In reply to Mike Nolan:
Yes and yes in my experience. No softshell will offer full waterproofing, so a hard shell is always good to have just in case. I run hot and stand very cold, so getting it right has been a challenge. I've found merino base layers to be more useful than anything else. For example, I have worn Icebreaker 200 weight leggings under Salomon Wayfarer softshell trousers (these are superlight summer trousers) this winter and have felt very good. On top, a Merino 200 weight again and same for underpants with a Rab VR on top once I get going. A Polartec 200 fleece when stopping has seen me right throughout the cold spell. I have a Salomon Goretex Windstopper in case it gets a bit choppy, but the wind has been well behaved so far this winter.
Basically a good softshell is much more breathable than fleece or hard shell. I love the Rab VR, though some will question that this is too light to be considered a true softshell. It works, nuff said. You can wear as a base or over a base and it functions very well. It will repel light rain for some time also and is reasonably windproof.