Packing light for november

Two light weight sweaters will be fine. It is not cold in November. Often, you will only need the sweater or just the trench coat, some days, possibly, neither during the daytime. I travel in the winter often. I pack as you have, but will also include a pair of leather gloves. Warm hands and the rest is warm as well, I find, but I'm from New England. Three pairs of PJs? I'd drop that to two, but that is personal preference. It does depend on where you live and what temperatures you are used to bearing.

Sweaters don't need to be heavy/bulky to be warm -- thin cashmere or merino wool can be cozy. But why 3 sets of pajamas? Unless you're counting thermal shirts and leggings which can be worn with clothes for warmth and used as nightwear when needed.

I'm puzzled by your choice to bring 3 tank tops and 3-4 dressy blouses, but no other tops. I would skip the tank tops altogether. It's November, not summertime. How often do you think you will get dressed up? You're only taking jeans so I would imagine not too much. Do you plan to wash clothes (sink wash or laundromat) along the way?

I would take 2 pairs of jeans (many people will tell you not to travel with jeans, but I always do) and a pair of some sort of black pants that you can dress up if necessary. One dressy top and 3-4 long sleeve shirts that can be layered with a fleece jacket or cardigan. Two sets of pj's, 4-5 pairs of socks and underwear. Two pairs of shoes including a waterproof pair. Wear the heaviest on the plane. Raincoat, trench coat, umbrella, etc. I would have two sweaters, one lightweight and one medium to heavyweight.

I did Turin-Florence-Rome in a December. I only took a corduroy blazer as my coat. I was plenty warm until it started snowing in Florence. I bought a lightweight hooded wool cloak from the woman who makes them in an outdoor market. With a scarf, and pinning ir closed, it was perfect. I plan on taking it on my next trip, which is the same time you will be there. It makes a great blanket on the plane and even is ok in rain because it is wool.

I always take a lightweight (merlino) wool sweater to Italy. It packs well into a daypack and keeps me warm at nights, especially. I also recommend a lightweight rain jacket for rainy days and so you can layer easily. As for sleepwear, I just returned from a month long trip with just 1 lightweight nightgown. As needed, I would wash, ring it out in a towel and then dry it on the radiator heaters during the day. I find also traveling with lightweight cotton sweatpants (Landend) and a tee shirt are good for overnight flights, hanging out in hotel rooms and sleeping (if needed).

I take one dressy blouse and one sort of sweatery capey thing that is dressy and I can throw on over basic black. You don't need tank tops and lots of fancy blouses. One thing that dresses up your outfit it plenty when packing light. I am in Paris right now for 3 weeks and have two pairs of black jeans and one lightweight travel skirt which I used on a couple of hot days. Jeans are great for travel as they are tough and don't show dirt; my black ones do fine for dressier occasions like the opera or a nice restaurant when paired with a nice top and scarf or necklace. Mine are black and not jean styled with grommets etc and so work as just 'black pants.' I would not take more than one pair of pajamas. Plan on washing underwear and pajamas. You can get things that dry quickly at camping stores. A layer that packs super light and can add warmth in unexpected chill is a set of silk long johns. I have a black silk turtleneck (sometimes I travel with a red one) that can also serve as a top; the silk long pants are not hot but add that needed layer of warmth if you have really cold weather -- and they can double as pajamas and weigh almost nothing. Being set for rain as you are is important. One of your pairs of shoes should be waterproof. I travel with low lightweight waterproof hiking shoes and a pair of merrill mesh clogs. Critical to have two pair as you are doing and for them to be comfortable enough to walk 10 miles on hard pavement in.

Be sure to take a scarf or buy one there!

I agree with previous posters that the tank tops may be unnecessary in November. Since you're going to be washing undergarments, I think one set of pajamas might work equally as well. I'm not sure if there will be a need for both the raincoat and a trench coat and an umbrella, unless the rain coat is really a lightweight jacket which affords no other protection.

And I second the poster who suggested bringing or buying a scarf there. In fact, I vote for buying a scarf once you arrive!

Have a fabulous trip!!!

Buy "a" scarf ?? You must have more restraint than I do -- seldom have I returned from a trip having only bought ONE scarf ...

I'll be interested in looking for a scarf when there as I've read this thread often. Where are good places to look - the markets? (Will be in Florence and Venice) Allergic to wool so would be more interested in cotton. Thanks!

Don't need the tank tops. I was in Bologna, Rome and Florence last October /November until Thanksgiving. It was cold for me in all but Rome. I had a winter jacket that I wore. A trench coat would not have been warm enough for me. I also bought two sweaters because my shirts were too thin. Less pajamas, tank tops and more regular shirts and a sweater.

I think that is a bunch O'pajamas! LOL.

I would take 1 set pj's and add a dressy, cashmere or fine gauge merino wool for evening, something thin that can be layered, a warm scarf or shawl and a silk scarf to make the sweaters look different etc

Not sure why you need tank tops in November? Tee shirts will serve better in keeping sweaters cleaner, from deodorant, if you bring a cardigan you can layer neutral tee shirts underneath.

Make sure you have at least one pair of waterproof boots, shoes, silicone spray usually helps.

I did not see pants/slacks...??? And a hat!
Enjoy!

I'm from New England and I wear tank tops more in the winter than I do in the summer. I wear a tight one and layer it under my clothes. It's an extra layer to keep my back warm without having an extra layer on the arms. I also like to bring a zip up vest to layer under my jacket as well. And then if you don't need it, it's small enough to put in my day bag.

I actually wear this tank top and it holds my passport (when I don't expect to access it) and backup credit cards. I wouldn't use this tank top in the summer time, but it's perfect under clothes and a jacket. Although, this tank top has gone up in price substantially since I purchased it - yikes!

I'm from New England and I wear tank tops more in the winter than I do in the summer. I wear a tight one and layer it under my clothes. It's an extra layer to keep my back warm without having an extra layer on the arms. I also like to bring a zip up vest to layer under my jacket as well. And then if you don't need it, it's small enough to put in my day bag.

@Pilgrim: Exactly! Tanks are well hidden as I don't expose my upper arms. ;) I don't do cardigans, I have vests...frees up the arms. And I've been staring at the tank you use for a couple of years now. I think I might try it!

While it does not get east coast U.S. Cold, it does get DAMP...I always travel with therma-silk long to tank/vest top, this is as warm as a wool sweater but can be worn under a thin blouse and packs/washes out easily. Thin and onion skin style is what I recommend not under armor/unique they are too thick!

Why bring a towel?? A microfiber one to clean up on flights & trains??

Is the raincoat and trench same? One coat is enough.

Thanks everyone :)
I always wear tank tops under my regular clothes, hence I am bringing them :) And I prefer sleeping in washed pyajamas every night hence was planning to bring 3 :) I will think about cutting it down to two.

I didn't know trench coat and rain coat was same, wow that cuts some space :D

Where I live, the temperature doesn't go below 20 degree celsius (70 degree fahrenheit) even in the middle of winter, hence was wondering whether florence and venice would be too cold for me at that time.

About the jeans, I am not a big on clothing person, So I rarely wear trousers/skirts/dresses. So didn't think about them, but will definitely buy a pair of pretty trousers before I go :)