San Francisco is known for its fog and unpredictable weather. The morning may start out chilly and overcast, and by 2 pm you might be lounging in the park in the sun. The maritime climate here is not far off from what I experienced living abroad in Amsterdam. Temperatures are usually fairly moderate all year round. Between the mid-range temperatures and unpredictable weather, it can be hard to pack for. Additionally, San Francisco is a very laid-back city. If you’re coming from someplace like NYC, as I was, it can be a major departure from your everyday wardrobe.
I most recently took a long weekend trip to visit my best friend. I’d never been before, so I definitely had to call her to figure out what to pack for San Francisco in July. I leaned on her shared knowledge as well as my experience in Amsterdam to put together a suitcase that made sense. Below are some recommendations to help you pack for your next trip!
Xx, Kelsey
Windbreaker/puffer jacket – Maritime climates often come with a lot of wind off the water, so having a jacket that keeps that wind from cutting through is extremely helpful. Even though you’re packing for San Francisco in July, you’ll still need a decent mid-weight jacket. I’d recommend either going with a windbreaker or a puffer to break the wind and keep you warm.
Walking shoes – I brought my favorite Veja sneakers which turned out to be perfect. San Francisco is very hilly and uneven, so you’ll want shoes you can easily walk around in. If you’re planning to do some hiking, make sure to pack proper shoes for that – hiking boots or trail sneakers will do you wonders.
Leggings – I’m not kidding when I say this city is very casual. When deciding what to pack for San Francisco in July, don’t forget to throw in a few pairs of leggings. You’ll definitely get use out of them, and they’re perfect for layering on any chilly days. My favorite pair are my Lululemon Aligns.
Base layers – When the weather is unpredictable, it’s essential to pack with the intention of layering. Imagine starting the day out chilly – you’ll want a long sleeve shirt topped with a sweatshirt. Then imagine the day heats up in the afternoon when the sun is shining – you may want the ability to strip down to a t-shirt.
Versatile dress – If you’re like me and still want to be a little stylish when visiting San Francisco, I highly recommend the viral Skims dress. I love this dress because you can easily adjust the length to make it longer if you get chilly. I layered mine with a button-down, a puffer jacket, and sneakers for a day exploring the city.
Oversized blazer – When you’re planning what to pack for San Francisco in July, consider if you’ll be exploring the many amazing restaurants the city has to offer. While things are definitely still casual, I’d recommend bringing a neutral blazer that can be thrown over any of your outfits to make things a little more elevated for dinner.
Block heel boots – Yes, boots are still a thing in San Francisco in July. If you’re planning to do any dressing up, I’d recommend sticking with a block heel. I wore my favorite booties with cropped jeans and a corset top for our one night out at The Battery. That being said, you can completely get away with much more casual shoes everywhere you go, so this is only based on personal preference.
