My favorite items are very versatile. My Patagonia Nano Puff is by far my favorite. The most warmth in the lightest package. It also stuffs into it's own pocket and makes a great camping pillow. I have worn it at 6 degrees with a couple of layers underneath and at 50 degrees with just a t-shirt underneath and have been comfortable in both extremes. I also like the Patagonia Houdini for a wind shell. It is durable and packs down impossibly small. A wool neck gaiter can be cinched at one end and worn as a hat also. My favorite cap for running and hiking is my ice breaker pocket beanie. I'll never buy another cap.

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Simplify, Train, Live

Top: I tend towards pricier, but it works and lasts a long time for me.
Base: Craft, Castelli, or Arc'Teryx Phase SL. I have long sleeve and sleeveless for different conditions.
Mid: maybe no mid layer. I like ones hat 3/4 zip. Arc'Teryx Motus or Phase AR. Maybe Patagonia R1 if it's in the 40's, but those get hot.
Shell: rarely will I wear one, unless in serious wind. It just gets too hot. But I carry a minimalist one. If I'm deep in the mountains, I'll have a heavier on in my pack.

Bottom: wicking underwear. Cheap Nike or Craft spandex.
Shorts or tights.

That's it. Back up shell pants.

I do triathlons, run, and do a lot of fast hiking and mountain running. I sweat a lot and stay pretty warm. For sweat management, I carry extra stuff if I have a pack, like three extra bandanas or headbands, or an extra hat if it's cold.

Less is more: if you're sweating a ton or stuff gets saturated with sweat, start with fewer layers.

Thanks WW and a MP for replies.
I'm def interested in "less is more". I don't mind paying for it. Getting too hot sucks...and once you are wet/cold at the base layer it's hard to recover even with dry outer stuff.
H

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Holden Cain, ObGyn..."People pulling people out of people"