On the Scene San Francisco: Locals Talk About Current Trends in Their City

Mainstream and counterculture - both can be found on the streets of San Francisco. On the one hand, there is the “tech casual” look that originated in the Silicon Valley start-up scene: jeans paired with a casual shirt, cool sneakers, and a smartwatch. An outfit that embodies the city’s innovative spirit and maker attitude. Rather than showing off their wealth, many San Franciscans opt for “quiet luxury.” They invest in high-priced pieces that never go out of style and don’t flaunt logos.

The counter program is the nonconformist boho and hippie chic of the Mission District and Haight-Ashbury. Colorful and garish outfits represent the city’s spirit of freedom.

If you want to discover the latest fashion trends in the city, I recommend Valencia Street. Bars such as the Trick Dog, the Foreign Cinema restaurant, and the Public Works club are filled with hipsters wearing vintage-inspired outfits. On the other hand, expensive designer outfits dominate the exclusive club The Battery in the Financial District. The area around Divisadero Street, with its colorful mix of bars and restaurants, is also very popular.   

The best place to shop for vintage fashion is the Mission District. If you’re looking for local fashion, check out Hayes Valley – and Fillmore Street, with its charming mix of high-end boutiques and small shops by local designers. Many of my favorite brands are from San Francisco. For example, the sustainable fashion labels Everlane, Cuyana, and Marine Layer.

Unlike other US cities, San Francisco is easily explored on foot. Therefore, comfortable shoes are a must-have. Sneakers from Rothy’s and Allbirds, two labels from San Francisco, are very popular at the moment. Rothy’s sneakers are machine washable, while Allbirds sneakers are made from sustainable, natural materials such as eucalyptus.

For a day of sightseeing, I recommend a stylish jacket over a sweatshirt, combined with jeans, sneakers, and a light scarf – San Francisco is often foggy and chilly in the mornings and evenings, even in summer. A cross-body bag is also handy to store your sweatshirt, scarf, and jacket when it gets warmer during the day.

About:

French-born Lili Henry has made a name for herself in San Francisco as a stylist and image consultant. Her motto: “I want my clients to feel more confident and radiate that in their professional and personal lives. Fashion should be accessible for all.”