What to pack: Santa Cruz, CA

Ann in New England

Leaving next Tuesday for 5 days in Santa Cruz (northern California). Any YLFers from the area? I have no idea how to dress for the climate. Is it sweater and boots season there yet, or can I still get away with skirts and bare legs?

I know it's a fairly informal city, but I am hosting a weekend with 75 guests, most of whom I don't know. It's also a work thing, and I'll have a few execs from our company in attendance, though because it's a "weekend retreat," there's not a dress code. Definitely not corporate. I will be hosting panels and giving speeches and introducing authors, so I want to look relaxed and fun, yet also polished.

Ideas?

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

oh Ann, lucky you i studied at UC Santa Cruz fora a couple of years, it is knockout gorgeous this time of year! However, it's also somewhat unpredictable weather-wise.

Go here:
http://forecast.weather.gov/Ma.....A%2C%20USA

and here:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowe.....#038;raw=0

pay attention to the highs and the lows. Generally you have a cool, foggy, maybe windy morning. the fog burns off by noon/afternoon and it warms up nicely. then the evening can get pretty chilly again (or not).

So take layers. you want a cardi or jacket that goes over a short sleeve or sleeveless top. Something that can block cold, wet winds to go over all is a good idea The town is ultra casual, so i would just let your professional role dictate your level of formality in dress. Nothing is coming to mind at the moment, i will comment again if i think of something! HTH, you will have a blast, steph

13 years ago

BethL

(website)

Veteran

My sister lives just south of Santa Cruz, Ann, and I've been there many times. My bro-in-law has his law practice in Santa Cruz. Technically, this is their "warm" season, so there may be some days in the high 70s or low 80s, but it definitely cools down at night, and I think it typically feels cooler there than what the thermometer reads. If there's fog and/or ocean breeze, that keeps things cooler. Layers are the key there.

It's a very informal place where people wear lots of gear, though my brother-in-law wears a nice suit, shirt, and tie every day (he's often in court). If your guests are locals, they may not be very dressed up; they'll probably run the gamut from very casual to smart casual. For you, smart casual would work well, and, if it's not too warm, boots and sweaters would probably work well. I love my boots when I'm there. Again, layers are the thing. I'm always taking off my top layer and putting it back on when I'm there.

Hope this helps a little bit. Let me know if I can give you more specifics.

13 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I live "just over the mountain" from Santa Cruz and the advice Steph and Beth gave is right on. You never know what the weather might do, but honestly, I can count on one hand the times I've been in SC and not needed a jacket or sweater. The afternoons will be sunny and nice, but the mornings and evenings very cool and usually overcast. Layers are you best bet, and yes, SC is a very casual town. I'd let the dress climate of your company set your dress code rather than the town. You do probably want to stick to the relaxed side of things.
Are the others in attendance going to be mostly locals or out-of-towners?

13 years ago

Ann in New England

Active Member

Thanks for the info. Will take your advice re: layers. Most of our guests will be non-locals, though we'll have many from California. I suspect it's a casual crowd (they are on vacation, after all) judging from the previous events I've done. These are listeners of my podcast, so even though I don't know then, many of them feel they know me ... So I think smart casual is the key.

13 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

Well a week ago it got up to 95 degrees! That was unusual, sending reporters in to interview people. In the 10 day forecast the highest high is only 70, which on the coast would feel pretty cool.
The best thing is to pack for a variety of temps, and layer. I would definitely bring a windbreaker, shorts, also long pants, and sweater or two. Also, Santa Cruz is very casual.

13 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Do you run hot or cold? I run cold, so would leave my sandals behind, same with anything sleeveless. The weather reminds me a bit of the areas of SF closest to the ocean like the Avenues. Locals and students wear a lot of gear there, but I would wear what seems in tune with your corporate culture. If you go off site, you do not need to worry about being underdressed, esp. footwear wise.

13 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

There is a reason everyone in Santa Cruz (and many other NorCal beachy cities) wears fleece. It is the best...except for the fact that it is, well, fleece. So think fleece, and try to figure out attractive fleece-substitutes.

Cashmere sweater plus a wind-proof jacket are the perfect layers if you need to be dressier than camping but more casual than a business meeting.

13 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

Agree with advice up thread. You will need layers and it will get cold at night. I think I'd wear boots, dressy jeans, blazer/jacket and blouse you'd be happy wearing by itself. Pencil skirt + tights would be fine too. I definitely would not go bare legged or wear sandals.

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh hey, I was just in Santa Cruz. Went and hung out at the beach. It was the perfect day. This is our indian summer, but the weather IS starting to turn. Mornings and evenings do get foggy and chilly. Layers is the best advice.

One of my fave outfit formulas is after a girl I knew from Santa Cruz: Slacks (office-y wool/rayon), peasant-type blouses, boots - darker "forest" colors, but no blacks. Perfect California office/smart casual.

13 years ago

Ann in New England

Active Member

Rachylou: No black?!?! Horrors. I'm a New Yorker at heart, and that heart is colored black and charcoal
(will Navy do? It appears to be one of my colors this fall).

Thanks all. Planning outfits in my head, will model later this week before they go into the suitcase.

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Navy is absolutely it! Perfect!

13 years ago

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