You know that feeling when you check the weather and it says degrees? I used to think this was the easiest temperature to dress for. Boy, was I wrong! It's like that Goldilocks zone that seems perfect but actually makes you second-guess every single piece in your closet.
I've been there - standing in front of my wardrobe at AM, holding a sweater in one hand and a tank top in the other, completely paralyzed by indecision. The thing is, degrees is tricky because it's not quite summer hot, but it's definitely not fall cool either. And honestly? The humidity makes all the difference in the world.
Why Degrees Is Actually Complicated
Let me tell you something I learned the hard way last spring. I thought degrees meant I could finally break out my cute sundresses. Wrong! I ended up freezing in my office all day because the AC was cranked up. Then during lunch, I was sweating walking to the restaurant. It's like this temperature has a personality disorder or something.
What makes degrees so unique is that it usually happens during those transition periods - you know, late spring when winter is finally letting go, or early fall when summer is being stubborn about leaving. These are the times when your morning coffee run might require a light jacket, but your afternoon meeting has you wishing you'd worn shorts.
I've noticed that 79-degree days can feel completely different depending on where you are too. A breezy in San Francisco? You'll want layers. A humid in Miami? Good luck with anything that isn't breathable cotton.
The Fabric Game-Changer
Okay, can we talk about fabrics for a second? This is where I made so many mistakes when I was younger. I used to think cotton was cotton, but there's a huge difference between a thick cotton sweatshirt and a lightweight cotton tee. Huge!
Natural fibers are your best friends at this temperature. Cotton, linen, bamboo - these are the fabrics that won't betray you when the temperature starts climbing throughout the day. I have this linen blazer that I practically live in during spring and fall. It breathes, it looks polished, and I can throw it over almost anything.
But here's something I wish someone had told me earlier - linen wrinkles. Like, a lot. So if you're the type of person who stresses about looking perfectly pressed all day, maybe save the linen for weekends. I've learned to embrace the slightly rumpled look. It's very "effortlessly chic," right?
Modal and Tencel are these newer fabrics that feel almost silk-like but are way more practical. They're a bit pricier, but honestly worth it if you find yourself in 79-degree weather often. I have this Modal t-shirt that I've worn probably times and it still looks brand new.
My Go-To Looks (That Actually Work)
Look 1: The Linen Life
High-waisted linen pants with a cotton tank and a linen blazer. This is my go-to for work meetings where I need to look put-together but don't want to die of heat stroke. The blazer comes off the second I'm back at my desk, but I always feel confident walking into a room wearing it.
Look 2: The Midi Dress Magic
I have this jersey midi dress that I probably wear twice a week during transitional seasons. It's nothing fancy - just a basic navy dress from Target - but with a cardigan or jean jacket, it works for literally everything. Grocery shopping, dinner with friends, even casual Fridays at work.
Look 3: Elevated Casual (My Comfort Zone)
Good jeans (and I mean really good ones - invest in a pair that fits perfectly), a breathable cotton blouse, and either a bomber jacket or cardigan. This is my weekend uniform. It's comfortable enough for farmers markets but nice enough if I run into someone I know.
Look 4: The Skirt Surprise
Here's something I never thought would work until I tried it - a flowy midi skirt with a fitted t-shirt and blazer. Sounds weird, I know, but it's surprisingly chic. The key is making sure the t-shirt is high quality. No holes or fading allowed.
Look 5: Professional But Breathing
Wide-leg trousers (love these for hiding the fact that I haven't shaved my legs), sleeveless blouse, and a lightweight blazer. This outfit has saved me in so many work situations. The blazer makes it meeting-appropriate, but the breathable fabrics keep me from looking like I just ran a marathon.
Look 6: Casual Friday Success
Dark jeans - and I mean dark, because they hide everything - with a henley and cardigan. Henley shirts are so underrated. They're more polished than a regular t-shirt but not as formal as a button-down. Perfect middle ground.
Look 7: Weekend Wanderer
Chino shorts with a long-sleeve lightweight shirt. I roll the sleeves up and down all day depending on how I'm feeling. Plus, long sleeves mean I don't have to worry about sunscreen on my arms. Win-win.
Look 8: Evening Without Freezing
Sleeveless midi dress with a wrap or blazer. This works for dinner dates, evening events, basically any time you want to look nice but the restaurant might be arctic inside. I learned this lesson after too many dinners spent shivering in sundresses.
Look 9: Fashion Forward (When I'm Feeling It)
Wide-leg pants with a fitted tank and kimono cardigan. This is for when I want to look like I have my life together and follow fashion trends. The kimono adds visual interest without adding bulk.
Look 10: The Easy Button
Shirt dress. Honestly, shirt dresses are like the answer to everything. Wear it alone, throw a denim jacket over it, add sneakers, add sandals - it just works. I have three in different colors and they've never let me down.
Accessories That Don't Suck
Let's be real about accessories for a minute. Half the stuff in fashion magazines looks cute but isn't practical when you're dealing with temperature swings. I've learned to stick with things that actually serve a purpose.
Scarves can work, but not thick winter ones. Think lightweight cotton or silk scarves that you can easily stuff in your bag when you don't need them. I have this little cotton scarf that adds color to basic outfits and provides just enough warmth when the AC is aggressive.
Shoes are probably the hardest part. Sandals might leave you cold, but sneakers might be too warm by afternoon. I've become a big fan of breathable loafers and ankle boots with cutouts. Also, block-heeled sandals are surprisingly versatile if you work somewhere that allows open-toed shoes.
For bags, I need something big enough to hold all the layers I might take off during the day. A tote works, but I prefer crossbody bags because they're hands-free. Just make sure whatever you choose isn't made of materials that get gross when it's warm out.
Timing Is Everything
Spring 79-degree days are different from fall ones, and I wish I'd figured this out sooner. Spring weather is unpredictable - it might be at PM but at AM. Fall 79-degree days are usually more stable, but they make me want to wear deeper colors and richer textures.
I've started checking the hourly forecast, not just the high for the day. If it's going to be when I leave the house and by lunch, I dress for the morning and bring layers to remove. If it's all day, I can start with lighter pieces.
Your schedule matters too. If you'll be in air-conditioned offices all day, you need more layers than if you're spending time outside. I learned this after freezing through too many work days because I dressed for the outdoor temperature.
Mistakes I've Made (So You Don't Have To)
I used to overdress constantly. Like, I'd put on a sweater because it was cool in the morning, then suffer all day because I was too warm. Now I start with breathable base layers and add things I can easily take off.
Synthetic fabrics were another mistake. That cute polyester top from fast fashion? It's going to make you feel like you're wearing a plastic bag when it gets warm. I stick to natural fibers now, even if they cost a bit more. Your comfort is worth the investment.
And humidity - oh my gosh, humidity changes everything. Dry degrees feels completely different from humid degrees. If it's humid, I go for looser fits and the most breathable fabrics I own.
Work Outfits That Don't Hate You
Office dressing in 79-degree weather requires strategy. Most offices keep the AC pretty cold, so I always bring a blazer or cardigan even if it feels unnecessary when I'm getting dressed. I'd rather carry an extra layer than shiver through meetings.
For client meetings or presentations, I stick with classic combinations that look polished with or without the jacket. A sleeveless blouse with a blazer works perfectly - professional with the blazer on, comfortable with it off.
Business casual is actually easier at this temperature. You have more flexibility with fabrics and can mix casual pieces with more formal ones. A nice t-shirt with dress pants and a blazer hits that sweet spot between comfortable and appropriate.
Colors That Make Sense
I used to wear whatever colors I liked without thinking about temperature. Then I realized that my black jeans made me feel way warmer than my light wash ones on the same day. Physics, right?
Light colors reflect heat, which is great for staying cool, but they also show every little stain. Dark colors absorb heat but hide imperfections better. I've found that medium tones - like soft grays, muted blues, and beiges - give me the best of both worlds.
Neutrals are your friend for layering. When you're adding and removing pieces throughout the day, having everything in complementary neutral tones means you won't end up with weird color combinations when you take your jacket off.
Questions I Used to Google (And Their Answers)
Can you wear jeans when it's degrees?
Yes, but choose wisely. Lightweight denim or jeans with stretch work great. Heavy, traditional denim might be too much. I have these jeans with 2% elastane that feel like wearing pajamas but look put-together.
What about long sleeves in 79-degree weather?
Totally fine if they're the right fabric. Lightweight cotton or linen long sleeves can actually be cooler than short sleeves because they protect you from the sun. I roll mine up and down as needed.
How do I dress for degrees when I'll be inside with AC all day?
Layer, layer, layer. Start with something you can wear comfortably indoors, then add pieces you can remove when you go outside. I always keep a cardigan at my desk for this reason.
Are boots okay in 79-degree weather?
Ankle boots, yes. Knee-high boots, probably not unless they're really breathable. I have these perforated ankle boots that work great for transitional weather.
What's the difference between dressing for versus degrees?
Those four degrees matter more than you'd think! At 79, you can get away with lighter fabrics and fewer layers. At 75, you might still want a light sweater. Trust me on this one.
The Real Talk
Look, after years of trial and error (and some seriously uncomfortable days), I've learned that dressing for 79-degree weather is about being prepared and flexible. It's not about having the perfect outfit - it's about having pieces that work together and can adapt as your day changes.
The key is building a foundation of breathable, comfortable pieces that can be layered and mixed in different ways. I'd rather have five really good basics that work in multiple combinations than twenty pieces that only work in specific situations.
And honestly? Sometimes you just have to accept that you might be slightly too warm or too cool for part of the day. Perfect comfort all day long is usually impossible when dealing with temperature changes, indoor/outdoor transitions, and varying activity levels.
The outfits I've shared here work for me, but everyone's comfort level is different. Some people run warm, others run cold. Some people don't mind being a little chilly, others hate being even slightly too warm. Figure out what works for your body and your lifestyle, and don't feel like you have to follow anyone else's rules.
Most importantly, invest in quality basics that you'll reach for again and again. A really good blazer, comfortable jeans that fit perfectly, breathable t-shirts that hold their shape - these pieces will serve you well throughout transitional seasons and make getting dressed in 79-degree weather feel effortless instead of stressful.
