STYLE GUIDE · WEATHER
What should I wear today?
Most "what do I wear" mornings come down to two questions: how cold will it feel, and where am I going. Answer those two and the outfit almost picks itself. Here's a formula for every weather band, in °F and °C, and how to adjust it for work, dinner or a long walk.
Updated · By the Delve to Life editors · Editorial standards
THE QUICK ANSWER
- Check the "feels like" temperature for the time you'll be outside, not the morning number.
- Find your row in the table below for the top, bottom, layer and shoes.
- Adjust for the day: one step smarter for work or dinner, softer and flatter for travel, waterproof if rain is forecast.
What to wear by temperature
| Feels like | Top | Bottom | Layer | Shoes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot 85°F+ / 29°C+ | Linen or cotton tee, tank or loose shirt | Shorts, a linen skirt or wide-leg trousers | None, or a thin overshirt for air-conditioning | Sandals or canvas sneakers |
| Warm 75–84°F / 24–29°C | Short sleeves or a thin shirt | Light trousers, a midi skirt, a dress or jeans | Carry a thin layer for indoors | Sneakers, loafers or sandals |
| Mild 65–74°F / 18–23°C | Long or short sleeves | Jeans, chinos or a skirt | A light cardigan, overshirt or denim jacket | Sneakers or loafers |
| Cool 55–64°F / 13–17°C | A long-sleeve top or shirt | Full-length trousers or a skirt with tights | A knit plus a light jacket or trench | Closed shoes |
| Chilly 45–54°F / 7–12°C | Long sleeves | Trousers, or a skirt with thick tights | A warm knit and a wool coat or padded jacket | Boots or closed shoes, warm socks |
| Cold 32–44°F / 0–6°C | A thermal or long-sleeve base | Lined or wool trousers, or jeans with thermals | A thick knit and an insulated coat; scarf and hat | Waterproof boots |
| Freezing Below 32°F / below 0°C | Thermal base layer | Thermal leggings under trousers | Fleece or down mid-layer, insulated coat, hat, gloves, scarf | Insulated, grippy boots |
Sun makes a temperature feel warmer; wind, rain and humidity in the cold make it feel colder. Between two rows, dress for the colder one and take the layer off if you need to. For the trickiest band, see what to wear at 50–60°F (10–16°C).
Rain, wind and snow
- Rain: a hooded waterproof jacket or a trench, trousers that stop above the ground or a skirt with tights, and rubber-soled shoes or boots. Leave suede and long hems at home.
- Wind: a closed collar or scarf and a layer that blocks wind (a shell, a waxed or tightly woven jacket) matter more than an extra knit.
- Snow and ice: grip first: boots with a deep tread. Then a water-resistant coat that covers your hips, gloves and a hat.
Adjust it for where you're going
Everyday
Jeans or easy trousers, a tee or knit for the temperature above, and shoes you can walk in. Add one thing you like looking at: a colour, a bag, a pair of earrings.
Colour combinations help an easy outfit look finished.
Work and meetings
Tailored trousers or a knee-to-midi skirt, a shirt or fine knit, and a blazer or neat jacket as the layer. Loafers, clean leather sneakers or ankle boots.
Office codes explained: smart casual for women, business casual and the rest, and interview outfits.
Dinner or a small occasion
One step up from everyday: a dress or a satin skirt, or dark trousers with a silky top or a good knit, plus a tailored coat if it's cool. Swap sneakers for loafers, boots or heels.
Invitation with a dress code? See cocktail attire, cocktail attire for men and semi-formal.
Travel and lots of walking
Soft, stretchy trousers or jeans, a breathable top, a layer that packs small, and shoes you have already walked far in. Keep pockets for phone and tickets.
For a full day out in in-between weather, see what to wear at 50–60°F.
A two-minute morning checklist
- Shoes first: what does the weather allow, and how far will you walk?
- Bottom next: it should work with those shoes and the temperature.
- Top and layer: one layer you can take off for every big change in temperature.
- Colours: two or three, with one accent. See colour combinations for clothes.
- One last look: can you sit, walk and lift your arms comfortably?
Not sure what a piece is called when you search for it? Our illustrated clothing glossary and size charts help.
Quick questions
What should I wear today if it's cold in the morning and warm later? Dress for the warmest part of the day and add one layer you can carry: a T-shirt or shirt, plus a cardigan, overshirt or light jacket. Skip heavy knits you can't fit in a bag.
What should I wear in 70 degree weather? At about 70°F (21°C) wear short or long sleeves with jeans, chinos or a skirt, and bring a light layer such as a cardigan or denim jacket for shade and evenings.
What should I wear in 40 degree weather? At about 40°F (4°C) wear a long-sleeve base, a thick knit and an insulated coat, with full-length trousers, warm socks and boots. Add a scarf and hat if it's windy.
What should I wear in the rain? A hooded waterproof jacket or trench, trousers that stop above the ground (or a skirt with tights), and shoes with rubber soles, such as boots or leather sneakers. Avoid suede and long hems.
I can't decide what to wear. Where do I start? Start from the shoes the weather allows, then pick the bottom, then the top, and add a layer last. Keep to two or three colours and change one thing, not everything.
Temperatures are rounded "feels like" bands; local climate, activity and your own comfort change them. Search figures: "what should I wear today", about 8,100 US searches a month (DataForSEO via OpenSEO, October 2026).