What to Wear in 15-Degree Weather: Your 9-Piece Capsule
According to the calendar, spring is officially here. The trees are shedding blossom, wedding season is underway and couldn't be further from our minds, however, there's another important matter we have to address. The sun may be out but it's still quite chilly after a rollercoaster few months of warm/cold/warm again/cold again and now with temperatures hitting the low-to-mid teens, what do you wear in 15-degree weather? Luckily, we've sorted through some key pieces to have on standby to help answer that major question.
Fifteen degrees might seem cold to some, but it's actually a pretty nice temperature (for me) as you're still warm enough when walking but perhaps it's a little too cold to sit on a park bench in a t-shirt. A brisk breeze could really throw your outfit choice off. Still, this indeterminate forecast is difficult to dress for. Wear too thick a knit and you'll feel flushed, but breezy, lightweight textures like cotton and jersey might feel too cool on their own. To help you assemble outfits to suit the temperature, we've rounded up nine foolproof suggestions from some of our favourite influencers, who seem to have the art of transseasonal dressing down.
With everything from an alternative to bulky winter coats to the hero piece you'll consistently reach for over the next six months, scroll on to see nine impressive outfits that perfectly demonstrate what to wear in 15-degree weather. Then, should they not already feature in your wardrobe, proceed to shop the key pieces you need to re-create them.
1. Key Buy: Trench Coat
Style Notes: Trench coats are considered a year-round staple for most fashion types, but they loan themselves particularly well to middle-of-the-road temperatures, too. Often lightweight and resistant to unpredictable weather, they're the perfect addition to any autumn/winter capsule.
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You can't beat a classic worn-in shade like grey, and these would look great with boots or socks and shoes/trainers! How versatile can you get?
2. Key Buy: Knitted Co-Ord
Style Notes: We honestly believe this is the easiest way to get dressed during this odd weather time. It's super polished and can be mix-and-matched for various styling options.
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This looks just as cute worn with a pair of jeans as it does the full co-ord.
3. Key Buy: Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Style Notes: If you invested in a 2023's biggest shoe trend, the ballet flat, last spring, then you'll be pleased to hear that they're sticking around for 2024 too. Wear the all-wearing item with socks, tights or barefoot when the sun is out with a pretty dress or cropped jeans.
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Wear with jeans, tailored trousers, skirts—the list goes on.
4. Key Buy: Leather Jacket
Style Notes: Look to jackets rather than coats for a good cover-up. Leather iterations are on our radar right now, especially when sized up and worn with jeans.
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5. Key Buy: The Optimistic Maxi Dress
Style Notes: What we love about dresses is that they provide an easy outfit solution that works for just about every occasion you can think of. Sure, its chilly now, but once the sun hits you're going to want something light and easy, and unlike a summer mini, a maxi keeps a little more warmth in, and looks great with a cardigan, leather jacket or blazer (also in this capsule).
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You'll rewear this for years and a jacket on top helps keep you a little warmer.
An easy way to add a fun touch to your outfit (and be prepared come rain or shine).
These look GREAT with denim and socks for the chillier temps.
6. Key Buy: Heavy Blazer
Style Notes: Sure, it's 15°, but it still feels too soon to whip out the heavy-duty coat just yet. Instead, look for woollen blazers, which will keep you toasty but won't look out of place at this point in the year.
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7. Key Buy: Knitted Dress
Style Notes: Comfortable but chic in equal measure, knitted dresses have become a firm favourite of ours over the last year and double up as the ultimate 15-degree-weather throw-on. Add whatever footwear you feel comfortable with; though, it doesn't come much sleeker than leather boots in autumn, and flat shoes in spring.
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Chic and stylish, just like EVERYTHING in Free People's Free-Est collection.
We can't get enough of this polished bag, the perfect size for tucking underarm.
8. Key Buy: Leggings
Style Notes: 15° marks the perfect temperature to comfortably layer up. Leggings are cosy enough to avoid the chill but light enough to wear with anything—they'll make all of your casual outfits instantly feel more appropriate for the temperature, too.
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Our editor's all agree—these are the best wear-every-day hoops on the market.
9. Key Buy: Cardigan
Style Notes: A moment for the over-performer—the cardigan. Ideal for the days where you're cold when you leave the house but as you warm up you need to get a little air. The cardigan is an all-rounder that goes with dresses, jeans, skirts, mini skirts, coats...I could go on...
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This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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