Help starting a travel capsule for Bay area - YouLookFab Forum

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Help starting a travel capsule for Bay area

ChristelJ

Veteran

Hello wise ones,

I am beginning to put together a travel capsule for a week-long trip to the Bay area this month. I will be in San Francisco for two days and then Stinson Beach for 5. I was in SF about 15 years ago for a just weekend, so I don't really remember much about the weather or vibe there. I've never been to Stinson Beach, but have a chance to stay with a friend who will be house-sitting there.

Weather forecasts for the area show that it will be dry, probably, with highs in low 60s. Will it be windy? Are evenings chilly enough for a jacket? How dressy are people in the city anymore? I will probably walk around to shops and museums and sights in the daytime, and go out to eat at night.

I think my time in Stinson Beach will be very casual and relaxed, so jeans and floaty tops are what I imagine there. But again, eating out at night.

I do have a brand new London Fog trench. It's knee-length and I am in love with it, so I want to take it as a light outer layer even if it's sunny. Is that appropriate, do you think?

I have no dresses that work with my sneakers, so all pants it is for this trip. I have some drapey wide legs that go with lots of my floral tops, so that's what I'm imagining will be an alternative to jeans. My pants look exactly like the find below, but are tencel, not linen.

Am I on the right track? Thank you for any comments!

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Pull On Wide Leg Pants in Linen Blend

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25 replies

Latest reply was from ChristelJ

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

YES, it will be cold enough for a coat in the evenings. It will probably be cold enough for a coat in the daytime, too, especially along the coast. The last time I was in San Francisco was in June or July and when we stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge, I wore a puffer, gloves, a stocking cap, and a scarf and I was only willing to spend about 3 minutes outside the car. Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who regularly runs HOT and generally successfully ignores all the friendly forum advice to layer up.

Things may be different during your week there, but I wouldn't be expecting to wear breezy, floaty tops. I'd prepare for very cold mornings and evenings and a frigid wind off the Pacific. (Rachylou, back me up here!)

ETA: here’s a photo of me freezing on Muir Beach in July.

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rachylou

Veteran

Jenn is right. We had hail in the forecast last week. Rain early next week. June Gloom is the term for our summer weather, along with ‘winter’, lol. Northern CA beaches are cold - grey, wet and windy. Today is sunny, but I’m sitting outside with my puffer hood up at 4pm; the sun won’t set until 8pm.

Oh also, you can’t wear backpacks on your back anymore in museums.

No one dresses for anything anymore at all!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well. I am getting my lessons, too. I am going there in mid-June for the first time ever. I have been trying to persuade Mr. Suz that 60s here (Victoria) is not the same as 60s there -- even though, yeah, we do get what we call "Juneuary" and it is regularly grey and a lot chillier than May or really any other time than winter.

So....like -- a puffer and a hat and gloves? And For daytime walking would a leather jacket do it, or not? Merino layers? What?

LAR101

Plan your capsules in layers that can be added and subtracted.

The weather changes throughout the day and even from sun to shade. Check the charts for several day’s temperature fluctuations to get a feel. Also the weather is often quite different an hour away by car in any direction.
And San Francisco itself has microclimates that are noticeable to plants. Yes, bring warm things in case of rain, fog, wind.

DonnaF

Veteran

We're FINALLY getting spring temps this week!!! In the past week or so it's rained like three or four times. This is May!!!! Rain is s'posed to stop in March. But we should get summer temps this weekend. Very weird.

I totally agree with what was said above -- unless the weather turns completely wacko as it has recently. No floaty tops. Stinson Beach is almost always windy. SF can get windy in the evening. If it's balmy in the evening it will be top of the news. At the least, a light jacket or coat will be needed. If you go south toward Silicon Valley or East to the 'burbs, it's a different story; you get summer there.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Extremely wise advice!

I spent a July birthday in San Francisco one year - and needed my wool coat

Have a beautiful trip. Very fun city

ChristelJ

Veteran

Wow, thank you all so much! Not what I was expecting! I will need to seriously re-calibrate. It was 92 here today. It's hard to imagine cold.

I do have a leather jacket I could bring. I will think about layering. As Suz asks, what are some examples of good layers there? Is it possible to do this without a puffer?

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

You will definitely need a windbreaker as well as something waterproof for rain/fog/salt spray on the beach or if you take a ferry. I would bring merino layers too, top and socks. You really could consider a hat, I often wear stocking caps or even fingerless gloves ! It is very cold in the morning, especially, before the fog layer burns off. If you’re going for long walks, you’ll want to bundle up.

I went to Stinson beach often as a kid and I literally never set foot in the water. It is more like what you might picture as “British beach in January” LOL, definitely not Hawaiian warm breezes or floral kaftans!

But do note what Donna said: if you’re headed to Vallejo or Sacramento you will get sunshine and higher temps.

Runcarla

Veteran

Hah! Tomorrow I’m packing for a trip to the UK with temps in the mid to high 60’s. It’s starting to look like some very nice weather conditions, but due to chance of rain I’m doing the raincoat thing, and a light weight puffer under for warmth - if required. Do you have a micro puffer to layer under coats and jackets? Leather is good for cutting wind,, but not so good in wet conditions.

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ChristelJ

Veteran

Angie, thank you for the good wishes. But wool in July! Just no!

Thanks Jessikams. I can easily pack a hat and hoody and long sleeve top for layering. I don't have merino of any sort. I will have to think about the outer layer and what I have. I really appreciate this feedback! I will now banish any thoughts of warm breezes from my head!

Carla, light puffer under trench sounds like a great solution for you. I have no micro puffer like that, but I do have a leather jacket boxy enough to layer under with something or other. I will keep an eye on the weather to see if any moisture threatens. You must be leaving soon, then. I am excited to hear how your trip goes! Hope it's fabulous!

Runcarla

Veteran

Sorry. I was composing my response, and missed your comment about not wanting to do the puffer thing.

Before I got into puffers, I had a leather jacket. I used it under a water resistant trench coat in chilly and misty September weather (England and Scotland). The leather jacket worked really well for cutting the wind, and the trench protected the leather jacket from wet. If the weather turns out better, you can use one or the other topper by itself.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Layers are good because sometimes the actual temperature can vary greatly from what is expected. Doing city things mid morning to late afternoon pants, a medium weight top and a topper work well. Early mornings and evenings, beaches and walking across the Golden Gate Bridge can be quite cold, I’d add at least one lightweight tank or tee expected to be worn underneath but that can work on it’s own if it turns warm. Since Covid and high heating costs it seems many restaurants are colder than they used to be (I think the theory is that if people were willing to eat outside in the cold they’ll eat inside even if it’s somewhat cold).
You might want a tote to put items in if you want to take layers off.

Weather can also surprise you-some years SF can hit 100. I remember the surprise of seeing people in breezy sundresses.

I always pack something for the opposite weather ever since my friend cut off some of her sleeves and pants legs after an unexpectedly hot Alaskan cruise.

Most importantly, have fun!

Sisi

Veteran

I cannot give advice about temperatures (I live in another continent) but want to wish you happy vacation!
The trench is fabulous, I love the floral lining.

ChristelJ

Veteran

Alright, thank you all so much! Lots of great suggestions. I will focus on a layering strategy from now on. I love to layer hoodies under things, I have lots of tees and scarves and hats. The weather forecast right beforehand will probably determine which outer layer I end up bringing. Also, I think I will bring my "dress" sneakers along with the walking sneakers. Sounds like closed toed shoes are in order.

One of my goals in life lately is to become a better traveler, which includes being a good packer. I have gotten pretty good at arranging flights and I'm not bad at public transportation. But getting the perfect capsule packed into a carry-on is not always easy unless it's high summer. We will see how this goes!

ChristelJ

Veteran

Sisi, thank you! I have not had a nice trench for many years so I'm thrilled to have found this one.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

ChristalJ, hopefully you will have LOVELY weather in SF

ChristelJ

Veteran

Angie, you are sweet! I plan to have a good time no matter what!

ChristelJ

Veteran

I'm afraid you are going to hear more granular detail than you might wish about this capsule as I wrestle with it this week! Please ignore if it's too much.

I have a progress report: Runcarla's suggestion to layer a light puffer under either my trench or leather jacket is going to work after all! I had assumed my lightly puffy burgundy jacket was too thick, but after trying it on, I'm completely amazed to find out it does layer. It's not a high-tech micro-puffer, and it does add a somewhat unflattering amount of bulk when layered, but it's quite warm. I'm delighted!

I'm leaning toward taking the trench and burgundy jacket and leaving behind the leather jacket. It bothers me the leather jacket is not butt-covering and might be affected by moisture. Also, it's too boxy to fit under the trench, although I loved that idea in theory.

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Elle

Veteran

Packing for SF is very difficult because the weather is very variable. All the advice you've received about layers is excellent. Keep in mind that you may have to carry your top layers around if the weather warms up mid-day. I live near the ocean and today wore a light puffer/scarf in the morning and then ended up carrying it at lunch time and walking around in my shirt sleeves. Comfy shoes are important and it sounds like you are sorted there. I find shopping downtown very depressing but the neighborhood shopping streets are very lively (Marina district, upper Fillmore, Valencia St in the Mission, etc).

Once you leave the city, the temperature can vary anywhere from 10 degrees hotter (Berkeley) to 25-30 degrees hotter. Stinson Beach is a very small community and the ocean there is gorgeous. I've found it warmer than SF but, sigh, you never know. I'm envious. Enjoy your trip!

kellygirl

Veteran

It's 60 degrees today and cloudy. I was in San Carlos earlier and quite comfortable in a long sleeve linen shirt with a technical/work vest. The weather has skewed unseasonably cooler this year but it is supposed to warm up next week at least in the south bay. It's definitely much cooler in SF and by the coast. I echo other who recommend layers - especially a puffer than can be layered under a light weight jacket or coat. I think the leather jacket is too heavy to carry around if it warm up but that's just me. I like something that I can stuff into a bag or wrap around my waist...
I think the rest of your capsule looks great - easy pants and sneakers. You'll fit right in!

ChristelJ

Veteran

Elle and kellygirl, thank you. It's wonderful to get all this great advice. Good point about carrying any layers one takes off. I will wear my trench with an underlayer if it's cool and I have a fabric tote that folds up small that I can bring to stash extra layers during the day. Good point that the leather jacket may be heavy to carry. My sneakers are comfy and so are my wide leg pants and girlfriend jeans. All I need is the tops. I'm planning on taking some long sleeve and a couple short sleeve tops. I am even making Finds and a capsule collection here on YLF in an effort to be very organized!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm taking notes for my own trip a month from now...

ChristelJ

Veteran

Suz, right? I bet you have the proper layers already, based on your location.

Bonnie

Veteran

I'm going to San Francisco in June, too! We are camping on the beach in Half Moon Bay and going in to the city for the art museums, a couple of classical concerts, and an opera. I've done this many times and always prepare for any kind of weather. Mostly I wear sweaters, jeans, a nice topper, and bring outerwear. I like a puffy that can be rolled in a ball or stuffed in a sack and carried in my tote. I will bring something dressy for evening performances but we will spend most evenings in the campground after being in the city during the day.

ChristelJ

Veteran

Thanks Bonnie, being ready for anything seems to be the takeaway. You sure do have a broad range of activities planned. Camping on the beach sounds chilly!