Outerwear & Blazers
One of the most important categories in any closet is outerwear! Especially in a city like San Francisco where you can’t leave the house without one. I own a total of 31 jackets, not including blazers which I’ll share more about at the end.
You know I love a good charming piece here and there and this category is no exception! I love a good pop of color or printed jacket. If anything, I could use a few more classic staples to round this category out. One of the things I love the most about buying a new coat is that it’s a worthwhile investment that stays relevant much longer than most other types of clothing articles you buy. Many of these pieces I’ve owned for over 5 years now!
I like to break each category of my closet down into sub-categories to really dial in on what’s working and what’s not. I’m sharing my thoughts below!
Casual Fleece & Puffers
Between weekend hikes, afterwork walks and weekend errands, this sub-category is probably my most worn. I own a total of 7 fleece or puffer jackets (not including my ski jacket which really could use an update). The core of what I wear is either grey or black but I do have a few colorful options like this North Face puffer vest (I have the pink color block which is sold out) and I really could use a solid black puffer vest, I got rid of the North Face one I had for like 10 years because it was getting pretty ratty!
Patagonia is my go to for fleece! The better sweater fleece is my most worn jacket by far and has been for many years. I love how easily it layers over workout tops without adding bulk while still keeping you warm. I also have the better sweater vest style for bike ride and runs.
A few years ago, I bought this white puffer jacket but through experience have learned that white is not a great option for such an active category. It’s showing so much wear even after being spot treated and washed. It’s also cropped so I could use a more functional puffer option here soon. Overall hindsight is the importance of functionality here!
Lightweight Short Jackets
This sub-category includes denim, twill and a lightweight rain jacket. I own a total of 8 styles here.
I don’t wear the stone and army green twill jackets I have nearly as much as the denim. Although they are great for flea markets because of all the pockets! Denim just goes with everything and therefore I find it’s the best option to pop on anytime! The 90’s trucker jacket is my all time favorite Levi’s denim jacket fit. It’s a little oversized which makes it all the more versatile. Within denim, I own a range of washes but I find I wear the medium blue wash the most.
I would like to find the perfect Barbour barn jacket on The Real Real at some point. The one above in the selfie photo was one I tried on at Bloomingdale’s that I really liked! Something that is a little relaxed like this and can easily be work with leggings but also over lightweight sweaters and tee’s. I have a waxed barn jacket from J.Crew but it’s pretty fitted and so I don’t wear it that often.
Cozy Short Jackets
Oh cozy short jackets how I love you! They just make a lot of sense in San Francisco’s 50-60 climate most of the year.
I own a total of 7 options in this category and they all make so much sense for different end uses. A pink moto style for going out on the town, printed quilted for making a statement on a park day, solid quilted that doubles over activewear and sherpas for cozy fall days.
I would love to find a leather moto style for going out and also a few more printed options that can be worn anytime of year in a casual weekend way. I always keep my eye out on Zara for those. I always get asked about the paisley one I have when I wear it.
Trenches
This sub-category is short and sweet! I own 2 trench jackets. This one above is an oversized one from Zara last spring that I wear year round. I just love how roomy it is and that it goes with pretty much anything. I also have a more functional one from J.crew that is really good in the rain!
Long Wool Jackets
I have 5 long wool coats and this is also a category I wear A LOT and love having a range of neutral options in. My absolute favorite style is this Mango jacket that I have in stone and black pictured above. I love how drapey it is and the stone is a nice and light color to wear in San Francisco summers. The style of it works great to grab and go for every day wear. I wish they made it in a fashion color because I would snag it in a heartbeat! I’d love a bright solid pop of color for winter in this sub-category. At one point I thought it would be cool to own a winter white jacket but after my experience with the white North Face puffer, I’ve changed my mind on that. One last note, if you do try a Mango jacket make sure to size down!
I also have this Mango black jacket which just looks so chic on but it does feel a bit more dressy. I also have a long belted tan camel hair vintage jacket which also has amazing drape. Reminds me of the magic of a Max Mara one, which is on my bucket list to own sometime!
Notes to friends and self when shopping for long wool coats. Keep in mind the collar neck situation as some are more open then others and affect sensibility and versatility!
Long Fuzzy Jackets
I own one brown teddy jacket and one pink faux fur jacket in this category! These are fun to pull out on chilly winter days. I’ve had both for over 5 years now and still love them!
Blazers
Last but not least, my favorite way to infuse a little something special into your day to day is with a blazer! I own a total of 11 blazers and have a nice mix of basics and fashion. This is my favorite core one, and it’s under $50 too! I have it in black and white.
I love a classic tweed here, the moto style one is vintage St. John and the light tan one looks like Chanel but it’s actually old Bloomingdale’s Aqua brand. I always keep my eye out for tweeds that feel elevated.
Otherwise a sweet fashion moment is another thing I keep my eye out for, especially in the world of vintage. The tan one with the bows is Oscar de la Renta and the white one with the flowers is Red Valentino! This is a category I personally love investing in so much that I decided to start offering a few for sale in my shop too!
Okay that’s a wrap on outerwear and blazers, time to get window shopping.
