Golden Gate Bridge. Photo Credit: visitingdc.com
San Francisco might likely conjure up images of the Golden Gate Bridge, summer fogs, and Chinatown. But to understand San Francisco style is to look no further than its people. Eclectic and selectively trendy at the same time, what you wear in San Francisco depends on comfort and individual tastes.“San Francisco style is influenced by the talented local artists that make trends happen in SF,” notes Carrie Steinberg from Goodjoe, a California-based line of tees that donates a dollar from every purchase to a nonprofit of your choice. Home to the largest art and film school in the country, the Academy of Art University in downtown San Francisco, it’s no wonder that there’s a totally artsy, individualistic bent to how people dress.
“With the art, fashion and film school students and H&M, vintage and consignment stores, [people in San Francisco] are into recycling and being different, not following the so-called trends,” says image consultant Diane Parente.
“Rugged and simple casual wear is popular,” adds JT and Dyanna from the local street fashion blog TheSFStyle.com, “since many young adults in SF like to party and don’t have large incomes. Rolling from park to bar to house party can be wild, and you need simple, affordable yet hip clothes to wear for that.”
Weather in San Francisco
“We have colder weather year-round,” explains JT and Dyanna. “Not extremely cold but consistently cold. Maybe only a month or two of warmer weather at most.”
San Francisco’s hilly terrain (there are over 50 hills!) lends itself to fluctuating temperatures. Wind is a major issue, especially during the fall and winter months.
“Because the wind can be pretty brutal, we avoid wearing large hats or anything that’s not well ‘anchored’ to our heads,” says Kate Walters of the firm LaForce + Stevens.
“The weather of San Francisco us as unpredictable [as] the people,” observes Parente. “SF requires dressing in layers when you leave the house in the morning. I call SF a jacket city. One day it could be as warm as toast, and the next day you feel like snow is about to drop.”
San Francisco has a typical Mediterranean climate characterized by cold wet winters and warmer but mild dry summers. From November to April, temperatures can range from 46–51 °F (8–11 °C) in the morning all the way to degrees during the day 56–64 °F (13–18 °C). Don’t expect snow, but bring your galoshes! On average, there about 10 days of rain monthly from January to March.
Fillmore St Boutiques, Pacific Heights. Photo Credit: Christopher Beland.
What to Wear in San Francisco
Because of the varying weather throughout the day and across the city, San Francisco this time of year calls for, hands down, layering. Leggings and tights are a must with skirts, dresses, and shorts as are second layers of cardigans, lighter jackets and sweaters, or vests. Mixing textures will not only shield you from the low, wet temperatures but will also give you a more visually interesting ensemble. Try tweed shorts, ribbed tights, a leather jacket, turtleneck, floral blouse (something that you would normally wear in the spring or summer), and some walking-friendly ankle boots or wedge heels.
Because of the bleeker weather, darker colors are always popular, according to JT and Dyanna. A navy or black coat is a staple that will take you from touring to dinner and will be a necessity year-round. And don’t forget the ubiquitous scarf in a great pattern or color that will stylishly peek out from under your simpler outerwear.
Businesswomen and society women go for timeless classics with an edge. Go for a classic well fitted suit with a unique collar or lapel and some texture like tweed or a cool, subtle multi-colored weave. Mix and match tops and bottoms for a little more visual interest. Wear with a fun blouse with a brighter pattern or a shirt with pleats or a edgier silhouette.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself in this city. The only way you could stand out is if you aren’t dressed appropriately for the weather!
Current Trends
- Cute stylish beanies
- Elegant Ugg boots
- Lots of texture
- Faux fur
- Leg warmers
- Granny or lace-up shoes / booties
Wardrobe Staples
- Rubber-soled, slip-free shoes
- Skinny jeans
- Scarf
- Navy or black coat
NINE WEST HOODED PEACOAT $71.95
DELIA'S BROOKE POLKA DOT DRESS $44.50
ISABELLA OLIVER CLASSIC TURTLENECK $92.65
HANSEL FROM BASEL OVER-THE-KNEE TIGHTS $30
Seychelles Cheerio $124
BLACK RIVET ROUCHED LEATHER SCUBA $179.99
DELIA'S CHELSEA CROCHET TANK $34.5
DELIA'S CIARA ETERNITY SCARF $24.50
ISABELLA OLIVER PIPPA JEANS $195
NINE WEST CUTAWAY BOOTS $178.95
ISABELLA OLIVER SEXY BLAZER $199.50
CASUAL LIVING RUFFLED PLAID BLOUSE $39
ISABELLA OLIVER 5-POCKET TROUSER $107.40
ROCKET DOG ODETTE HEEL $69.50
Charlize Theron. Photo Credit: Wenn.com
- Haight-Ashbury | Home to a number of high-end vintage stores (this was, after all, home of great legends like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin), fun boutiques, and delicious restaurants. Visit stores like Static Vintage, Wasteland, Held Over.
- Mission District | Community Thrift, Mission Thrift, Thrift Town, Salvation Army. Valencia St. is home to unique San Francisco style and local designers.
- Hayes Valley | “A unique shopping district” that is more fun, funky, and locl. Hands down a local favorite, Gimme Shoes features all your designer favorites as well as local ones like Chie Mihara.
- Fillmore Street | High-end stores adorably housed in Victorian-style buildings bring an all-around more cozy and friendly vibe. Check out stores from Marc Jacobs to a number of local stores.
- The Castro | The heart and history of the gay community, you can also find a host of vintage stores (apparently home to the BEST recycling clothing store Crossroads in SF!).
- Union Square | Mecca for the biggest fashion houses and best department store shopping from Chanel to Macy’s. Every store you could think of (including H&M!) to meet every budget.
- JT Paradox | San Francisco street fashion by two stylin’ locals.
