Q&A: What to Wear in San Francisco
Q: I am from Toronto, Canada, and I’ll be heading down to San Francisco for a week at the end of April. Any tips for what I should pack?
A: Springtime in San Francisco is beautiful - it’s generally mild weather-wise, but be prepared for unexpected wind, rain, and a layer of fog to roll over the city. The key to San Francisco style is layering, as the weather can change pretty rapidly from one moment to the next. Happily, the city’s fashion scene tends to be somewhat eclectic, so you’ll be able to pull off unusual layering combinations if you need to.
While in San Francisco, you’ll want to be ready for daytime temperatures anywhere from the 50s to the 80s. Here’s what you need to bring:
Tops: Pack long sleeved tees and blouses, but you can bring a short sleeved tee just in case.
Sweaters: Bring a couple of sweaters for layering to adjust to temperatures inside and outside.
Outerwear: Pack a light to medium weight jacket, one that will protect you from wind.
Bottoms: Long pants and jeans are going to be your best bets. No shorts, but you may be able to get away with a pair of cropped pants.
Dresses: One sleeved dress should be enough for your short trip.
Shoes: Bring shoes that are comfortable for walking–especially on hills. Flats are a great idea; heels are not.
Accessories: A layering scarf is a good idea to help you adjust to whatever weather patterns come up.
If you’re going to be visiting areas outside of San Francisco (e.g. going up to Napa or down to Silicon Valley), be aware that temperatures tend to be warmer outside the city - and that the weather patterns are generally more stable. Dressing in layers is still advisable, especially if you’re spending part of your day in the city.
Have a great tip about what to wear in San Francisco? Share your style with us in the comments!
13 comments April 2nd, 2009
