Ten degrees Celsius, about 50 Fahrenheit, is the awkward middle of autumn. It is too cool for a shirt alone and rarely cold enough for a heavy coat. Knowing what to wear in 10 degree weather is mostly a question of layer weight, not layer count. The formula below works for men and women, and it uses pieces that come off easily indoors.
What should I wear in 10 degrees Celsius?
Use three thin layers rather than one thick one: a base, a knit and a jacket. The base is a cotton or tencel top that sits against the skin. The knit adds warmth without bulk. The jacket blocks wind, which at this temperature matters more than insulation.
A lightweight knit such as The Alpine Crewneck, a soft acrylic blend that gives warmth without weight, is a good middle layer. Trousers should be full length. Add closed shoes and, if you feel the cold, a thin scarf. Gloves are rarely needed until the temperature approaches five degrees.
What jacket to wear in 10 degree weather
Choose a jacket that is wind-resistant and sits at hip length. It needs to be roomy enough for a knit underneath but not so large that it swamps the outfit. For men, The Bomber Jacket is cut slim through the body with room at the shoulder, so a lightweight knit fits under it comfortably. For women, The Solis Jacket is a lightweight polyester layer that closes the outfit without adding weight, and The Monroe Blazer gives a sharper alternative for the office.
Browse the full ranges in men's jackets and women's jackets. If you would like a comparison of options at a slightly warmer temperature, our guide to what jacket to wear at 15 degrees covers that range.
Is 10 degrees cold enough for a jacket?
Yes. At 10 degrees, most people feel cold when standing still, even if they are comfortable walking. A jacket is the simplest fix because it stops wind from stripping the warmth your knit has trapped. The exception is a brisk walk or a warm commute by bus or train, where a heavy jacket can leave you overheated. In that case a thick knit with a light outer layer is enough.
A practical test: step outside with your planned outfit and stand for two minutes. If you feel the chill in your arms, add the jacket. If you feel warm, drop a layer.
Adjusting for wind, rain and time of day
Ten degrees on a forecast is an air temperature. Wind and damp make it feel colder, and mornings and evenings run several degrees below the daytime figure. If you leave early and return late, wear the third layer and carry the knit rather than the reverse.
For rain, choose a jacket with a smooth, tightly woven outer face and avoid loose wool, which holds water. Dark trousers hide splashes better than light ones.
Two outfits to copy
Men. White tee, navy Alpine Crewneck, dark chinos, The Bomber Jacket in black and clean leather-look shoes.
Women. Fitted base top, a half-zip knit such as The Willow Zip Knit, straight trousers and The Solis Jacket over the top. For more on the mock neck shape, read our guide on how to wear a mock neck sweater.
More short answers on layering and fit are collected on our Style Answers page.