Mastering The "In-Between": Your Ultimate Guide To 60 And 70 Degree Weather Clothing

Ah, the elusive 60 and 70-degree weather! It’s that sweet spot, often referred to as the "in-between" season, where the air is crisp but not biting, and the sun offers warmth without scorching. Yet, for many, deciding what to wear in 60 or 70 degree weather can be a real head-scratcher. It's too cold for typical summer staples like shorts and tank tops, but certain outerwear can still leave you feeling overheated. This simple guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to wear in these delightful, yet sometimes perplexing, temperature ranges.

Whether you're experiencing a surprisingly warm winter day, a mid-spring afternoon, or a cool summer evening, dressing for 60 and 70-degree weather demands a thoughtful approach. The key lies in striking the perfect balance between comfort, style, and adaptability. We'll explore the ideal fabrics, essential layering techniques, and specific outfit ideas that will keep you looking and feeling great throughout the day, no matter the subtle shifts in temperature.

Decoding 60 Degree Weather: The Art of Transitional Dressing

When the thermometer hovers around 60°F, it's a clear signal for transitional dressing. This temperature range requires a little creativity, as it's often too cool for light summer dresses but too warm for heavy winter coats. The goal is to be comfortable during the day's peak warmth while also being prepared for a potential chilly evening or a sudden breeze.

Essential Fabrics for 60 Degree Weather

Dressing for the transitional 60-degree weather demands fabrics that strike the perfect balance between warmth and breathability. Here's a concise guide to the ideal materials:

Cotton: A versatile and breathable choice, perfect for tees, light sweaters, and trousers.
Rayon: Known for its soft drape and comfortable feel, rayon blends can offer a touch of elegance without being too heavy.
Silk: Luxurious and temperature-regulating, silk tops or scarves can add warmth without bulk.
Merino Wool: Don't let the "wool" scare you! Merino is incredibly fine, soft, and excellent at regulating body temperature, making it suitable for lighter sweaters or base layers.
Linen Blends: While pure linen might be too breezy for 60 degrees, linen blends can offer that relaxed texture with a bit more substance.

Wearing light fabrics such as cotton, rayon, silk, and merino wool can help you stay comfortable, allowing your skin to breathe while providing just enough insulation.

Outfit Ideas for 60 Degree Weather

Here are our top tips for what to wear in 60-degree weather, offering plenty of options you can choose from and/or adapt to your own style and temperature tolerance:

The Classic Trench: My 60-degree weather outfit staples for in-between weather often include a trench coat. Pair it with a striped tee, skinny jeans, and ankle boots for a chic and practical look.
Light Knitwear: Opt for inviting knits that envelop you in comfort without feeling bulky. Think fine-gauge sweaters or cardigans over a camisole or light shirt.
Layered Tops: A long-sleeve top under a short-sleeve shirt or a light vest can offer flexibility.
Versatile Bottoms: Jeans (skinny, straight, or wide-leg), chinos, or even comfortable midi skirts work well. Avoid heavy denim or thick wool pants.
The Right Shoes: Not only is it important to choose the right clothing items for 60-degree weather, but it’s also essential to pick the right shoes. Choose lightweight materials such as canvas sneakers, comfortable loafers, or stylish ankle boots. Avoid open-toed sandals unless you're certain the evening won't bring a chill.

Below, I've compiled nine thoughtfully curated outfit combinations that provide warmth and elevate your fall style. These ensembles feature inviting knits that envelop you in comfort. In Idaho, high temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit often call for such versatile pieces.

Embracing 70 Degree Weather: The Perfect Balance

Seventy-degree weather is often considered ideal – warm enough to feel pleasant, but usually not hot enough to cause discomfort. The 70-degree weather ideally means humid mornings and afternoons and chilly evenings, making layering just as important as in the 60s, but with lighter options.

Fabrics and Flexibility for 70 Degrees

For 70-degree weather, the focus shifts slightly more towards breathability and less on insulation. You'll still want natural fibers that allow air circulation and wick away moisture.

Linen: Pure linen truly shines here. A linen button-down paired with breezy shorts is a quintessential 70-degree outfit.
Light Cotton: Cotton t-shirts, dresses, and skirts are perfect.
Satin: For a touch of elegance, satin pants or skirts can be surprisingly comfortable and stylish.
Sheer Fabrics: Sheer skirts or tops can add a fashionable element while keeping you cool.

Outfit Ideas for 70 Degree Weather

70-degree weather is the perfect time to find really cute and stylish outfits, and there are plenty to choose from. Here are seven different outfits for 70-degree weather, whether it’s a surprisingly warm winter day, a mid-spring afternoon, or a cool summer evening:

The Classic Tee & Pants: The higher 60’s to 70’s weather calls for the classic t-shirt and pants outfit! Opt for comfortable jeans, chinos, or wide-leg trousers.
Hoodie Dress & Sneakers: A hoodie dress paired with white shoes makes an effortlessly cool and comfortable ensemble, perfect for a casual day out or running errands.
Midi Skirts & Light Tops: Bask in some glorious warm weather (but be ready for a chilly evening) with some of these creative outfit ideas: sheer skirts, satin pants, a flowy midi skirt with a tucked-in t-shirt or camisole.
Breezy Dresses: A flowy midi or maxi dress in cotton or linen is ideal. You can easily throw on a denim jacket or light cardigan if the evening cools down.
Shorts & Blouses: For a slightly dressier look, pair tailored shorts with a stylish blouse or a linen button-down.
Footwear: Sneakers, espadrilles, loafers, or even stylish sandals are all appropriate.

Still deciding what to wear when it's 70°F outside? Here are 10 stylish outfits to wear, plus our favorite warm-weather pieces to shop now.

Key Principles for Dressing in 60 and 70 Degree Weather

Regardless of whether you're leaning towards 60 or 70 degrees, a few overarching principles will guide your clothing choices:

Layering is Your Best Friend: This cannot be stressed enough. Both temperature ranges are prone to fluctuations throughout the day. Start with a breathable base layer, add a light mid-layer (like a cardigan, light jacket, or open button-down), and have an outer layer (like a trench coat or denim jacket) ready to throw on or take off as needed. Know which clothing can keep you cozy and comfortable during each time of the day.
Consider Your Location: How to dress in 60-degree weather in different states can vary significantly. Depending on where you reside, factors like humidity, wind, and sun exposure will influence how 60 or 70 degrees actually feels. Always check your local forecast, not just the temperature, but also the "feels like" temperature.
Accessorize Smartly: A lightweight scarf can be a lifesaver for a sudden chill. Sunglasses are always a good idea. A stylish hat can protect you from the sun while adding to your outfit.
Comfort is King: While style is important, ensure your chosen outfits allow for ease of movement and don't restrict you. These temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities, so dress accordingly.

Most days, especially when traveling or having a consistent routine (like morning coffee/breakfast run, beach, early evening walk, dinner), there are really five distinct outfit types needed to cover all bases for these transitional temperatures.

Final Thoughts on 60 and 70 Degree Weather Clothing

Dressing for 60 and 70-degree weather doesn't have to be a struggle. By focusing on breathable, natural fabrics, embracing the power of layering, and understanding the subtle nuances of each temperature range, you can create stylish and comfortable outfits for any occasion. From classic trench coats and skinny jeans for cooler 60s days to breezy linen shirts and shorts for warmer 70s afternoons, the options are plentiful. The key is to be adaptable and ready for whatever the day (or evening) brings. So go ahead, enjoy the perfect weather, and dress with confidence!

Summary: Dressing for 60-70 degree weather involves strategic layering and choosing breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and merino wool. For 60 degrees, focus on light sweaters, trench coats, and versatile jeans with comfortable closed-toe shoes. For 70 degrees, opt for lighter fabrics, t-shirts, breezy dresses, and open footwear, always being prepared for cooler evenings. Adaptability to local conditions and smart accessorizing are crucial for comfort and style in these ideal "in-between" temperatures.