Here’s What Everyone in Northern California Is Wearing Right Now

There’s me, a long-overdue trip to the west coast (the Bay Area to be exact) and the opportunity to ogle—and be inspired by—the fashion, which notably contrasts summer attire in New York, my home turf. How come? For one thing, no matter the height of the temps, the heat is dry vs. humid. It’s also crisp and cool every morning and night. (Sweater season really is an annual thing here.) Not only that, the range of activities varies quite a bit. In one day, I popped to a park, a museum, a farmers market, sat poolside and went on a micro-hike, checking out what locals were wearing all along the way.

So, what is everyone in Northern California wearing? The vibe is a mix of coastal grandmother meets Paris with one notable difference: layers, always layers. Here, my top six NorCal-approved looks.

You’re just as likely to see this combo in Sonoma as you are to spot it at a city playground or park. The key to dressing it down is pairing neutral hues with flats or a chic pair of sneakers. But it hits all the right notes, delivering easy comfort and style while keeping you breezy and warm.

Shop similar styles: Madewell Tiered Midi Skirt ($98); Everlane Button-Front Skirt ($78); Cuyana Linen Flare Skirt ($178); Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cardigan ($445); Naked Cashmere Ribbed Sweater ($295)

Not to harp on the playground style, but it really is a bit of a fashion runway when it comes to showcasing what locals actually wear. Boho dresses are absolutely it. Quintessential California? Yep. One-and-done summer silhouette? As long as there are long sleeves for when there’s a chill in the air, absolutely. (If not, throw on an oversized denim jacket or blazer.) Paired with Birkenstocks or slides, they’re a low-maintenance look that will take you from day to night.

Shop similar styles: Me+Em Maxi Dress ($445); Reistor Wrap Dress ($156); & Other Stories Puff Sleeve Dress ($129); Birkenstock Sandal ($110); Margaux Slide ($218)

Cue the coastal grandmother-meets-Paris energy: While most likely to be found in a Nancy Meyers movie (i.e. SoCal), this combo is on full display in Napa, but it’s trickling into the city, too. The key is coverage (again, it gets chilly on and off) and a monochromatic color palette (think pairing whites and other neutrals). A final touch that gives the look a pop? A Breton sweater draped over your shoulders, ready to pull on, is all you need to give the look a certain je ne sais quoi.

Shop similar styles: AYR Oxford Button-Down ($135); Everlane Relaxed Shirt ($80); Frank & Eileen Cotton Button-Down ($238); DL1961 Skinny Jeans ($179); Madewell Wide Leg Crop Jeans ($128); Mother Loose Fit Jeans ($228); La Ligne Sweater ($275); Alex Mill Crewneck Sweater ($135); J.Crew Oversized Sweater ($118)

They’re practically a requirement here—not just for sun protection, but to aid in that casual, cool California vibe. Whether you’re headed to the beach or brunch, you’ll want to carry one along. (Letting your hair go unwashed a day longer than it maybe should is just an added bonus.)

Shop similar styles: Hedley & Bennett Chef Hat ($35); Clare V. Trucker Hat ($45); The Sister Market Baseball Cap ($34); Wyeth Straw Hat ($84); Terrain Somerset Hat ($68); L.K. Bennett Raffia Hat ($125)

It’s function meets fashion with another one-and-done summer staple. Overalls fit the weekend aesthetic here while jumpsuits of all kinds (utility, silk, etc.) are on display all week long. While you can’t go wrong with white overalls or a slate gray utility jumpsuit, a vibrant pop of color is a delightful option for when you’re feeling bold.

Shop similar styles: Fraiche by J Jumpsuit ($105); Alex Mill Jumpsuit ($125); Noble Utility Suit ($198); Outerknown The S.E.A. Suit ($168); The Kit Issa Jumpsuit ($148)