Dressing for the outdoors during the spring can get confusing. You might freeze your buns off on your morning dog walk or commute, and by lunchtime you're sweating your tater tots off and slathering sunscreen on your face. And once the sun sets, it's back to shivering like a chihuahua. Spring’s in-between weather calls for smart layering: warm enough for a walk at noon, light enough to avoid sweating, and comfy for chilly mornings and evenings. Here’s a quick guide to dressing for big temperature swings.
Quick layering formula
- Start with a base layer: think breathable, moisture-wicking (light merino, silk, modal, or technical fabrics). Fits close to skin.
- Mid layer: insulating but not bulky (thin wool sweater, lightweight fleece, hoodie, cardigan).
- Outer layer: wind- and water-resistant shell or a lightweight coat (packable puffer, trench, or windbreaker).
- Add/remove: scarf, hat, gloves, or a thin vest for extra warmth when needed.
Our picks: Angora wool hat; Knit balaclava; faux fur mittens
Practical tips
- If you're too hot before you even step outside, you're just going to get sweaty, which will eventually lead to feeling damp, cold and uncomfortable. Try to start out a little chilly. Once you start moving, you'll warm up. — you’ll warm up by mid-day and can shed layers easily.
- Choose pieces that compress or fold into a bag (puffer, thin shell). Ditch stuff in your bag as you warm up.
- Neutral base colors with one accent piece makes outfit changes easy and stylish.
- Use zippers and open collars to vent without removing layers.
- Avoid heavy cotton as the only layer—they retain moisture and cool you down.
- Dress in layers for activity level: if you’ll be walking/running, downsize the mid-layer.