What to Wear at 45°F: Layering for Transitional Cool Weather
45°F is comfortable with a long-sleeve shirt, a light sweater or cardigan, and a denim or field jacket. Add scarf and beanie if windy. Closed-toe shoes; leather is the standard.
AT-A-GLANCE OUTFIT
Long-sleeve shirt or henley, light sweater or cardigan, denim jacket, field jacket, or wool blazer, jeans or chinos, leather shoes or boots, optional scarf.
BASE LAYER
Not needed. Long-sleeve shirt works directly.
MID-LAYER
Light sweater, cardigan, or quilted vest. Cashmere, merino, lambswool, or fine cotton.
SHELL
Denim jacket, field jacket, wool blazer, or unlined trench coat.
PANTS
Jeans, chinos, wool trousers.
FEET
Leather shoes, leather boots, dressy sneakers. Avoid sandals.
HEAD, FACE, NECK
Optional. Beanie or hat for sedentary time. Light scarf for wind.
HANDS
Not needed unless wind chill drops below 40°F.
WIND ADJUSTMENT
45°F with 15 mph wind feels like 36°F. Add a wind-resistant outer layer.
RAIN ADJUSTMENT
Waterproof or water-resistant jacket. Waterproof shoes or boots. The rain shell can replace the field jacket entirely.
KEY TAKEAWAY
45°F is the standard transitional weather. A long-sleeve, light sweater, and jacket cover it comfortably. Most people overdress at this temperature — a heavy coat will leave you sweating within 20 minutes.