Baby It's Cold Outside

So here in San Francisco it's been fucking freezing. But it is summer people! I know it would be easy to carry on wearing your winter garb, but I'm not down with it. I don't want to go through the summer looking at you in your drab flannels and hoodies. I hale from New England where we change everything every season, even our personalities if we have to. It's not enough to just forego a coat. Guy at the dog park shivering in his green hooodie does not give me that summertime feeling. I don't want to see people shivering in summer. So, I've compiled this list of cold summer tips.

Start with a summer coat. I'm not talking about doubling up on hoodies people.


I love how this coat is part trench part pea. It's by Aquascutum ltd. and will remain wearable throughout fall. There's tons of people making lighter weight summery pea coats these days. I've even seen denim and chambray ones around. All that's a good idea.


This parka from Velour is amazing. The hood can be rolled and zipped into the collar and it's shorter than most more cumbersome parkas.


Yes please. Classic. G9 slimfit Harrington jacket by Baracuta.

For tops I'm always a fan of nautical. It's so easy and I like it for cold SF summers because at least it brings to mind the sea. Nautical or not crew neck sweaters and sweatshirts are a good idea. Wear cotton knit instead of wool sweaters for summertime warmth.




Good sweater options from Velour and American Apparel.

Try a popover shirt. This one is by Gant Rugger but there's lots out there.

Get some slim fit colored chinos.



These ones from Shades Of Greige are my favorite. I have them myself in navy. Good ol' seersucker pants always work dressed up or down too. Or, try fade wash jeans rolled up at the bottom for a beachy look.

Wear a lighter more narrow belt.




Like this hoof-pick belt from Wiley Brothers that I have been coveting since what feels like the beginning of time. Or, the equally covet-able young belt from Folk.

Get some shoes that reflect the season.



Boat shoes just aren't going away and I'm fine with that but if you're going to spend good money on shoes I think they should be wearable throughout the year and never go out of style. Try these navy suede blucher mocs by Quoddy as a boat shoe alternative.

Or,



Alden red brick bucks.

Or, if you really want to save money do what I did, take your beat up old lace up vans and switch out the laces with suede or leather cord. Instant summer classic. You can get leather cord at your local craft or bead store super cheap. I personally tugged the leather laces out of some old defunct boat shoes.

Another cheap way to summerize your wardrobe is simply change your socks.





I like solid socks like these from American Apparel. The calf high seed stitched trouser sock is lighter weight comes in a zillion colors and can be worn with suit pants to jeans. The solid calf high sock is more the weight of a gym sock and I wear them year round.

And last but not least, carry a bag that can go from the beach to the windy city streets.



This one from Farm Tactics fits the bill.

In conclusion, I just want us all to be happy and by dressing season appropriate I believe we can achieve this. Don't let summer fade into fall into winter into whatever, mark your time with your socks.