What to Wear in 15-Degree Weather: Your 9-Piece Capsule

According to the calendar, autumn is officially here. The trees are shedding leaves, our best boots have come out from the backs of our wardrobes and the holidays are around the corner, however, there's another important matter we have to address. The sun may make an occasional appearance but it's still quite chilly after a rollercoaster few months of weather. Now with temperatures hitting the low-to-mid teens, what do you wear in 15-degree weather? Luckily, we've sorted through some essentials to have on standby to help answer that major question.

what to wear in 15 degree weather

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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 pairing transitional basics with other key pieces.

With everything from cosy 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 everything you need to re-create them.

1. Key Buy: Trench Coat

what to wear in 15 degree weather

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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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2. Key Buy: Knitted Co-Ords

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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. You can buy an exact matching co-ord set or create your own with knitwear in the same colour.

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3. Key Buy: Mary Jane Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @anoukvye)

Style Notes: If you invested in this ultra-popular flat shoe trend last spring, then you'll be pleased to hear that they're sticking around for 2024 and beyond. Wear the all-season footwear with socks, tights or barefoot when the sun is out with a pretty dress or cropped jeans.

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4. Key Buy: Leather Jacket

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Look to jackets rather than coats for a good cover-up. Leather iterations are on our radar right now, especially when purchased in a relaxed fit and worn with jeans. They're not as warm as your winter puffer but will keep you cosier than a cardigan on its own.

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5. Key Buy: The Optimistic Maxi Dress

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

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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6. Key Buy: Heavy Blazer

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Sure, it's 15 degrees, 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: Jumper Dress

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

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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8. Key Buy: Leggings

what to wear in 15 degree weather

(Image credit: @wearetwinset)

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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9. Key Buy: Cardigan

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

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
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews 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 search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.

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