22 Sep What I Am Packing for My Trip to Italy-Take Two

Yes, Italy is finally a go! I am sharing what I am packing for my trip, take two!

Buongiorno!

I have a lot to do yet to get ready for our trip to Rome and Sorrento. To be more specific, we are staying in Vico Esquence, a smaller town near Sorrento. We have a fair amount on the agenda, and I had to rethink my packing and what I was to wear.

Rome is going to be around 80 degrees each day, with some days in the high 70s, so perfetto! After 90+ degree days here, it will feel like a cold front!

I really do everything in my power to be proactive with my health and have worked hard in physical therapy to make strides with my PN. This time last year I wasn’t sure I would be able to travel this year, but after 3 physical therapists each teaching me something new about how to calm down my nervous system, breathe from the diaphragm, and strengthen muscles around my pelvis, I have made great strides. I do take medication to manage as well. I will bring my trusty pudendal cushion with me on the plane, and hopefully sleep part of the way there. Our trip is an overnight direct flight, so I will get up throughout the trip and walk a bit; I have an aisle seat. We leave Monday afternoon for the airport.

What I am Packing for My Italy Trip- Take Two

Now, onto what I am packing.

Yes, I am just taking a carry-on and personal item! It can be done! If a fashion blogger can do it, so can you!

This is the suitcase I am taking, as well as the personal bag.

I do have a bit of a challenge with capsule wardrobes, as most just require taking neutrals and mixing pieces. I have mainly stuck to a black, white, tan pallete, and then added color. I can’t go without color, especially when I am an “Autumn”. So, I am wearing burgundy and have one teal top in the mix.

I am taking about 6 tops. All neutrals, (except for teal) that will go with the bottoms I chose (CSW flowy black pants) a pair of coated black jeans and one pair of burgundy tailored trousers. I also brought a burgundy silk skirt to mix and match. I’ll be taking scarves, underwear, nightgown in the front of my suitcase, and my toiletries and curling iron will go in my personal bag.

Then we have a swimsuit, about 4 dresses, one for wearing to the Vatican (no knees or shoulders shown), and other Fall like dresses I just enjoy wearing. I am quite excited to see the Vatican/ Sistine Chapel, as we have early bird special tickets where we see it an hour before the crowds!

Packing cubes are KEY! I can fit quite a bit into 2 of these and it enables me to then just pack a carryon and personal bag for 2 weeks.

I have read that Italians do not wear leisurewear or gym clothes in public unless they are going to the gym. Smart casual is best.

Where are we going?

The other thing to consider is where you will be going. We got ” before hours” Vatican tickets which will allow us to go an hour or so earlier than the crowds. No waiting! Now, you need to dress appropriately to go to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, which requires no shoulders or knees showing. I have this midi dress that I love and was going to bring anyway, with colorful fall leaves in the print.

Another day, when we are the Almalfi, we will be going to Pompeii ( If weather permits) for a tour, and I will want to be in some more casual attire. All things to consider. Hopefully, one of the days in the Almalfi, will be a trip on a hydrofoil and boat to Capri . I don’t believe I can swim in October, so I will be learning the history of the Island and the surrounding structures ( Blue Grotto etc). I thought about what i should wear, and initially thought a swimsuit, but onlly if I was swimming. I know, in October, in the ocean, it can be windy, so I most likely will pack my Franne Golde wrap and dress to keep the chill at bay.

Shoes- How Important are They?

The key #1 thing to consider packing is a pair of cushioned, comfortable shoes. I have enjoyed wearing sneakers here and there lately, and my husband loves his Cole Haans. The brand is a quality brand, so I bought these sneakers to wear with dresses. My leopard Vince Camuto( which are older and I found here on Poshmark for you)  will be worn with trousers and jeans, and I will have a pair of dressier heels just for a dinner out. No one can walk around all day on cobblestone streets in heels! 3 pair should do it for any lady, and I will be wearing one pair, have one in the suitcase, and another pair in my personal item bag.

There will be alot of walking and standing, so I know I will need support, and most often, even with the most comfortable of shoes, I add insoles to the foot. Nothing like a bit of extra cushioning and I recommend these.

Tops and Dresses

Then it is black and white button downs, flowy , wrinkle free Clara Sunwoo pieces, trousers and black coated jeans. I also added a burgundy silk skirt to the mix! As I said, I need color flowing in my sartorial veins!

5-6 tops that would mix well with the bottoms would be fashionable, and I also love my dresses. I will wear a dress out during the day, and also wear dresses at night in Trastavere, a neighborhood to Rome, across the Tiber River.

A swimsuit, sunglasses, scarves are all necessary to be ” Italian- like”. Come on, no one is going to mistake me! Red hair, fair skin, and my Pittsburgh accent.

In case it gets chilly, I will be wearing a shorter trench on the plane and have packed 2 cardigans for this reason.

Bag

This crossbody from Lo & Sons was recommended to me from another travel/fashion bloggger. Plenty of compartments, lovely leather, and snap center, great bag to hold alot, yet remain hands free. I did get mine on Poshmark for $100 and it was practically new.

Arrivederci!! Follow along on Instagram if you like or wait until I return and I will share my trip.

Jess xx