a little generous, and the medium fit me perfectly without feeling tight over layers.
One of the days I wore it was during the annual celebration in Casoli.
Each October, Casoli celebrates its patronal festivities honoring Santa Reparata and San Gilberto. The celebration runs over October 7–9, and October 8 includes the traditional Giornata dei Donativi, with a parade featuring townspeople in traditional dress, decorated carts, and women carrying polished copper vessels filled with sweets. Comune di Casoli
It is such a fun time to be in Casoli. There is music, food, people everywhere, and such a wonderful feeling of community.
One of my favorite moments happens at midnight. The town lights go dark, everyone waits, and then right at midnight there is a huge boom and suddenly the decorative lights overhead come alive.
This year there was even a beautiful tunnel of lights. It felt magical.
And yes — it rained during the parade! That raincoat earned its spot in my suitcase right then and there.
Chilly and Windy at Roccascalegna Castle
Another day we headed to Roccascalegna to explore the medieval castle.
This place is absolutely unforgettable. The castle rises dramatically from a rocky cliff, and once you reach the top the views are incredible.
It was also chilly and windy up there, so layers were definitely needed.
We all got a little windblown, but of course that didn’t stop us from taking our usual silly photos leaning out of the tower and sneaking in a kiss or two.
Very much a “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou?” kind of moment. 😄
Those are the kinds of travel memories I love most — beautiful places mixed with a little laughter.
Hiking to San Martino in Valle
Another favorite day was hiking near Fara San Martino to see the ancient monastery of San Martino in Valle.
The hike takes you into the dramatic Fara San Martino gorge, part of one of Italy’s longest canyon systems, with sheer rock walls and a narrow passage that feels almost like a slot canyon.
The monastery itself was built over what was likely an earlier hermitage and contains structures that were altered over centuries, with surviving elements dating back to the medieval period. Parco Majella
It is such a beautiful and peaceful place.
For that hike I wore one of my favorite Coldwater Creek outfits: the purple tunic sweatshirt layered over a white blouse with the knit denim jeans.
The Purple Tunic Sweatshirt Was So Easy to Wear
I love the color of this sweatshirt, but it’s really the details that make it special.
The buttoned collar gives it a little more polish than a basic sweatshirt, and the pockets are wonderful for travel.
Because it has a tunic length, it also works really well with jeans and slim pants.
I layered it over a white blouse, which made the whole outfit feel a little more finished. The fact that I could wear the blouse on its own when I warmed up, then pull the sweatshirt back on when the temperature dropped was perfect.
I even wore it in Lake Garda on a boat because it was so chilly and then it started to sprinkle.
That kind of flexibility is exactly what I want when I’m traveling.
Knit Denim Jeans = Comfort All Day
The Coldwater Creek knit denim jeans were another winner.
They have plenty of stretch and feel much softer and more comfortable than traditional stiff denim. That made them perfect for a day when we were climbing, walking, sitting, and exploring for hours.
I even rolled the hem slightly for a more casual look.
They gave me the structure of jeans without sacrificing comfort — which is pretty much the dream when you’re sightseeing all day.
The BORN Knit Sneakers Were Made for This Kind of Trip
Comfortable shoes can make or break a travel day, and these beige BORN knit sneakers were such a good choice.
They worked with jeans, casual pants, and travel outfits, and the neutral color made them easy to mix with everything in my capsule wardrobe.
For places like Casoli where there was plenty of walking and uneven ground, I really appreciated having something comfortable and supportive on my feet.
What I Loved Most About These Pieces
What impressed me most wasn’t just that the pieces looked good — it was how practical they were.
I could layer them.
Walk in them for miles.
I could wear them in rain, wind, and cool evenings.
And I still felt put together.
That’s exactly what I want from travel clothes.
If I had to pick the biggest winners, I’d say the packable raincoat and the knit denim jeans were especially useful, while the purple tunic sweatshirt became one of those pieces that made even a casual outfit feel intentional.
For me, that is the sweet spot for travel fashion: comfortable enough for adventure, polished enough for photos, and versatile enough to earn its place in a carry-on.
Shop My Travel Outfits
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