Rome -Thanksgiving 2017- thoughts on a limited packing list for a woman?

Unless you feel you need a dress for some specific activity, I would stick with pants. I always take 3 pants (usually 2 are jeans) one of which I wear on the plane. Then layers. It probably will not be so warm you will feel you need short sleeves, but blouses or tee shirts with a cardigan you can wear over anything plus a light rain-resistant jacket. Two pair of shoes, max.

November can be very nice, temps are mild, but it will rain now-and-then. At least I am certain the Romans pray it will after this year!

Thanks Laurel!
I thought I might want to up my game by bringing the sweater dress but I bet I would not wear it. We plan on walking a lot and also have booked a day trip to Pompeii. So pants it will be!
Appreciate your input.
Carolyn

We have been to Rome twice in November. I travel with a backpack and 21" carryon. I pack 2 pair of pants and wear one on the plane. I don't travel with jeans, too bulky in suitcase and take too long to dry.
I take black pants and tan pants. Every shirt and/or top goes with both colors. Some of my shirts are a different color, but must go with black or tan pants. Scarves come in handy to add some color. I never take a dress, as I feel that would necessitate a different pair of shoes. I also do not take jewelry except the wedding ring and earrings that I wear. The earrings are pierced and have screw on backs. I also take a rain jacket with zip out hood. It has rained off and on, but never for all day when we have been there.

October and November are our favorite months to go to Italy!

Have a great trip and let us know all about it, please.

Mimi

I was there last Thanksgiving and was fine with pants. For me, with dresses I need different shoes and ones I am not going to pack (heels). I also wear a lot of black normally for the office, so I was already prepared.

It was considerably warmer than I remembered from my first trip (which was a Christmas trip). Layers are key. I often went out with a shirt/sweater layer or a shirt/jacket combo in the AM and got rid of one layer by lunch. Pack an umbrella. I did 16 days in Italy with a carry on. It can easily be done.

Thank to you both Mimi and erodgreg.
We will be there 8 nights and I think that an extra pair of shoes is essential. However I am bagging the dress idea in favor of black ponte knit "jeans", black faux leather leggings and a gray ponte knit "jean". two scarves, two light weight merino wool blend tunic sweaters with matching tanks underneath and a wrnkle resistant silky tunic/blouse. taking a waterproof breathable hooded coat.
I think that should suffice.

That sounds very similar to what I brought, only slightly more because it was a longer trip. We washed in the shower/sink and went to a laundromat in Florence once. It was totally fine - and we were inoffensive to those around us. Ha!