Packing Advice: 2 Weeks in San Francisco

Hi everyone! I know it's been a while--grad school and life stuff kept me really busy and not as focused on the fashion hobby. But last May, I successfully defended my thesis and completed my MA in American Studies!

I came to ask for advice for what to pack for 2 weeks in San Francisco--my wife is finally getting her gender-affirming surgery, and I'm going to support her and help care for her during the first couple weeks of recovery. We'll be doing a little sightseeing when we first get there; after that, we'll mostly be hanging out at the AirBnb, but I'll be venturing out to get food and such. It's my first time visiting California and her first time since she was a child, so we're both excited.

We're leaving early Monday morning from Atlanta. I checked the forecast and it looks pretty similar to how it's been here--chilly mornings and evenings, warm afternoons but not super hot. I know good walking shoes are a good idea (and honestly, ALL my shoes are made for walking these days), and I'll be packing things to layer. I WILL have access to a washer and dryer, so I'm planning to do laundry once to refresh things, and again before I leave so I don't have to wash anything when I get home. So, about a week's worth of clothes.

I hope everyone has been doing well lately. I miss chatting with y'all. I'll try to get some good pictures while I'm in SF to show off the outfits, at least from days out in the city. I've been feeling really good about how my style has evolved lately and I'm looking forward to sharing.

5 days ago

Sloper

Veteran

Congratulations on your MA, and sincere best wishes to your wife for a safe and speedy recovery!

I lived in SF for a few years in the 90’s. Since the geography of the city varies so much, there are many microclimates. We lived in the Sunset (west side of the peninsula, close to the ocean) and it was foggy and chilly ALL the time. You’d go over the hills and it would be in the sunny dry 80’s. So bring layers. A light anorak or windbreaker is helpful if you are near the ocean, and can be worn in the warmer areas at night. Also a hat to block the sun if necessary, and to keep your ears warm in the breezes.

I envy you the trip - a beautiful town with stunning nature just over the Golden Gate.

Jenni NZ

Congratulations on your MA! And all the best to your wife.
I have only been there once, in 2013. I think it was March? Not very warm. Everything I read before I went said it would be colder than you expected and so I dressed for that. They weren’t wrong!

4 days ago

JAileen

I grew up in the Bay Area, and go down to visit family several times a year. Are you going to be right in the city or other parts of the Bay Area? The City itself can be foggy, windy and quite chilly at the same time the East Bay or North Bay can be sunny and warm. SF’s forecast for this next week looks pretty nice, but the following week is too far out to know. Bring something warm like a sweater or sweatshirt as well as something to break the wind. We used to laugh at tourists who were forced to buy sweatshirts at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Janet

(website)

Nice to see you again! Congrats, and best wishes and speedy recovery to your wife!

I was last there in November, and the weather was really pleasant. It was an unplanned trip (long story, I’d been out hiking in the desert and the original plan has been for my husband and I to meet up in Dallas but we pivoted hard at a moment’s notice), so I hadn’t packed for the climate, but fortunately what I had worked out ok.

Layers are essential, of course. A good lightweight anorak or windbreaker layered over a zip-front hoodie works really well for me. A trench could work too. I had a pair of jeans and a pair of Athleta black wide-leg pants that could dress up or down well. A pair of comfortable booties and a pair of sneakers. And lightweight tops in good flattering colors, with some scarves to add a little extra pattern and interest, as well as warmth when it got cool and windy. My black cashmere beanie got worn too, so you may find a hat useful!

Have a great time!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Lovely to see you chime Kaelyn! Congratulations! That is an incredible achievement, and be very proud of yourself

Best wishes to your wife. I'm sure you will take great care of her.

Every time I go to San Francisco in the first half of the year - it's chilly. Layers! Walking shoes, warm tops and toppers, and some breezy things too. Scarf and hat if you have it.

Hope you have fun site seeing!

cat2

Hi, congrats on your degree! San Francisco proper can be stunningly cold and windy. We were out in the city last night by the waterfront and it was absolutely gorgeous, but I needed my light weight packable puffer. My husband had on a light wool sweater and an anorak and was getting a bit of a chill. What kinds of things do you want to do while site seeing?

Kaelyn

Thanks, everyone! Here's what I've packed so far thanks to your advice:

* Two hoodies - one pullover, one light one that zips in the front
* One graphic sweatshirt
* Two cotton flannel shirts of different warmths
* Three long-sleeved tees (two solids, one graphic)
* Two pairs of jeans (plus the pair I'll wear to the airport)
* One pair of twill pants
* One pair of linen pants (mostly for lounging in while caring for my wife, but if it gets warmer, they'll be nice to have)
* Two pairs athletic leggings (good for walks as well as lounging in, and I'll probably feel like long walks if I feel cooped up - I don't like being stuck inside too long)
* Two knit beanies (one is cashmere and SUPER)
* One polyester-wool blend cap
* One light scarf (as opposed to, like, my alpaca scarf for when it's REALLY cold)
* Black Chelsea boots (will likely wear for flight since they're easy to get on and off and I'm flying in the US)
* My very well loved New Balance sneakers
* My athletic Sketchers sandals (mostly for around the Airbnb but again, if it gets warm, I'll be happy walking in them)

I'm also going to pack some short sleeved tees after I'm finished with laundry, which can layer with the flannels and hoodies and such or be worn alone if it's warm (including in the Airbnb if I don't have much control over the temperature and it's too warm for me). Plus all the obvious things like socks, undergarments, pajamas, etc.

I don't own an anorak, which a few of y'all have recommended. I'm thinking about my leather jacket as a substitution - thoughts?

Also, I'm going with a palette of black, blue, gray, and a couple pops of red (one of the hoodies and the cashmere beanie). Also, my day to day bag I've been using the last couple years is this BRIGHT woven bag I purchased in Ecuador. It's incredible how well it goes with practically everything I own! I got my mom a matching one in earth tones that I thought would be way more practical, but I'm smitten with my neon version. It really goes to show that if you love something enough, it WILL work.

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karen23

Active Member

JAileen is right about the climate and the fog.

You'll want shoes you can walk in. San Francisco is hilly, and parking can be scarce.

Your leather jacket will be perfect.

ClaraT

I live in/just north of San Francisco, and I’m currently drinking coffee in the marina
I highly recommend bringing a packable down jacket. Of the last random 25 people who walked by, a whopping 22 (!!) were wearing down jackets/vests of various lengths.
Have a wonderful trip and best of luck with the medical stuff ❤️ hoping it all goes as smoothly as possible.

1 day ago

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