Fall Apparel Guide: Get the Layers You Need

It's a fact of athletic life: As the temperatures dip lower, so do our standards when it comes to what we look like while running. Who among us hasn't piled on a cotton tank, old race tee, sweatshirt and jacket on that first chilly morning of the year, only to end up carrying half those items on the return portion of a lengthy run?

Working out in cold weather is always going to create certain challenges -- we can't help that. But with a little planning (and, yes, just a bit of shopping), you can avoid the eight random layers look and exercise in comfort and style, regardless of where the mercury rests.

Let's start at the top, shall we? While it's only a myth that you lose the majority of your body heat through your head, it's a fact that keeping your head covered while exercising in cool weather will help keep you toasty warm. You can opt for a full hat, like this Vinyasa toque ($24, Lululemon Athletica), or keep just your ears nice and cozy in a headband like Columbia's Glacial Fleece Headring ($19.95, Altrec).


A high neck and thumb holes give the Under Armour UA Evo ColdGear Convertible ($59.99, Under Armour) an edge on the competition. The slim fit and long length means it'll layer nicely under a coat or jacket when it's really cold out, but the double-sided fabric that pulls moisture away from the skin means it will work perfectly on its own in temperatures closer to 55 degrees F. (Plus, it comes in some really lovely colors. Hey, it matters!)

For less brisk weather, the Icebreaker Women's Atlas short-sleeved shirt ($49.99, Backwoods) is a great choice. Like all Icebreakers products, it's made of merino wool, which is soft and warm but natural and breathable. We can see this as a layer beneath a light track jacket for the first few cool fall days.

Vests are a terrific option for when it's starting to get quite chilly but it's not exactly frigid. We like that this Women's Starr vest ($69.95, Burton) features low-bulk technical fleece, so you get all the benefits of quick-drying, breathable, super-warm fleece but in a streamlined profile -- important both for your running form and for looking cute.

Sometimes, however, you need full coverage. This Women's Flight Apex Climateblock jacket ($159, The North Face) is full of good features. The shell is windproof (and we all know how vital that can be) but still breathable, so you won't end up stewing in your own sweat while the rest of you shivers. It's treated with a water-durable repellent, so you can run through snow and light rain without worrying, and it has reflective tape all over -- extra important as the days get shorter.

There's little that's more miserable than running with hands that feel like they're about to freeze off, so be sure to grab yourself a pair of gloves. We like that the Etip glove ($40, The North Face) allows you to work your MP3 player or phone with ease. Plus, when your gloves aren't overly bulky, it's easier to cram them in your pockets if the sun decides to heat things up.

Now for the bottom half. Running tights tend to be the most popular option, and the Insulator PerformX tights ($79.95, HDO Sport) are certainly a quality option with auto-sensor nanotechnology fabric, which works to keep the surface temperature constant (and you comfortable), even in the coldest weather.

And, of course, there are your feet. Most runners would suggest you not layer socks for warmth while running as it can change the fit of your shoe and therefore the way you run. But you can trade your socks for a warmer version, like the Ex-Celerator Compression Toesock ($38, Injinji). The over-the-calf style provides extra warmth while the compression system amps up blood circulation.



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