It’s peak summer in the northern hemisphere at the moment, but in San Francisco, we’re approaching the time of year I affectionately call Fogust. (That would be fog + August = Fogust.) Today, it was glorious and sunny; I wore a T-shirt and linen pants. Yesterday, it was drizzling and so chilly, I put on a leather jacket. Long story short, layers are the way to go here. My go-to outfits lately might not look anything like what you’ve been wearing recently, but they’re always an option any time of year in northern California. Here are some of my favorite recent looks.
Blazer + polo sweater + linen shorts + dad sandals
We have summer in San Francisco—it just comes a bit later, in September. So in the meantime, when we do get a more typical summer day this time of year, I make sure I’m layered up. Here I’m wearing linen shorts on my lower half (these are the perfect length, if you ask me, and the soft, lightweight fabric is so comfy) but a breathable cotton sweater and blazer on top. I thought I was not a polo sweater person until I tried this one from Gap, which, by the way, has been looking really good lately. I am a big fan of this one, which is 100% cotton and really soft and thick, although if you’re between sizes, I recommend going down (I’m in a medium and wish I had gone for a small). The blazer is Zara from several years ago, and the sandals are oldie but goodie Isabel Marant.
Striped cardigan + flared jeans + loafers
I cheated during No-Buy July and bought this cardigan on Prime Day. It’s a dupe of J.Crew’s Emilie cardigan, and it’ s a third of the price (it was even less during the sale). It’s not bad, however it’s a synthetic blend versus 100% cotton, and as you can see in some of the photos, the armholes are freakishly low, which makes it fit not as well as it should (I am wearing a medium and probably could have gone with a small). For $40, it’s not terrible, but you’re probably better off going with the real thing, which is what I wish I had done. As for the jeans, however, these were a Zara sale purchase and I freaking love them. They’re lightweight and stretchy, but they have a nice, clean shape, which is what you want in a wide-leg jean. They are incredibly high-waisted, but not at all restricting. I sized up to an 8 per the guidance on the website, which I think makes them extra comfy (and a good idea if you’re thicker through the waist like I am). I paired this look with some of my most classic accessories: my Chanel bag and super-comfy Gucci loafers.
Lady jacket + crochet sweater + carpenter jeans + ballet flats
This cropped jacket was another Zara sale purchase; it’s one of my favorite things I’ve bought from them recently. It’s giving classic Chanel vibes, but the styling feels very modern. It’s the perfect length to pair with higher-waisted, wide-leg pants, as I’m wearing here. The jeans were another No-Buy July cheat, from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They are so comfy and I love them, however like all things Free People, I should have gone down a size (I’m in my usual 28 here)—they don’t look so huge in person, but I feel like they unfortunately don’t photograph well. Note: this style comes cuffed, but I think they look better uncuffed, although I could have done a better job of steaming out the creases. I was trying to channel an early ’90s Chanel vibe with this look, so for icing on the cake, I went with my Chanel ballet flats. Because these jeans are so casual-looking, they call for a dressier—but not too dressy—shoe, and ballet flats fit the bill perfectly.
