5 Northern California Style Tips To Follow

Northern California embraces an eclectic mix of styles and fashion, making it pretty hard for anyone to stand out for the wrong reasons. That is unless you’re dressed poorly for the cool and foggy marine weather. In that case, you and your flip-flops would be singled out as a tourist in a second. But don’t worry, you can easily adopt the Northern California style and make it your own—the rules aren’t that many. 

Leave the always-sunny and beachy stereotype at home—that’s very SoCal and doesn’t really stretch to NorCal apparel. Instead of shorts, sandals, and bikini tops, opt for denim, light layers, and comfortable boots and sneakers, especially if you’re heading to NorCal during the fall or winter.

1. Wear Trendy and Timeless Outerwear

The weather is still very pleasant in Northern California, but it does tend to get a little chillier and gloomier around the fall and winter months. But, the fact that your outerwear will steal all the spotlight from the rest of your outfit won’t be so bad if you invest in quality pieces to carry out the colder months throughout the year. 

In any case, finding nice outerwear is easier said than done. The key is to opt for versatility and good quality so you won’t have to repeat it every year. A leather jacket for fall and a nice trench for winter will not only keep you warm, but it’ll also kick your Northern Cal style up a notch. Plus, these styles have been around forever and are pretty much immune to the trend cycle—you’ll be good for years to come.

2. Build a Capsule Wardrobe of Minimalist and Comfortable Clothing

Having a good collection of sweaters, jeans, leggings, and zip-ups as a part of your Northern California clothing capsule is crucial. Comfortable materials in neutral colors and minimal prints are great additions to your wardrobe—they’ll also be in constant rotation. So, choose wisely and pick out items you can mix and match to wear interchangeably.

Neutral colors are a good bet, but make sure to include some colorful items in your capsule wardrobe. Bold fashion choices define cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Cruz. Applying a pop of color from a beanie or sneakers to a neutral base will go a long way. Northern California's weather can change on a dime, so look to add a light jacket or comfortable sweater, even for spring and fall; you'll thank us when it's randomly 50 degrees in May.

3. Invest in Shoes That You’ll Love in the Morning and Won’t Hate at Night

In an age where your shoes introduce yourself before you do, many people pick out their outfits bottom up. This is especially true if you live in a city where choosing clothing is largely dictated by the day’s weather. If versatility is a concern of yours, you might want to forget open-toed shoes for fall in Northern California. Instead, choose sneakers, boots, and maybe even heels (if you must) that you can easily wear day to night.

You most likely already have a pair or two of comfy sneakers in your closet on constant rotation. But if you’re looking for a new pair to add to your Northern California style, check out California’s coolest online stores to find the best new releases. 

4. Carry a Practical Tote That’ll Allow you to Transport your Necessities in Style

Tote bags have been undergoing a moment in the spotlight, but they’re nothing new when it comes to Northern California style. In fact, Bay Area residents have been carrying chic, practical totes for a long time now, and the world is simply catching up. 

Want to get in on the trend? You don’t have to look far. Many California brands make beautiful totes that are environmentally conscious for everyday wear. Tote bags don't have to be huge, either. There are some solid options out there for smaller tote bags that are still functional. Lastly, you can opt for a bold or neutral color depending on your personal fashion. A tote can be an excellent way to round out the color blocking of your fit.

5. Opt for a Statement Piece to Tie your Northern California Style Together

And finally, Northern California fashion is not all about practicality and practicality alone. After all, fashion isn’t something you can approach with pure pragmatic sensibilities—the most important part of dressing is having fun with it! That’s why it’s common to see people rocking a statement piece or two that don’t typically fit in with the basics of Northern California style. And hey, you should do that as well. 

Whether it’s with funky jewelry, a cool bag, or maybe a pair of bright-colored shoes, it’s important to project a bit of yourself and your personality into every outfit you put together. Look at inspiration from the beach vibes of Santa Cruz, the streetwear mecca of Oakland, or the quirky throwback style of Berkeley. Northern California is filled with inspiration.