Fall wardrobe experience from fellow PNW folks

As you already know how to layer, as long as the final outside layer and the shoes are waterproof, you should be just fine. Err on the side of more socks in the chance they get damp and need more than a day to dry. If you run on the cold side in the PNW, pack something like a puffer jacket or vest in case it gets particularly chilly.

Rome may to some extent be the outlier. Both times we have been in Rome in November, we have managed with light autumn jackets. We have enjoyed lunch outside. Of course the locals will have heavier winter coats on (we stood out and my spouse was asked a few times if he was chilly; when we responded we came from Canada, they understood:) As long as you can have layers to add or subtract, you should be okay.

Well, I'm from the midwest, but I've been to Seattle in November. I've also been to Rome in November. I'm not sure if our weather was typical, but for the entire week, it was 65-70degrees and sunny. We were wearing short sleeves and very lightweight pants, and hats for sun.

Honestly, I look at weather as kind of a crap shoot the last couple years. We had 100 degrees mid September in Amsterdam.

I'm a big fan of Eddie Bauer and LLBean. I would have at least two short sleeved shirts/tops and lightweight pants. I do not know if you are male or female but I find dresses to be very versatile. I can start the day with a short sleeve dress, lightweight sweater and leggings and easily pull off the leggings as the day becomes warmer. I would advise a rain coat, that also serves as a windbreaker and a pullover lightweight fleece. I have a couple LLBean ones that are perfect. I like leggings, for the versatility. I wear them with a longer top. I also can use them under lightweight pants if its chilly. The key with most travel is layers!

You probably know of Allbirds and Vessi shoes? We had one trip with a lot of rain and I was so grateful for merino wool socks and Allbird shoes.

Thank you all :)

@CL - I tend to run warmer these days but I am debating a puffer vest or jacket since we plan to go to the Christmas markets in Vienna and also some night time tours in Amsterdam and London. I will be closely monitoring forecasts.

@Claire - My husband thinks Rome temps will be similar to the other cities but I told him I think it will be more like when we go to Las Vegas which is typically November or December and the locals are in their parkas and we are in shirt sleeves.

@Jules M - The weather is so unpredictable - this winter was very warm and dry for us. I'm afraid we're in for a bad wildfire season if it keeps up :( I have been debating whether or not to take a skirt - I'm not really shaped well for dresses. I used to be pear shaped, now I'm more eggplant haha. I will be taking leggings for sleep and layering. I have heard of Allbirds and Vessi but have not tried them. We used to be avid backpackers and one week long trip we took it rained the entire time. Even with all of the quick dry clothes, my feet in my darn tough socks were the only warm body part I had by the end of that trip!

Vessi are completely waterproof, and I find them comfortable. Allbirds is going out of business, but their Mizzles are water resistant. My son and his family live in Seattle, and I gave my son Allbird Mizzles as a gift and he loves them. We were in Italy in February and it rained the whole day. My Mizzles and merino wool socks were wet but still warm. Amazing!

Christmas Markets are most fun in the evenings, which of course start earlier in November. At home I do not wear my merino wool base layers much since I have a range of heavier outer clothes, but on travels they are, to me, the lightest warmest small volume addition to my wardrobe. If you don't need them, !Great!, and not much space wasted.

Hi, we lived in the Seattle area for 30 years before retiring to north Idaho. I always pack very light for regular trips & did the same for my November/December one in Vienna, etc.. I brought four 32 Degree long sleeve scoop neck quick dry tops and one cotton long sleeve shirt. My coat was a warm winter coat, and I was fine either wearing one 32 Degree or two together.

You're going to be fine with PNW sensibilities, except in Vienna. I find I'm colder when it's rainy & damp so good footwear & puffer coat / or vest as you say you run warmer, for Vienna would be an excellent idea. Clare, OMG Romans asking if your hubby was cold. My Italians relatives HATE being cold!

Once again, thank you everyone. I do have a pack-able down puffer coat that has it's own bag it fits in and weighs practically nothing, so unless the forecast is unseasonably warm, I will probably take that. It fits under my rain shell anyway. I'm still looking for the "right" merino wool base layers. Everything has to fit in my Sherpani Juno backpack which forces me to be realistic about packing light. Six months to go, so in my head, the count down has begun!

One tip I picked up on the Forum is to bring a ball cap (an item I generally don't wear) to prop up the hood of your (waterproof) rain jacket (something I never travel without, regardless of destination). I was able to find one that was lightly insulated for my February UK trip. Never used it, as it turns out.
In November, I would definitely bring a puffer jacket. Probably the hooded one. Also, hat, scarf and gloves. I do NOT run cold, except in my fingers and toes.
Re: base layer, look for silk. Very warm and soft, and a lot less weight and bulk than merino.
For city trips (which is what you appear to have planned), I don't think waterproof shoes are strictly necessary. Especially if you have a second pair that you can swap out. A nice thick sole is useful for keeping you out of the shallow puddles and for keeping your feet warm at night in the Xmas markets.
Have a great trip!

I was in Rome a few years back Christmas week and was perfectly comfortable with my raincoat. It was not a lined raincoat, but I took along a lightweight fleece vest for colder days. However, I don't remember needing the vest.

I would like to mention alpaca socks for keeping feet warm and dry. I wear them with both sneakers and hiking boots. Some of them have padding too.

Latt and Sandancisco,

Our first clue was on our flight from London Heathrow to Rome and we were indeed surrounded by Italians wearing heavy winter coats including fur. We were worried we had misread the weather forecast LOL. While I might be a lifelong Vancouverite, my spouse grew up on the prairies so it takes a lot for him to feel chilly.

Latt, I think you will be fine because you already know how to dress for whatever weather! Gosh, Claire that really makes me chuckle.

Hi! Portlander here. I would bring your outer rain shell, full Length packable puffer with hood, and a fleece (wear that on the airplane). And a down vest can be put in with your packable down coat and weigh nothing so throw it in too and make it your fight pillow. Then you don’t have to worry about merino. You probably have a good pair of rain shoes you like , that you already walk around in; Bring those. As for the warmer days in Rome. Just make sure you have pants and a button up or cotton long sleeve. That will be fine for you no matter how hottish it gets, Keep in mind there are clothes shops cheap to expensive all over the place.) And yes bring at least one long dress in case you are the mood that you can either wear your tights under or not depending, only if you have one you like, you don’t need one unless it’s for fun, for you… And maybe check your hotels for heated pools and bring a swimsuit 😳 haha