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What to Wear in 40-Degree Weather (Women): Layers, Shoes and Five Outfits

“Forty degrees is the most mis-dressed temperature of the year, because it doesn't look dangerous. Bring a real coat and take it off if you want to. Standing at a crosswalk in a pretty jacket and regret isn't really a style statement.”Her take

What does 40 degrees actually feel like?

Forty degrees Fahrenheit (about 4°C) feels very different depending on conditions. In still, dry air and sun, a walk can feel crisp and pleasant with a mid-weight coat. In wind, rain or at dusk, it can feel like winter, particularly if you're waiting outdoors. Always look at the feels-like temperature, and check how long you'll spend outside at the coldest time.

Plan for both ends. Offices, stores and restaurants are usually warm, so you need to be able to take something off. That's why thin layers are better than one huge sweater: you stay warm on the walk and still look put together at your desk.

What is the best layering formula for 40-degree weather?

Use three layers. The first sits next to your skin: a fitted long-sleeved tee or thin thermal in merino, cotton or a smooth blend. The second adds warmth: a wool, cashmere or thick cotton sweater. The third is the coat, which does the main job of stopping the wind.

Keep bulk under control by choosing thin layers close to the body and putting the volume on the outside. If you tend to get cold, swap ordinary tights for fleece-lined ones, or wear a thin layer under your jeans on the coldest mornings. Add a scarf and light gloves for walking outside: they take up little space and make a noticeable difference to your comfort.

• Base: fitted long-sleeved tee, thermal or thin turtleneck.
• Warmth: sweater, sweatshirt or a thick knit cardigan.
• Outer: mid-weight wool coat, belted trench with a liner or a short puffer.

What coat should you wear at 40 degrees?

A mid-weight wool coat is the most versatile answer. It handles still, dry 40-degree days and looks polished over everything from jeans to office clothes. Choose one that fits comfortably with a sweater underneath and closes at the neck. A longer length keeps your thighs warmer when you're walking or waiting.

Match the coat to the forecast. Sun and low wind can handle a heavy shacket, a leather jacket with a thick sweater, or a lined blazer for a quick walk. Wind suits a coat with a closure at the neck and cuffs. Rain calls for a lined trench or water-resistant parka, since wet wool is heavy and can take a long time to dry.

What shoes and bottoms work at 40 degrees?

Closed-toe shoes are the rule, and bare ankles get cold quickly. Ankle boots, loafers with thick socks and leather sneakers with wool socks all work. Choose rubber soles if the pavement is wet, and avoid soft suede in rain or slush. For long walks, a thin wool sock usually keeps your feet warmer than a cotton one, particularly if they get damp.

Jeans, wool trousers and midi skirts with tights are all comfortable at this temperature. Wide legs catch wind, so tuck in a thin layer if you're out for a long time. A dress can absolutely work with tall boots and opaque tights, and a coat that covers the hem keeps your legs warmer.

Five 40-degree outfits to copy

Each outfit is built with a coat that can come off indoors and leave something polished underneath. Adjust by weight of sweater, not by leaving the coat at home.

• Office: charcoal wool trousers, thin black turtleneck, gray cardigan, leather loafers with thin wool socks, long wool coat.
• Weekend: straight jeans, cream fisherman sweater, brown ankle boots, short shearling-collar jacket, knit beanie.
• Rainy day: dark jeans, navy crewneck over a thermal tee, rubber-soled boots, lined trench with a hood, wool scarf.
• Dinner: black midi slip skirt, fine black knit, tall boots, long camel coat, small leather gloves.
• Travel day: soft wool joggers, merino long-sleeved top, zip cardigan, clean leather sneakers, short puffer that packs small.

What should you avoid in 40-degree weather?

Skip bare ankles if you'll be outside for long, since cold wind on the skin chills quickly. Skip a single heavy sweater with no coat: it's too warm indoors and nowhere near enough in wind. Avoid thin cotton layers on rainy days, as they stay damp for a long time and leave you cold.

Don't dress for the warm middle of the day alone. Look at the morning low and evening forecast too, and carry a compact scarf or thin gloves if the temperature will drop. A cold commute home can ruin an outfit that felt perfect at noon.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Three thin layers, a coat that closes, closed shoes, and something you can take off indoors. Check the wind before you decide what counts as warm.

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