San Francisco has my heart. The culture, the views, the food… what’s not to love?! But that weather? It can be a real challenge. One minute it’s sunny and gorgeous, the next the fog rolls in and you’re reaching for a jacket.
But don’t you worry! I’ve been there, and I’ve pulled together some of my absolute favorite outfit ideas to help you navigate the city’s famous microclimates. These looks are all about being practical without sacrificing style.
From casual days exploring to chic evenings out, I’ve got some serious inspo for you. Let’s get you ready for your next adventure in the City by the Bay!
Casual and Comfortable San Francisco Outfits
1. Herringbone Blazer and Straight-Leg Jeans
Tossing a herringbone blazer over a simple tee with some light wash straight-leg jeans is such a chic move. This look is my absolute go-to for a day spent wandering through museums or for a casual work meeting.
The blazer gives it an instant touch of sophistication, while the jeans ensure the vibe stays relaxed and totally comfortable.
2. Maxi Dress and Denim Jacket
For a look that just screams San Francisco, you can’t go wrong with a flowy white maxi dress and a light blue denim jacket. I think this combo is ideal for checking out the city’s different neighborhoods or having a little picnic at Golden Gate Park.
The dress is breezy enough for when it gets warm, and the jacket is the perfect layer for those chilly gusts of wind.
3. Crop Top and Maxi Skirt
I am obsessed with pairing a white sleeveless crop top with a black maxi skirt. This outfit is so versatile and works for so many different plans, from wandering through the Ferry Building Marketplace to checking out a gallery opening in SoMa.
The play between the short top and the long skirt results in a really sleek and modern shape.
4. V-Neck Tee and Floral Pants
Bring out your inner flower child with a black V-neck t-shirt tucked into some wide-leg pants with a floral print. This is the perfect outfit for looking through the unique shops in Haight-Ashbury or catching a show at the Fillmore.
The wide-leg pants are both comfortable and stylish, and the simple black tee gives the whole look a solid base.
5. Bell Sleeve Top and Skinny Jeans
Try combining a white long-sleeve top with fun bell sleeves with a pair of black skinny jeans and a black belt.
This look finds that sweet spot between casual and dressed-up, which makes it great for a day at work that turns into a dinner date in the Marina District. I love that the bell sleeves add a little bit of flair to an otherwise classic outfit.
Layered Looks for San Francisco’s Microclimates
6. Leather Jacket and Leggings
Layering a black leather jacket that has a white fleece lining over a simple top and black leggings is such a good move. Finish it off with white sneakers!
This outfit is amazing for trekking up and down the city’s hills or for a fun night in the Castro. The leather jacket gives it some edge, and that fleece lining will keep you super warm when the temperature drops.
7. Plaid Coat and Mini Dress
You can stay both warm and fashionable when you layer a tan plaid long coat over a little black mini dress. This combo is perfect for those days you find yourself moving from the foggy Outer Sunset to the much sunnier Mission District.
The coat brings the warmth and a dose of class, while the dress keeps it feeling young and playful.
8. Shirt Dress and Leggings
Try wearing a shirt dress pulled in with a black belt over a pair of black leggings. This look is a lifesaver for that in-between weather and can easily take you from a casual lunch in North Beach to a nighttime show at the San Francisco Symphony.
The belt gives your waist some shape, and the leggings offer a bit more coverage and toastiness.
9. Cardigan, Striped Dress, and Leggings
A black cardigan over a striped dress with black leggings is a foolproof outfit for a day of sightseeing, from Fisherman’s Wharf all the way to Chinatown.
What’s so great about this is that the layers let you adapt as the temperature changes during the day, so you’re always feeling just right.
Dressy San Francisco Outfit Ideas
10. Fitted Sleeveless Dress and Heels
Putting on a dark, fitted sleeveless dress with some nude high heels creates such a classic and timeless vibe. This is an ideal outfit for any upscale events in the Financial District or for a night out in Russian Hill.
I love that the dress is so simple, it really lets you play with accessories depending on the event.
11. Strapless Maxi Dress
When you have a special night on the calendar, a strapless maxi dress with a ruched top and a ruffled bottom is a total showstopper. This elegant look is just made for a fancy dinner in Nob Hill or seeing a performance at the San Francisco Ballet.
The ruching on the bodice is so flattering, and the ruffled hem adds a little bit of fun.
12. Crochet Long-Sleeve Dress
A crochet long-sleeve dress is a beautiful choice for a bohemian-style look that still feels dressy enough for a nice restaurant or an art gallery event.
This outfit is a perfect fit for happenings in the very trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood. The crochet work gives your whole outfit some really nice texture and visual appeal.
Comfortable Yet Stylish Outfits for Exploring the City
13. Hoodie and Sweatpants
If you’re planning a more active day of seeing the sights, a black zip-up hoodie with black sweatpants, a black baseball cap, and white sneakers is the way to go.
This outfit is just what you need for biking over the Golden Gate Bridge or going for a hike in the Presidio. The all-black look keeps it feeling stylish, while the athletic pieces are all about comfort.
14. Oversized Sweater and Leggings
I love pairing a beige oversized sweater with some brown leggings and white sneakers for a super comfy outfit that’s perfect for wandering around the city’s amazing neighborhoods.
This is such a great look for a day that involves a lot of walking, like if you’re climbing the steps to Coit Tower or just taking a long walk through Golden Gate Park.
15. White Leather Jacket and Jeans
Putting together a white leather jacket with blue jeans and black sneakers results in a look that’s both edgy and comfortable. This outfit is so good for checking out the street art in the Mission or catching some live music at one of the city’s cool venues.
The white leather jacket gives a really unique spin to the classic jacket-and-jeans formula.
16. Ruched Crop Top and Mini Skirt Set
A ruched crop top with a matching ruched mini skirt is such a cute set, especially with white sneakers.
This matching look is super on-trend and comfy, which makes it an amazing choice for shopping in Union Square or having a laid-back brunch in the Mission. The ruching detail adds a nice bit of texture to the whole outfit.
San Francisco-Inspired Fashion Statements
17. Plaid Blazer and Flared Jeans
For a 70s kind of vibe, combine a plaid blazer with a black satin top, blue flared jeans, and some platform sneakers. This outfit is so fun for a night out in North Beach or seeing a concert at the Fillmore.
I love how the mix of retro pieces and modern touches creates a really unique and head-turning look.
18. Puffer Jacket and Jeans
A puffer jacket with jeans and sneakers is the perfect way to stay warm and stylish. This is the outfit you’ll want for those foggy days in the Outer Richmond or for a breezy walk along Ocean Beach.
The puffer jacket brings plenty of warmth without looking bulky, and the jeans and sneakers keep it casual and comfy.
19. Zebra Print Mini Dress
If you want to make a statement, a zebra print mini dress with puff sleeves and a defined waist is the answer.
This attention-grabbing outfit is perfect for a night out in the Castro or a fancy brunch in Nob Hill. The bold pattern makes sure you’ll be noticed, and the puff sleeves with the cinched waist make for a super flattering shape.
20. Eyelet Top and High-Waisted Skirt
You can get some old Hollywood glamour by pairing a white cropped eyelet top with a dark high-waisted skirt and a pearl necklace.
This is the perfect outfit for having afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel or going on a vintage shopping adventure in Haight-Ashbury. The mix of a cropped top and a high-waisted skirt gives you that classic silhouette.
21. Crochet Top and Ruffle Skirt
For a day at Baker Beach or a walk through the Sutro Baths ruins, a white crochet sleeveless top with a white layered ruffle mini skirt and dark sunglasses is a great choice.
The all-white combination feels so fresh and summery, while the crochet and ruffle details add some really nice texture and flow.
22. Long Coat and Light Wash Jeans
Layering a brown long coat over a gray tank top and light wash jeans, and then finishing the look with white sneakers, is a perfect outfit.
It’s great for those days that start cool and get warmer as you explore places like Pacific Heights or Noe Valley. The neutral palette makes the whole look feel connected and really sophisticated.
23. Leather Blazer and High-Neck Top
A leather blazer layered over a high-neck top and jeans with white sneakers is an amazing outfit for a day of checking out museums or galleries in SoMa.
The leather blazer brings a cool, edgy feel to what is otherwise a very classic combination of pieces.