What to Wear in 50 Degree Weather: Layers for Cool Arizona Mornings
50°
Designed in Scottsdale, Arizona
Three pieces. One cool morning.
At 50 degrees, wear a tee, a mid weight hoodie or crewneck, and leggings or joggers. Add a cap. Everything should come off and still look right when the afternoon warms up.
01The formula
Fifty degrees is not cold. It is cool enough that bare arms feel wrong and warm enough that a coat is too much. The fix is layers you can peel, not one thick piece.
| Piece | Job | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Wicks sweat, looks fine alone | Fitted tee or a tank with a built in bra |
| Mid | Holds heat | Mid weight crewneck or hoodie |
| Bottom | Keeps legs warm | Leggings or joggers |
| Top off | Sun on your face | Cap |
02The shed schedule
A typical winter day in the Valley starts cool and finishes warm. Treat this as a rule of thumb, not a forecast, and check the weather before you leave.
All three pieces and a cap. Walk the dog, hit the trail, start the car.
Sun is up. Unzip, or pull the hoodie off if you are moving.
Mid layer tied around the waist or in the bag. Base layer and bottom do the work.
Sun drops and the layer goes back on. Dinner on a patio works in the same outfit.
03Her three pieces
The Abby Top has a built in bra, so the base layer works alone at the gym or under a hoodie. Add the Hayden Hoodie, which is a mid weight unisex pullover, and the Luna Legging for a bootcut that holds heat without feeling tight.
Base layer
Built in bra with removable pads. Moisture wicking, so it works alone when the hoodie comes off.
Mid layer
Mid weight and pre shrunk. Slip it off at 10 AM and tie it around your waist.
One click: Abby Top Navy, Hayden Hoodie Beige and Luna Legging Black. $221. Pick a size and go straight to checkout.
04His three pieces
Start with the Nick Tee, a lightweight curved hem tee that looks right on its own. Put the Alec Crew over it and finish with the Alec Jogger. The crew and jogger share a pre shrunk, mid weight blend, so they match without trying. Not sure about crew or hoodie? Our crewneck vs hoodie comparison breaks it down.
Mid layer
Ultra soft, mid weight and breathable. Wear it alone when the day warms up.
One click: Nick Tee Black, Alec Crew Black and Alec Jogger Black. $219. Pick a size and go straight to checkout.
05Skip these
Heavy cotton sweatshirts soak up sweat and stay damp. Thick fleece is too much by 10 AM. Shorts leave your legs cold on the walk out the door. And never wear one big coat with nothing under it, because you cannot take it off without being cold.
Fit matters as much as fabric. Our guide to how a hoodie should fit covers the shoulder seam and the length check.
06Where this outfit works
The same three pieces cover a morning at the Scottsdale turkey trot, a trail start in fall hiking layers, and an evening at Phoenix ZooLights. Browse more in the full PILLAR range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in 50 degree weather?
Wear a base layer, a mid weight top and a full length bottom. A tee under a crewneck or hoodie, with leggings or joggers, handles 50 degrees. Add a cap if the sun is out.
Is 50 degrees cold enough for a hoodie?
Yes, especially in the morning. A mid weight hoodie over a tee is the easiest 50 degree outfit because you can take the hoodie off and tie it or carry it when the day warms up.
Can I wear shorts in 50 degree weather?
Most people do not. Legs run cold at 50 degrees, and a joggers or leggings pairing keeps muscles warm for a morning run or walk. Save shorts for 65 and up.
What do you wear to exercise outside at 50 degrees?
Dress for 15 degrees warmer than the air, because you heat up fast. Wear a moisture wicking tee, a light layer you can remove, and leggings or joggers. Skip heavy cotton.
How do I layer for Arizona winter mornings?
Think in three pieces: a tee, a hoodie or crewneck, and a bottom. Winter mornings in the Valley can start cool and finish warm, so every piece should come off easily and still look good on its own.
Ready to gear up?
Four way stretch fabric. A fit that is not boxy. Designed in Scottsdale. Free shipping over $75.
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