Adjust women's packing list for winter trip to Italy

While the silk long underwear takes up not much space in your suitcase, unless you are planning to be outside for the majority of the day (i.e., hiking, skiing, etc.), I'd leave it at home since you'll end up going indoors and will get overheated. Only bring a skirt or dress if that's what you really like to wear and are more comfortable in dresses and skirts. If you prefer wearing pants, you can always just make do with them. If you plan to eat out at some fancier restaurants or go to some clubs, then just bring 1 pair of pants that are nice enough that you can pair it with the cashmere cardigan or a blouse and nice flats with some jewelry for an evening out.

We were in Italy all last December traveling before we moved here. I took a microfiber raincoat with a hood and no liner. It was enough. Light gloves, merino & silk sweaters to layer or not, one fleece, 2 jeans, one nicer pair of pants. You shoe plan is great. I took silk long underwear and never used them. Compared to MN winter, unless you are in the mountains, winter here is a piece of cake. (I am a former Minnesotan.) In both Rome and Sorrento we had days we did not use coats in the afternoon.

The weather is so weird now, it's hard to predict. However, I'm a real weather wimp and haven't needed the heavy things you describe. Unless you're spending you time far north or mostly doing outdoor things, I'd think much of Italy would feel pretty temperate, compared to MN. Two pair of pants always is plenty for me, even for a much longer trip, but I travel pretty casually. A lightweight waterproof hooded shell (from REI), with a shirt and sweater or zip-up fleece has always been plenty warm. I also bring a very lightweigh silk long underwear; I haven't needed them, but they are nice insurance for cold snaps.

Kathleen, you'll be in Italy during the semi-annual sales period (January and July), you can buy something warm if you need additional items (save room for gloves). I'd also ditch the silk undies unless you are spending lots of time outside in the north. Waterproof shoes is a great idea. I'm from Miami and have been to Italy in late January/February and was just fine with layering under a coat with zip-out lining.

I tend to travel with skirts in the winter... which underneath I will wear either tights, silk long underwear or leggings and have not found them to be too warm. I however do tend to be outside a lot and I do not like to be cold. I also bring a velvet coat with a thin lining and if I am cold I will layer on a pashmina or a shawl, which I can also wear alone on days when it is warmer. I take a number of scarves and wraps to dress up my rather bland basic pieces. I also take a hat and gloves. Black yoga pants under the coat look plenty dressy and are comfortable enough for the plane. I always travel with only one pair of shoes and for winter travel it is my wool Haflingers... not so cute, but warm and comfortable. My feet never hurt even after hours of walking. I find it easier to pack for winter trips than summer.