how to dress for rome and venice in october?

You don't say where you are from, but I'd say that if you were going to San Francisco in early October, you'd have the right clothes. Could be warm, could be 50's (F) and rainy.

I have not been to Venice in that time but was in Rome mid-October last year. It was warmer than I thought and didn't happen to rain much. I wore slim jeans, ankle boots or cute sneakers and short sleeve tops during day and carried a light rain jacket. For nights I had a cardigan or long sleeve blouse.

I think Venice would be cooler and wetter - so the long sleeve top with a sweater, and still the rain jacket. If I'm right on that, I have been to Venice in summer which is a different thing!

An umbrella could be good, you can buy them there or get a small one at home. I don't usually bring one, I prefer a hooded jacket, but if I ever hit a downpour I would buy one. Usually I've just had mild rain and the coat is fine

Average highs in Rome hit 70 with lows in the 50s. That's not cold to this Chicagoan! Venice looks like it's more in the low 60s for highs.

I was in Rome mid October last year. In the daytime it was warm to hot. Comfortable dining
outside at night. We wore lightweight clothing, short sleeves.

There's no way to predict what it will be. We've been in Rome in early October and it was very warm during the day, and warm enough at night to sit outside of dinner without jackets. Then again, you could have a cool spell with rain so layers is the best way to go: short sleeved/long sleeved shirts with a rain-resistant jacket over the top if needed. You can always shoot the sleeves of a long-sleeved shirt up if they get too warm.

I have a standard mix of clothes for autumn trips: 2 short-sleeved tees, 2 long-sleeved tees, a lightweight blouse or two, a cardigan, 2 jeans, one pair of lightweight dressier pants, a khaki jacket and a rain-resistant jacket, two pairs of shoes. I also throw in light gloves.

I can handle most anything with this wardrobe, except the 34-degree morning temps in the mountains this week! I had to buy a fleece!

Will be in Venice tomorrow night. Looking forward to moderate temp!

Thank you all for the suggestions! Much appreciated

Venice can feel colder because all the water sometimes make the air more moist.

I detest umbrellas in crowded areas - especially other peoples umbrellas which always point to my eyes. I prefer a hooded jacket with a (baseball) cap under to keep the hood from falling over my eyes and to keep the rain from hitting my face.

I go to Italy every other year in early October, this year included. We get in on the 8th to Rome and fly out of Venezia on the 21st. I have never worn short sleeves in October... but I am always a little cold. I usually wear a lightweight long sleeved blouse on the flight over with a cardi. I typically don't need the cardi for day but have to put it on again at night. By the time I get to Florence, I usually need a jacket at night and in the morning and also some days. Venezia is even colder so by the end of my trip, its: top, cardi and jacket most of the time. I do boots and booties the whole time. Hope this helps.