What to Wear for Summer in San Francisco

By now, anyone who has traveled to San Francisco in the summer months has heard the quote by Mark Twain along the lines of how it can be colder than winter in some places. That's true some of the time, but there are also days that are fabulously beautiful and perfect where the view of the Bay is so clear, the air warm and inviting, where tourists need to buy t-shirts instead of the sweatshirts that usually make a bundle at Fisherman's Wharf. And this week, San Francisco is welcoming some fabulous women for the BlogHer conference taking place at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square, so in honor of and as tips for these gals, SFBayStyle has developed a "What to Wear" list for our visitors...

Number 1: layers. If nothing else remains from this list, remember layers. Perhaps it should be repeated one more time. LAYERS. Layers are the key to Northern California living. One jacket or sweater is fine, but two or three are better. Pamela recommends cashmere sweaters.

Number 2: great shoes. Stylish is fun, but at the end of the day if you're trudging at a 60 degree angle up a hill chasing an overflowing Cable Car, you want a pair that's comfortable and functional. I've done it in pumps and it nearly killed me. Trendy open-toe spikes or whatever floats your boat is great for wining, dining, and partying, but for walking and conference going, go for whatever shoes you know won't let you down.

Number 3: comfortable pants or jeans. The forecast for this week is fairly typical for summer in SF - a high in the mid to upper sixties during the day and mid to lower fifties at night. Essentially as soon as the sun begins to set, the temp takes a dive. Thus the need for layers and pants (also just good general go-with-everything planning for walking, partying, dancing, meetings, etc.). Pick neutral colors - black, denim, gray, white. SF isn't NYC, but you will generally see more dark tones in separates here.

Number 4: cute, versatile tops. Ladies, this is where the individuality comes into play: blouses and accessories. For what's worn on top, go for mood. Bring or wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself, something special, something fun, something different. Choose colors you wouldn't normally wear together. Take a chance. You're out of your element, meeting new people. It's just fashion - enjoy it!

Number 5: tube socks. As if! Just kidding. Most likely socks are not necessary at all. Aside from Michael Mina, most Bay Area restaurants will allow everything from flip-flops to All Stars, but socks aren't always part of the picture, especially not tube socks.

Number 6: accessories and more accessories. Even if you don't read the fashion magazines religiously, it's difficult not to notice accessories are getting bigger and better lately. And they are affordable too - the selection at H&M alone is impressive. This is the other area to sparkle and diversify. Add a touch of color or two. Shades of purple and blue are particularly in style right now.

Number 7: a voluminous tote. Swag or no, locals included, traveling around San Francisco requires enough items - particularly for visitors with laptops - that tote bags provide maximum flexibility when it comes to schlepping cameras, layers, gadgets and refreshments from place to place and even Target sells some gorgeous totes right now. Pamela recommends Envirosax bags for any extra swag that won't fit in a tote.

Last but not least, a reminder: it's San Francisco. Incredible shopping abounds in almost every neighborhood to suit every individual's style. If you don't own it or can't bring it, not to worry. For BlogHer guests, Union Square is the best location for shopping in Northern California and lately everybody has been having sales.

Got a few free moments to explore the city? Check out SFBayStyle's 'Event Listings' blogroll to the left on our site - it has links to most of the great sites that list activities and events around the Bay.

Sarah Granger has lived in the Bay Area now for 13 years, 3 of which were in San Francisco. It took some time getting used to the "seasons" here after coming from the midwest, but she happily adjusted. She writes for too many blogs to list here.

Comments

[Kim/hormone-colored days]

Thanks for the tips. It looks like I need to find myself a sweater!

[Adventures In Babywearing]

Sarah, this is awesome as I am packing away all day today & tomorrow. I can't wait! And so... can you let me know of any great maternity stores close to the hotel?

Steph

[PunditMom]

:O Tube sock! Going to buy them now! ;)

[Liz]

Great tips, Sarah - many thanks from a Jersey girl - now, I still have time and can focus on breaking back into the sweater boxes and hitting the washing machine, hard!

[Busy Mom]

Thanks!

[pamela]

Steph- there may be a Japanese Weekend store on Sutter St...there was a few years ago.MOMs The Word is another cute SF store.I have not been pregnant in 7 years, but I am sure there are fun shops.

[Sarah Granger]

Yes - Pamela beat me to it (she's on the East Coast) - Japanese Weekend Maternity is amazing, and it's just over a block up from the BlogHer hotel. Address is 500 Sutter Street. Click here for store info. Walk up Powell to Sutter and it's just to the left, across the street. Hours are Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sun 11-5. Their clothes are super comfy and last longer than most maternity clothes, so they cost a little more, but I wore them constantly while pregnant - well worth it.

[whymommy]

Whoops! Time to repack!

Thanks, Sarah.

[Alix]

Great post, Sarah. For SV Mom Group there is also another tip - those pants Sarah advised you to bring will come in handy at the Slide Lounge if you intend to take the slide... or we could wear shorts underneath our skirts like I used to do in 4th grade for the monkey bars. ;-)

[The Conscious Snob]

These are great tips! I live in the Bay area, and I totally love layers, accessories and great shoes. Though I always have to find a balance between heels and flats. SF has some great fashion finds.

[nousha.com]

Yep number one rule in SF: layers, layers, layers:-)
I got scared when I saw your number 5 rule:-)LOL
Great article. Agree with everything you said. and yes, H&M is just THE place for lots of cheap and nice accessories.(the one on powell has the bigger selection in SF)

[Allie]

Sarah, this is a GREAT post! I came across this as I am planning a trip to SF...I went there two summers ago b/c my sister lives there, and I can say that all of this is great advice, especially number #5: the tube socks!!! LOL but how do you do it without any socks at all, last time I wore socks almost every day because it was cold, and plus I remember living in tennis shoes or clogs b/c otherwise my feet would die from all that walking on hilly streets!! Wow I CAN'T WAIT to go to SF!!! I really like those style blogs on your site btw :)