What To Wear In 40 Degree Weather

Written by Natasha Kirmse

Natasha Kirmse

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We love to embrace the beauty of the summer sun, but sometimes the temperatures that accompany it aren’t quite so kind to us. 

While we get those occasional breezy days that are perfect for beaches, sunbathing, and lounging in the warmth, the hot weather tends to hit fast and hard come summertime.

Anyone who experiences the lows of winter transition into the hottest of heat understands how difficult it can be to find what to wear in 40 degree weather.

It’s not a straightforward solution – there’s no one answer for all. Sometimes it can be hard to even consider just how warm 40 degree weather really is. 

While it’s typically a matter of trial and error in finding the perfect solution, we’ve done our fair bit of research and, after reading through this guide, you’ll understand:

• What to wear
• What to avoid
• How to buy
• And much more

How Warm Is 40 Degree Weather?

When we say that people need a 40 degree weather outfit or two, we’re not just trying to give businesses extra sales. 40 degree weather (104 degrees Fahrenheit) starts to reach dangerous heights. 

Once the temperature sits 40 and above, the likelihood of heat exhaustion increases leading to the body’s attempt to cool itself down.

This can appear through sweat, dehydration, and, upon struggling to cool itself, can result in cramps, dizziness, nausea, and more.

When the temperature hits higher than 40, it’s recommended not to stay in the sun for long periods of time – keep indoors and enjoy that nice air conditioning instead. 

Those who have to go out into the sun should be preparing themselves with lots of cold water, breaks in the shade, and, above all else, dressing for the weather.

What To Wear In 40 Degree Weather

When searching for what to wear in 40 degree weather, there are a few key ideas to keep in mind. Consider the activity of the day as it can greatly affect what to wear. 

Beach days and business days will look for very different styles and should be considered as such, even in the heat. Just because it’s warm doesn’t mean we need to lose all sense of fashion.

As for knowing where to start, there are a few quick tricks to have in the back pocket when considering what to wear in 40 degree weather. Here are some of the basic tips to keep in mind:

1. Stick to light colors – these items reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, reducing the heat surrounding the body and keeping you that much cooler
2. Sleeveless or loose-sleeve will be the savior – aim for loose and cool to keep skin from being trapped by thick fabrics
3. Match material – lean towards matching the weight of material to the weather; the hotter the day, the lighter the linen or cotton should be
4. Upgrade some athleisure – while not everyone’s top choice when shopping, athleisure has come a long way in the world of fashion and it often offers some of the best lightweight material on market for those who want a sturdy build that improves airflow
5. Stay away from skinny jeans – this really combines two of the earlier tips, but skinny jeans are some of the worst items to wear in heavy heat due to the thick and heavy material in addition to the tight nature; these items aren’t good for anyone in such glaring sun

Simple, yet stylish outfits are possible in the worst heat. All it takes is a bit of time (and money) to find fabrics that work for the weather.

10 Outfit Ideas for 40 Degree Weather

Not entirely sure where to start when searching for what to wear in 40 degree weather? We’ve assembled a few outfit ideas to kickstart the creativity and personal planning.

Those who prefer to keep covered at all times can still manage that style with light, monochrome looks. Work with linen or cotton fabrics to keep the body cool and always aim for loose layers, especially when pairing a jacket on these hot summer days.

While we’d recommend against wearing jeans in the heat of summer, looser pairs can work when paired with a stylish summer top. 

Aim for brighter colors to reflect the sun, even when searching for fun patterns. Keep things cool and casual by playing with loose-fit tops.

Dresses are the saviors of summer. Long enough to keep things covered, but open enough to allow for airflow, these pieces are everyone’s hot summer day dream.

Search around for bold colors and pair it with a white top if you’re not comfortable rocking the dress alone.

Those facing life at the office on the hottest days can survive with a simple jumpsuit. Available in bold colors, these pieces when paired with a loose, flowing top, can offer that perfect mix of business and casual.

Speaking of jumpsuits, there’s something to be said for the simple, yet stylish one-piece that works just about anywhere. 

Work with fun patterns and styles to produce those casual summer looks that will steal the show when walking down the street. No need for other layers – just one-piece suits all.

Allow for some air flow by taking a look at a crop top and skirt combo. Shorter on the top half and flowing on the bottom, nothing quite says summer style like a light and long skirt blowing in the breeze.

It’s hard to know what to wear running in 40 degree weather, but no one can go wrong with a simple shorts and sports bra moment. 

Work with light fabrics and shorter lengths to keep the breeze blowing strong against the skin. Those who prefer a bit more coverage can find vented athletic shirts to increase airflow while on the go.

Business casual doesn’t always come easy, especially for men who seem to be a bit stuck in their style. 

Keep the classic button-down and slacks look solid through the summer by transitioning to lighter colors. Same traditional look, but with a fresh feel.

Let go of the layers by moving to shorts and a polo. Still retaining a business casual vibe, the switch to polo and shorts matches any beachside meeting or date night on a hot day.

Linen and cotton shorts offer the best feel and airflow, but jean shorts will do in a pinch.

There’s something to be said for the classic shirt, shorts, and ball cap look. Perfect when searching for what to wear hiking in 40 degree weather (or even just for a stroll through town), this outfit never grows old.

Classic, clean, and comfortable, it’ll always be one to recommend.

What Type Of 40 Degree Weather Outfits Can You get?

We’ve offered up some ideas on what to wear in 40 degree weather, but that doesn’t always translate to the options available. 

We need to consider the fact that when summer comes, our brains tend to dive right into casualwear to combat the heat. We’d argue that there’s so much more to discover, even in the hottest of times.

Don’t let the sun limit any style – there are a number of outfits and activities that can be styled during hot days, including:

• Running – it may seem a bit straightforward to say a tank and shorts is the go-to for what to wear to run in 40 degree weather, but we’d argue that there’s so much more to explore.
  Bike shorts offer the best airflow and lightest fabric while reducing friction at such constant speeds. As for the top – those who aren’t comfortable with a sports bra or tank top can take a look at vented athleisure shirts, designed for moisture-wicking and to improve aeration in all areas.  
• Hiking – similar to running, the major difference here tends to come from the area. Depending on the hike and trail, linen pants may be the way to go to avoid ticks or other creatures clinging on for a ride. Keep legs covered with lightweight material and keep a water bottle at hand throughout the activity to stay hydrated.
• Work – just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the work stops. It can be difficult to first approach what to wear in 40 degree weather from a work perspective, but we promise it’s possible. Businesses continue to operate, meaning business casual looks battle the overwhelming summer sun. Aim for light materials and colors to best allow for cooler days.
• Beach – is any summer complete without a beach trip? At least for those within driving distance to one. Beach looks tend to work with swimsuit styles as we plan ahead for fun in the cooling water.
  Men can easily pair swim trunks with a lightweight shirt while women can turn to dresses, cover-ups, or just a simple set of shorts and a shirt to keep themselves covered until it’s time to soak in the sun.
• Evening wear – sometimes business becomes less about casual and more about black tie. In terms of fancier events, it’s still possible to look and feel great.
  Summer suits tend towards lighter tones, often appearing in light grays and tans with a pop of white from the dress shirt. Women can find a number of stylish jumpsuits or dresses to suit the summer sun with a more elegant appearance.

How To Choose The Best 40 Degree Weather Outfits 

It can be difficult when the search for what the wear in 40 degree weather first begins. There are a lot of factors in place outside of style that really determine whether items would work in more extreme heat situations. 

Try not to get overwhelmed by all that needs to be considered. We’ve put together a quick list that should help narrow the selection on what and how to buy for these hot summer days:

• Price – we know that price doesn’t directly have to do with what to wear in 40 degree heat, but we feel like it still deserves a mention.
  Those who live in parts of the world that see these temperatures annually may want to give more of the clothes budget to finding a wardrobe to suit the heat. Others should consider how much they’re willing to spend on clothes that may not see as much use.
• Quality – always a big thing in the world of fashion, don’t be afraid to buy quality.
  We understand that better quality tends to cost more (see above), however, for those constantly using these clothes for years on end (which any good purchase should see), we’d argue that taking the time to check that the quality is worth it.
  Search for something strong that will outlast endless washes to rid them of sand and sweat. It will happen.
• Material – we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; when searching for what to wear in 40 degree weather, the best way to go is lighter materials.
  No one wants to feel suffocated by their own clothing. It may not seem like a huge difference in appearance, but working with 100% cotton, linen, or silk shirts will provide breathable experiences that may just save the day in the harsh heat.
• Color – also a big one we’ve emphasized, the color can play a big part in heat retention. Darker colors absorb the heat of the sun while lighter colors actually reflect it. It may sound silly, but we promise the science is there. Find some lighter shades to show off in the summer months to keep cooler for longer.

How To Style 40 Degree Weather Outfits

It may be simple for us to say what things should and shouldn’t be bought when thinking of what to wear in 40 degree weather, but actually styling an outfit is different. 

It’s not just about what clothes to buy, but how to piece things together. Here are a few hints to help along the way:

• Lighten accessories – chunky necklaces, scarves, and bracelets can actually become quite sweaty and sticky in the intense heat. The best thing to do in hotter times is to lighten the load and work with a statement piece (like earrings) rather than try and layer a look.
  Straw hats also offer excellent accessories as thicker hats may trap heat in the body while the straw allows heat to escape while also shielding the face from the sun.  
• Leather sandals – forget cheap flip-flops and take the time to invest in a pair of leather sandals. We’ll agree that flip-flops are great for beach life, but a simple pair of leather sandals elevate a look while keeping the feet cool. Best of both worlds.
• Add some shade to the sun – sunglasses are a huge help on those bright and sunny days. Providing a layer of UV protection, there are an endless number of styles available in all kinds of colors and patterns.
  We promise that there will be something to suit every style. We’d still recommend going with lighter colors to keep cool, but any shades will get the job done.

Fashion Tips To Avoid With 40 Degree Weather Outfits

While it’s easy to give some great tips on what to wear in 40 degree weather, we have to note a few ideas to keep away from for the betterment of health.

It’s not just about style – we need to take a moment to consider what should be avoided in clothing to keep away from heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Some of the best items to avoid in the summer sun are the following:

• Dark colors – anything with dark colors and tones will soak up the sun and heat the body that much more. Avoiding these heat-seeking styles will leave the body much cooler.
• Thick fabric – while these items may provide warmth and sturdy textures, they also add to heat retention in the hot sun. Keep it light with 100% fabrics to avoid the layered suffocation of trapped heat.
• Tight clothing – speaking of trapped heat, tight clothing in the summer tends to be big on the no-go list. Tight clothing not only gives no room for aeration, but it also holds moisture meaning bigger sweat stains on tight areas.

Best Places To Buy 40 Degree Weather Outfits

We’ll be honest, most clothing retailers offer a wide selection of clothing for hot weather. Around April, selections start appearing in stores, so we’d suggest checking out our favorite shops and brands to find the best options to suit personal tastes. 

Those who don’t know where to start can check out these staple stores:

• H&M
• Patagonia
• PacSun
• Nordstrom
• Columbia

Final Thoughts

Summer heat tends to hit hard when we’re unprepared for the worst. While not ideal temperatures, we have to acknowledge that summer heat is something that requires real effort to combat. 

When determining what to wear in 40 degree weather, we have to take time to consider more than just looks – think about activities, materials, colors, and more.

Those who love dressing in darker colors may need to lighten up a bit when facing that summer sun.

While this article is about how to style for severe heat, it’s also about knowing the importance of doing so. 

Dressing appropriately can counter heat exhaustion or heatstroke, saving the body from its struggle to retain ideal core temperatures. Dress not only for success but also for safety.

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