As Californians, we get to boast about living in one of the mildest climates in the country. As San Franciscans though, we get to stand by and watch when, come May, everyone else sheds their winter layers and welcomes summer with open arms. “Our summer comes a little later,” we tell out-of-towners as we layer on our jackets during Memorial Day weekend, too proud of our City by the Bay to admit any weakness. To be fair though, we’re not lying, it does finally come; our summer begins right as the stores begin stocking up autumn and winter apparel and shipping out the all the bold, floral dresses and brightly-colored tank tops.
This summer, I move to say good-bye to our climate-induced, feigned indifference to the season. Why stubbornly continue to sport our winter coats and jeans while the rest of America basks in sunshine on the promise that, one day, summer will show up here too? It is entirely possible to start dressing appropriately for summertime while also embracing the unique weather that our beloved Bay bestows on us. Below, I describe five trends that, rain or shine, radiate a summery ambiance even when the sun doesn’t.
1. Woven Bags and Clutches:
You don’t have to be headed out to a day on the sand to carry this beach-bag inspired style. Woven straw bags are perfect for a carryall to the office or to class. Downsize the bag and take it out with you at night as an unconventional clutch. The key to maximizing the summery aspect of woven bags is to look for styles with bright colors or bold prints — don’t shy away from neon handles or a rainbow chevron design.
Clockwise from top left: blue clutch, Asos; bag with neon handles, Lulus; chevron clutch, Asos; striped tote, Madewell; color blocked bag, Asos.
