Clothing

Shorts or Layers? What to Wear When It’s 70 Degrees and You’re On the Move

Shorts or Layers? What to Wear When It’s 70 Degrees and You’re On the Move

Seventy degrees is nature’s gray area. For some, it’s t-shirt weather. For others, it’s still time for a hoodie and jeans. You might leave the house feeling cool and fresh, only to break a sweat by lunch. That’s the reality of dressing for this liminal zone—one of the trickiest temperatures to get right.

Whether you're catching a flight, dashing into a brisk office, or exploring a breezy city, this temperature calls for versatility, adaptability, and clothing that earns its place in your carry-on or closet. That’s where we come in with outfit ideas, layering tips, and gear that keeps you looking sharp and feeling comfortable, wherever the day takes you.

How to Dress in 70-Degree Weather: Smart Style Tips

But before we jump into specific outfit ideas, let’s take a quick look at the core principles of dressing for 70-degree weather to build a smarter, more adaptable wardrobe. Here’s what we’ve picked up from field testing in dozens of climates and listening to how real people dress for this in-between zone:

Consider Your Climate

70 in humid Florida is not the same as 70 in breezy coastal California or dry mountain air. Wind, cloud cover, and microclimates can change how the temp feels. Pack or layer accordingly—always bet on some unpredictability.

Personal Comfort Varies

Someone feels cold at 70°F, especially early risers or those with low body fat or slower metabolisms. Others start sweating the second they throw on jeans. Know your comfort level, and build your outfit around your own temperature gauge, not the forecast alone.

Prioritize Breathable, Adaptive Fabrics

When the temperature sits at that warm-but-not-hot midpoint, your fabric choice matters. Look for Merino wool for temperature regulation, nylon blends for quick-dry performance, and performance cotton for natural breathability with stretch (think: cotton blended with a small amount of elastane or polyester to improve mobility, moisture-wicking, and shape retention that is ideal for travel or long days on the move). For bottoms, lightweight stretch-woven fabrics like nylon-spandex or polyester-nylon blends offer the perfect balance of comfort, breathability, and structure, especially when you're on the go. These materials move with your body, wick moisture, and help you stay cool.

Light Layers Are Still King

Even if it’s 70°, you’ll want a layer handy, especially if you’re heading into an air-conditioned office, riding a breezy train, or walking shaded city blocks. Technical overshirts, vests, or lightweight hoodies give you options without adding bulk.

Choose Pants That Breathe

If you’re going for pants, go for lightweight pants. If you lean shorts, opt for tailored ones. Many guys still default to pants for structure, style, and modesty, especially in work or travel settings. So stick with performance fabrics that stretch, dry quickly, and ventilate well.

Dress for Your Day, Not Just the Weather

You might leave the house at 6 am when it’s chilly, but you’ll be commuting home in full sun. Choose pieces that transition well with removable layers, packable shells, breathable base layers, and clothes with secure pockets if you’re on the move.

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s all about pairing the right pieces in a way that works with your day, but not against it. Whether you’re working remotely, hopping between meetings, exploring a new city, or just running a few weekend errands, these looks are made to flex with your schedule, the shifting temps, and the way real people actually dress.

What to Wear in 70-Degree Weather: 9 Easy Outfit Ideas

These outfit ideas take the guesswork out of getting dressed without overheating. Each one is designed for real life, real climates, and real movement. Let’s get into it.

1. The All-Day Anywhere Uniform

Pieces: Evolution Pant Slim (Navy or Dune) + Limitless Merino Button-Down
A daily go-to that flexes from office to airport to dinner. The Evolution Pant Slim offers technical stretch and structure, perfect in neutral colors like navy or khaki. Pair it with the Limitless Merino Button-Down for a more polished layer that breathes and resists wrinkles. Add sunglasses and a minimalist watch for functional polish.

2. City Stroll to Casual Dinner

Pieces: Evolution Chino (Black) + X Cotton Henley (Concrete or White) + Venture Crew
When your day shifts from sun-soaked streets to a breezy rooftop dinner, versatility matters. The X Cotton Henley, in concrete or white, sets the tone with its clean lines and breathable comfort. Pair it with the Evolution Chino in dune for a balanced contrast with light on the legs, grounded up top, or in black for more clasic palette. The Venture Sweater brings that extra layer of polish without the weight. Wear it when the wind picks up or simply toss it over your shoulders for that effortlessly cool, low-effort vibe.Round it out with a leather strap backpack or canvas crossbody, and you’re set for whatever the evening brings.

3. Sun Chaser’s Layered Look

Pieces: Session Sun Hoodie (Navy or Sage) + Boundless Short (Navy or Olive) + Performance Cap
Is 70 degrees shorts or pants weather? It depends, but if you're going with shorts, balance it out with a smart layer up top. The Boundless Short keeps things cool and mobile, while the Session Sun Hoodie offers lightweight coverage that’s perfect for shifting temps, sun, or a breeze. Stick to tonal combos like navy and grey or sage and black, and finish the look with a cap and clean sneakers. 

4. Traveler’s Light Pack Look

Pieces: Diversion Pants Slim (Black, Olive or Sand) + Cotton Tee (Fog) + AirLoft Vest (Navy)
This one’s built for the guy who’s living out of his weekender. X Cotton Tee stays fresh through changing temps and long days. AirLoft Vest in blue, grey or navy adds warmth without weight and fits easily into a backpack. Go with neutral tones for easy mix-and-match styling. Accessorize with sunglasses.

5. On-the-Go Work Setup

Pieces: Diversion Pant (Black)+ Limitless Merino Polo Shirt (Blue) + Venture Zip Hoodie (Sand) + Versa Hat
Perfect for coworking days or video calls on the move. The Diversion Pant walks the line between technical wear and tailored trousers. Keep the colorway cool (black, grey, or sand) and let the Merino Polo Shirts shine as the hero layer. Add the Venture Zip Hoodie for early office chill or cross-town treks. Optional: Merino socks and sleek white sneakers for subtle elevation.

6. Post-Gym to Real Life

Pieces: Diversion Pants (Olive) + StrongCore Merino Long Sleeve Tee (Midnight) 
You want comfort, but you don’t want to look like you just left the gym. The StrongCore Merino Long Sleeve handles sweat and sun while keep the casual look. Match with Spectrum Joggers and sleek trainers for a performance-meets-style look. Perfect for working from cafés, running errands, or short weekend trips.

7. Active Day, Unpredictable Weather

Pieces: Meta Shell (Grey or Olive) + Evolution Short (Navy or Blue Grey) + Cotton Tee (White) + Performance Cap
For those days that start with movement whether that’s a long walk, a bike ride, or just city-hopping on foot, lightweight, weather-ready layers are your best bet. The Evolution Short keeps things cool and breathable with just the right amount of stretch, while the Cotton Tee in white adds a clean, moisture-wicking base. Top it with the Meta Shell for unexpected showers or breezy transition.It’s lightweight enough to wear all day, or stuff into a backpack when the sun’s out. Finish the look with a performance cap for shade and airflow, and you’ve got a setup that’s ready for anything.

8. Casual Friday Redefined

Pieces: Evolution Chino (Dune) + Outbound Camp Collar Shirt (Black) + Optional: Transit Overshirt or AirLoft Jacket for evening
A fresh take on Casual Friday should be laid-back but intentionally styled. The Outbound Camp Collar Shirt in black brings a relaxed, modern edge with its breezy silhouette and soft drape. Pair it with the Evolution Chino in dune for crisp contrast.
Add low-profile sneakers or loafers to keep it refined. And if your evening calls for a breeze (or the office AC won’t quit), layer with the Transit Overshirt in graphite or the AirLoft Vest to stay sharp and comfortable as the temperature dips.

9. Minimalist Weekend Kit

Pieces: Evolution Short (Blue Grey or Dune) + Cotton Tee (Navy or White) + Venture Hoodie (Olive or Sand)
Laid-back and ready for anything. This is your go-to for slow mornings, spontaneous detours, and off-duty ease. The Evolution Short keeps things breathable and polished with a tailored fit and performance fabric that moves with you. Pair it with a Cotton Tee in navy or white for a clean, no-fuss base. Top it off with the Venture Hoodie that is light enough to wear, easy enough to wrap around your waist when the day warms up. Add your favorite shades, a canvas tote, and low-profile sneakers, and you’ve got a weekend uniform that looks intentional without trying too hard.

Wrap-Up: Style for the Shifting Shade

Seventy-degree days are nature’s wildcard. They shift with the breeze, bend with the sun, and demand a wardrobe that keeps up. With breathable layers, performance fabrics, and gear that dresses up or down, you’ll move through your day without wardrobe changes or weather misreads. Choose comfort, look sharp, and layer with intention. The day’s yours—wherever it takes you.

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