What to wear in San Francisco in August

When people think of California in the summer, I’ll bet they think beaches, sunshine, and sweltering temperatures. That may be true for much of the state, but it’s generally not the case in San Francisco. We do have beaches and the sun usually appears for at least an hour or two, but in the month of August, the temperatures are anything but sweltering. Welcome to Fogust, when the inland heat hits the cool ocean air and blankets the city in a thick fog. It's also when you see tourists traipsing through the city in shorts, sandals, and San Francisco sweatshirts. The good news is that you don’t have to totally forgo summer clothes in August, but you do need to get creative with your layers. Here’s my go-to outfit for summer in San Francisco.



You may be tempted to wear a thick sweater when you see that morning temperatures can start in the 50s, but if and when the sun does come out, you will be sweating. Hence light layers are always the way to go, and my favorite base is a long-sleeved tee. Unless I’m going to wine country (or it’s September or October, when it’s actually hot in SF), this is what I wear year-round.




This time of year, however, a leather jacket is frequently in order. I like leather because it keeps out the wind chill; people complain about the fog, but, to me, the bigger problem is the wind that makes it roll in so quickly. This is my favorite leather jacket which you’ve seen a gazillion times (most recently on Valentine's Day, but also with the same tee in this post on how to dress like a French woman). It’s a relic from my years at Banana Republic, and it’s such a classic; I’d highly recommend picking one up during their Friends & Family event. I’m in a size small, for reference.



I like to be prepared in case the sun actually does come out, so my go-to summer outfit usually involves a skirt. I feel like the weather isn’t as bone-chillingly cold as it is in the winter, so I can usually get away with bare legs. I own this skirt in two washes (you last saw it here with white boots) and recommend sizing up, as I almost always do with Topshop.



And even if it is cold enough to force me into pants, I almost always wear sandals in summer. That’s one area where I refuse to compromise. (To be honest, it was so chilly when we were shooting this post, I almost wish I were wearing jeans.) I picked this pair up during Zara’s summer sale; I’m really trying to downsize my Zara shopping, but I thought the cutout shape of these was so unique, and for some reason, it’s hard to find a pair of yellow sandals in leather, rather than suede, which gets so dirty. These are sadly long gone, but I’ve linked a similar pair below. And yes, I'm carrying my Audette bag, which I had with me all through my trip to Stockholm and Copenhagen.



We shot these photos in Cole Valley, a neighborhood in San Francisco that I tend not to spend much time in, but have decided I will do so more in the future, because it’s cute and neighborhoody, and not too far from where I live. I highly recommend Padrecito for tacos and Alembic on Haight Street for cocktails.




OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic jacket | Zadig & Voltaire tee | Topshop denim skirt | Audette coffret bag | Zara sandals (similar here)


11 comments

Ruth said...

That is such a cute outfit! I love the leather jacket and those yellow heels are amazing!

http://www.ruthyannie.com

FashionRadi said...

I love the white denim skirt.
Looking forward to visiting San Fran next month.

www.fashionradi.com

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

I am in love with those sandals! Zara had such amazing shoes! And what should we do without leather jackets!

mummabstylish said...

Spot on! Love the whole look, especially your sandals. I thinking about getting some mustard footwear, not sure whether shoes or boots for the next season. Jacqui Mummabstylish

Grace Liang said...

Such a perfect look! I love the pop of yellow shoes!

https://colorandgrace.com/

Laura B said...

This look is fabulous! I love the yellow sandals! Such a fun bright pop of color!

mireille said...

Didn't realize that about San Francisco! Only have been there once or twice but lived in Southern California for a couple of years.
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Straight A Style said...

We did a CA trip in June a couple of years ago, and I was so unprepared for how cold San Francisco was!! You look so cute.

Amy Ann
Straight A Style

Jessica Jannenga said...


We had such a good time in SF last Oct, Id go back then again, but yes, I imagine you get prepared for wind or a chill. LOVE your jacket, the fit is awesome and I have a thing for moto jackets! I love a great denim skirt and this looks great with the stripes. The punch of color is perfect with your pine green bag and I couldn't stop looking at those adroable yellow sandals!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

Elegance and Mommyhood said...

San Francisco is one of my top 15 American cities I want to visit and my cousin visited last June and told me it was cooler there than in Michigan, during that time. Your Californian Modern+Edgy style totally suits the vibe of California, I think. Those shoes are gorgeous too and together with the bag make for perfect pops of color.

Loved sharing this look on Thursday Moda this week. =)

http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2019/08/thursday-moda-181-bikini-style-summer.html

Have a great new week! Ada. =))

Mica said...

The yellow shoes make this look I think! So great with the black and white! :0

Hope that you had a great weekend :) Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp I just posted this week's linkup, I'd love you to join again! :)

Away From Blue