I stay in NorCal Bay area so give you an idea what the climate is like here
Perhaps start with each category
Helmet: Kabuto Kamui Retail$250
http://www.kabutousa.com/product/kamui/solid/pearl-white
Really soft lining that my weird shaped head feels comfortable, tried Arai/Schuberth/Shoei and still not as comfortable, and at a fraction of the cost(not like 700)
Jacket: RS Taichi Core 1 Retail$430
http://pro1.rs-taichi.com/product/RSJ830.html
Really good protection, have upgrade with chest/back for CE2 armor as well. I don't really feel hot even in 80s and wear short tee inside(still got a cool ride tee yet to be in used because this is good enough)
Gloves: Alpinestar SP-2 leather Retail $130
http://www.alpinestars.com/sp-2-leather-glove-4#.Vd55OfkzhBc
feels pretty hot, I'm tempted to get rid of them for another pair already
Pants: Wearing snowboarding pants with vent(textile) and incoming knee guard
http://www.sportbiketrackgear.com/rs-taichi-stealth-knee-guard-trv059/
I am pretty short and skinny that just can't find a pair of motorcycle pants fit me properly, I will probably look for a full size suit in the winter to get around the problem if I can't get any better pants in a few months
Shoes: RS taichi BOA drymaster $199
http://pro1.rs-taichi.com/product/RSS006.html
I was about to get S&S ankle boots for $110, extra $80 to get around with shoelace problem(even dress shoes I just slip on, I know I'm lazy lol)
From listing all these I realize I'm a sucker for RS Taichi and spend quite a lot on gears. RS Taichi fits well and Japanese engineering is just simply amazing, I definitely would go for better stuff for a little more(not $800 helmet/5years, even if I have extra money to spend). And I simply lose more for not working half a week than the costs of all the gears combined, no brainer not to protect myself(and my family's well being)
Cheap out on not getting upgrades on bikes, not your safety. I see kids around the area riding R1 with shorts and tee, that's just simply suicidal and surprised their parents let them do that
And I just realized I never took a picture of myself with all the gears on...... lol