Having lived in San Francisco for over a week now, I have to say the cool weather is both a sartorial blessing and a curse. A blessing because I can finally have fun with the tights, sweaters, and jackets that have been languishing in my closet, and a curse because most of the cute clothes I brought are too lightweight for this weather. Since my Filipino ass is still quite sensitive to the cold, I really have to stay bundled up every time I head out. And it’s supposed to be summer over here!
So if you’re a stylish tropical native visiting San Francisco, I’ve put together this useful guide to San Francisco style. It took me a while to get used to dressing up for this weather, but now that I’ve figured it out I’m having so much fun!
It is not OA to wear winter coats in the summer
I am still kicking myself for not bringing the awesome H&M coat I thrifted in the Philippines because I feared I’d look ridiculous all bundled up in the middle of summer. Well guess what, summer as I know it does not exist in San Francisco. Despite the California sunshine, it’s still pretty fucking cold, and there are some parts of the city are perpetually cloaked in a thick winter fog. You can get away with a blazer or cardigan during the day, but the wind starts picking up at 4pm, and from this point until sunrise it becomes unbearable to be outdoors without a coat on. So don’t be shy about bringing all those awesome thrifted coats with you. You’re really going to need them.
Stay with a stylish friend
I am so lucky to be staying with Klassy in the city. Not only is she one of the sweetest, most wonderful people I know; she also has impeccable style and is a Refinery 29 intern! Without her and her awesome collection of outerwear, I would freeze to death. It also saves me the money I’d spend buying coats and sweaters to stay warm (not that borrowing from Klassy’s vast wardrobe kept me from buying a blazer or two from H&M).
Layer with tank tops and tights
If you insist on wearing your cotton tops and unlined dresses, I suggest packing long tank tops and using them as a sando. Believe me, it’s too cold to wear linen and chiffon by themselves, even with a jacket on. As for your legs, you’ll want to cover up with tights when you wear wear shorts and skirts. If you don’t have any, it’s easy to find cute and affordable ones at H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21.
Wear comfortable flats or die walking
I cannot stress how important it is to wear your most comfortable shoes in San Francisco. Walking is an absolute necessity in this city, and lots of fun as well! Those Jeffrey Campbell heels will make you stumble and fall, so don’t be too vain to wear your flats (or comfortable low-heeled wedges if you own any). I have this weird thing where I buy new flats before traveling somewhere, and so far the winner are these el cheapo boots I got in Forever 21 Philippines for only P1,200. They are cushioned, padded, and are a lot warmer than the Ichigo flats I got. They look cute with colored tights too! If you’re shopping in the city, Refinery 29 has some suggestions on stylish flats for San Francisco girls.
Shades are a must
The California sun is hot and strong, and you have to wear shades on sunny days or risk getting a migraine. Well, at least that’s how it is for me. Since shades are pretty much a staple of island fashion, this shouldn’t be a problem for you to bring.
It is better to be “unfashionable” than to freeze to death
The comments on Refinery 29′s Outside Lands street style roundup were pretty harsh, saying that San Francisco has no style because of the coats and jackets we wore. Well, if I were to choose between being warm and being cute, I’d much rather be warm. At the end of the day, it gets dark and cold, and being cute will not protect you from the wind chill. So don’t be afraid to wear your warmest coat instead of your showing off your sundress, because that coat will keep your blood from turning into ice when the cold Pacific winds start to blow.
girl fave na fave ko yang skull dress mo!!!!
oh inggit ako talaga. It’s true, summer there but for a tropical bumbum like ours winter na winter pa rin.
you look suuuuuuper cute.
Great tips and you look great in the photos! I thought I’d prefer the cold than our extreme heat here in Manila, but after experiencing -15 C degrees, I’ll take the scorching heat any day!
“It is better to be “unfashionable” than to freeze to death”
True! I mean, in the first place, the first people who walked this land invented clothes to protect themselves from the weather!
i love all your outfits so far Lauren!
So true with the “It is better to be “unfashionable” than to freeze to death.” thing. I used to think winter is great for the layering & stuff but the real truth? I think I’m a tropics girl through & Through. hahaha. I hate cold weather!!!!
I think SF is my dream city with my layered clothing fantasies and my deep hatred of “real” summer. And it doesn’t snow there right? Love!