You certainly can use other non specific clothing with some comfort. It really depends on personal preference. Generally cycling specific clothing is always more comfortable for any riding other than winter time. I ride regularly in sub 0F temps. and use cycling specfic clothing for my upper and lower body but have to resort to more extreme weather gear for my hands and feet. No cycling shoes or gloves for around here, that's for sure. Other than that, I just use the layering method depending on the day's temp range.