Travel Capsule for San Francisco - YouLookFab Forum

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Travel Capsule for San Francisco

sinead

Well, Fabbers, I thought I had this covered and I suddenly realized I am way off base with my travel capsule. It's still cold here in Seattle, and somehow, I convinced myself it was cold in San Francisco. But the forecast says almost 70, so now I guess I'll ditch my wardrobe plans of sweaters and boots. At least I think I will... if anyone can give advice about what to wear for sightseeing, running around, casual lunches for networking, I would be so grateful. It's only five days, but I'll have to pack a lot of variety in that carry-on.

My plan was:
Boots, long sweaters
Rainproof jacket and jeans, tees, slip-on flats, sneakers (for hiking)

What should I take to San Francisco for 5 days starting this weekend?

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from sinead

Greyscale

Veteran

We're having a warm spell but it's still cold at night as it is year-round. Today I'm wearing a sleeveless silk top, short sleeve merino sweater, light jacket, and jeans - once I get to Berkeley and it warms up, the jacket comes off. Boots or flats would both be fine, and I'd just bring tshirts to layer under your sweaters.

Basically it's the perfect weather to wear just about anything aside from super warm sweaters or shorts.

sinead

Thanks, Greyscale, that's helpful. I'll keep my boots in the mix- I actually enjoy wearing boots on flights because it leaves more room in the carry on and keeps me warm on the freezing planes. Sounds like I'll be okay with light sweaters.

I always want to buy a whole new wardrobe when I travel anywhere. Trying to put together a travel capsule is a wake up call that I still, even after years on YLF, still haven't mastered the art of wardrobe upkeep. I'm going to keep trying, though!

rachylou

Veteran

For SF, you should think about dressing for temps from 40 to 80. It gets like that, just going from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. It will be hot during the day in certain places, and then drop like a rock at sunset. I'd do - am doing - sweaters and boots. The sweaters come on and off depending on exact time of day and location.

christieanne

Veteran

We are expecting some rain this week so your jacket sounds wise. The rain is heavier than Seatlle's constant misty drizzle so good to plan for it. Layering is key and planning for microclimates (if you plan to journey south towards Silicon Valley for example it is much warmer). Good shoes for walking hills are a must as well. Enjoy your trip!

MsMaven

Veteran

Yes--when the fog rolls in there is often some wind and it can be quite chilly. I can't tell you how many times I have left Silicon Valley for SF on a warm sunny day, and once there had to buy a sweatshirt or jacket. Now I just remember to always take one with me.

Lightweight layers often save the day. Or evening.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

KEEP THE RAINPROOF JACKET!!!

SF always get cold, moisture-laden fog rolling in in the evenings/later afternoons and it chills yer bones! Sweaters don't help because the foggy wind just goes right thru all those holes. I've a number of friends who lived in Chicago and thought the fog was worse than Chicago winters!

Greyscale's advice is great. Layer. I always like a couple of pieces that are light but provide good warmth like a cashmere cardi and wool socks. I've yet to try heattech, but there's a uniqlo store right in the heart of the tourist district!

Only take shoes you can really walk well in, SF's a walking city with lots of spectacular hills. Have fun! it's really gorgeous out here now, and we do have stores 'just in case' steph

sinead

Thanks for the help, ladies! It looks like I'll be close to okay with the layers I have. I'll grab a few more shortsleeve tees for warmer temps. For me, comfortable yet stylish walking shoes are always the challenge. Excited to see the Bay Area!

Greyscale

Veteran

I should also note that most days I still bring my warm wool jacket to throw on at night (a warm sweater under a denim or leather jacket works, too). It will get dramatically colder and damper at night, especially in the city. Last night was also very windy.

gardenchick

Veteran

Think it depends on whether you tend to run hot or cold.

Most days I'll wear a jacket or warmer cardigan as an outer layer along with my light wool scarf for the chilly mornings. Now wearing a 3/4 sleeve shirt with a camisole underneath. It doesn't feel warm enough for sleeveless to me but others may feel differently.

Enjoy SF!

MsMary

Veteran

I just got back from five days in San Francisco and this is what I packed:

Olive cargoes
Boyfriend jeans
Dark wash blue skinny jeans
Maroon ombre skinny jeans

Breton striped top (medium weight, can layer over a shirt)
Ivory cable knit oversized sweater
Gray lightweight sweatshirt
Navy lightweight sweatshirt

Chambray button-front shirt
Blue/white/teal gingham button-front shirt
Red plaid button-front shirt
White button-front shirt

Bailey 44 striped dress

Brown ankle booties -- 1/2" heel
High heeled black sandal booties
Flat white loafers

Navy ponte knit blazer
Mixed media moto jacket -- black pleather with olive sleeves
Red raincoat with warm lining (didn't wear)

Red plaid scarf
Leopard scarf

Black nylon oversized tote
Black clutch (didn't use)

PJ's, socks, undies

I wore everything at least once, with the exception of the red raincoat and black clutch. It was very warm during the day and at night I was plenty warm in my layers and my moto jacket. I fit all of this (except the coat) into a carry-on by rolling the clothing instead of folding.

Have fun!

deb

Veteran

Next week it is supposed to be back down to 61F and rain. Here is the forecast.

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sinead

You guys are the best! Thanks for more info.

MaryK, it was incredibly helpful to see what you packed! Made me realize that, once again, I'm just not packing enough clothes. (Am I the only woman in the world that does this? I have a tendency to go way, way too minimalist.) Anyway, I'm going to use your list to force myself to pack enough for five days!

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, Sinead! I could have easily done with one or even two fewer items in each category. But I like not having to repeat too much, and I like having options so I can dress for the weather within a reasonable range.

My mom used to say "You only ever wear half of what you pack, but you never know which half until you get there!"

abc

Veteran

I think as others mentioned layers will be essential.

MsMary

Veteran

Oh, forgot to add I also packed a navy ponte blazer, which I wore a couple of times.

And my outfits are here

and here

sinead

MaryK, I love seeing what you wore- and bonus points for bargain pieces!
How funny is this- I was so busy running around trying to figure out my travel capsule and which wardrobe holes to plug that I missed the actual posts about your San Francisco trip and travel capsule.