SF Fabbers: What are you wearing these days?

Eliza

Upcoming visit (soon) and would appreciate help translating the day/night temperature predictions into actual wardrobe pieces. Coming from the newly created NE glacier and I wonder about the heaviest weight coat needed, if warm knitwear makes sense, and if midi height boots will feel too heavy on a warmer day. I am figuring that it is all about layering. Is a leather moto right for daytime? I'll obviously keep my eye on temperatures and anticipated precipitation, but I am a bit stumped with how to best accommodate the temperature ranges. How have I already forgotten my spring/fall dressing here? I will be exclusively in pants due to footwear needs, with a few dinner outfits and casual daytime activities. Thank you in advance for help with the basics.

10 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Eliza

rachylou

Veteran

Temps are 40s - 80s. Between sundown and sunrise, I wear a puffer (no thermal layers underneath). During the day, after 8 am, I'm out and about in just a sweater or maybe a jacket/coat. If you're in the city proper, I'd do both a sweater and a coat. It's warm in the sun, cold in the shade, and we've got wind tunnels created by the high-rises downtown.

10 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I would think a leather moto would be fine, unless you run really cold or are out doing something outdoorsy in a windy area for hours. Certainly would be fine during the day, if a little too warm if it's sunny and not windy, and you could add a scarf at night if you needed one. I'm not sure what you mean by midi height boots - mid calf? They should be ok.

This is the time of year where dressing in the Bay Area really annoys me; dealing with a 40 degree swing of temps requires either layering to the point of absurdity, or resigning yourself to wearing multiple outfits a day.

10 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

Thanks so much, Rachylou and Laura. You have pointed me in the right direction for packing. There seems to be no way around having options and possible layers. Forty degrees is a big swing and I have been to the city enough to know what a difference the wind can make. It sounds like I could use a couple of lighter weight tops.

My moto boots are the Aquatalia Sweeties (Angie pick) that are about 8 inches tall. They really are not mid-calf on me, but rather higher ankle, if that makes sense. Don't want to look completely seasonally confused, even though the season is confusing. I like them with denim and casual pants.

10 years ago

Elle

Veteran

It's a good idea to watch the forecast. Saturday I was at the beach all day in a short sleeve t-shirt and today I'm wearing my fleece jacket and UGGs. Your leather jacket could be useful since it is very cool at night. You are right to think about layers - preferably ones that don't weigh too much. I often wear my down jacket at night (over a t shirt) but I get cold easily.

With a few exceptions, SF is not that formal. You'll often see people wearing jeans and the Marina district's uniform is yoga pants and a down vest

Comfortable walking shoes are very important because of the hills. I don't know if your moto boots fall in this category.

If you get a chance, I recommend walking on the Chrissy Field trail towards the Golden Gate Bridge and/or the Land's End trail out by the ocean. Have fun!

10 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Being seasonally confused is not something people around here seem to be concerned about much...there's always someone wearing shorts and flip flops during a rainstorm or a down jacket in June... The only thing we like to make fun of is tourists wearing Fisherman's Wharf fleeces.

10 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

Thanks, Elle. Your input is very helpful. I'll be focussed on comfortable shoes and a variety of layers. While those booties are comfortable for a bit of walking, I think they are overkill and will bring a lighter weight pair. My suitcase will have a bit of everything in it. I admire all the gear shifting required to dress there. On the other hand, I am most weary of "the winter has won" look universally sported here. Great to have the suggestions for a good walk.

Hah, Laura! No danger of "iconic" fleece here. I can see how seasonally confused becomes a moot point.

I appreciate all the help. It clarifies why I was not able to zero in on any one approach; focus will be on versatile outfit creation.

Thank you! I am looking forward to the trip.

10 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Laura said: "Being seasonally confused is not something people around here seem to be concerned about much..." Really!! Mostly because the weather varies so much from morning to evening and place to place. Combine that with the Bay Area's liberal hippy tendencies and rest assured no one will judge you
Cannot overemphasize comfortable shoes. You need shoes you know you can walk in for 4-5 miles with no problem. Of course everyone walks more on vacation, plus the hills truly are spectacular - some have steps built into them - and you're also dealing with beat up pavement.
As Rachylou said, we get wind tunnels in downtown as well as really wet wind esp. at night when the fog comes in. A leather jacket is excellent as it blocks the wind, for many of us a non-wind-blocking sweater or fleece does not do the trick. A thinner cashmere sweater under a leather jacket is a great solution for many people in SF evenings or colder days, toss on a scarf for your neck.
There's a big Uniqlo on Union Square if you decide you need a few more layering pieces - no worries! We're having a bit of a warm spell here, some very pretty days, you'll have a blast.
One last point - remember to keep an eye and ear out for the parrots! If you hear unholy squawking and screeching look up, it's likely them. They're strong fliers and you'll see them all over the west part of town.

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10 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Madam Eccentric! How's trix? Have you seen E's thread on Teddy Girl style? It makes me think of you and Edwardian adventuresses

10 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

Thanks for all the sound advice, mrseccentric. Shoes are going to have to pass a stringent comfort test. My mileage will be lower than usual due to foot surgery recovery in process, yet the priority is being able to do as much walking as possible. I find your description of the wet fog and layering techniques helpful and hope the warm spell holds. It will be a welcome reprieve. I will also take a light jacket to break the wind for warmer times.

Love the city and am going to be Union Square, so the Uniqlo info is helpful. I swear by their Heattech products and recently tried their cashmere sweaters and am amazed at how they are holding up, better than others twice or three times as pricy as Uniqlo's are on sale. Fun to hear about the parrots! Great picture.

I am grateful for this useful input as I pack my bags. It is wonderful to share the wisdom of YLF. Thanks, all.

10 years ago

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