How to Mine Your San Francisco Wardrobe for a Freezing Winter Getaway

I try to return to New York during the holidays. I love the city when it's cold and (twinkle)lit AF. I only have one rule for packing for these trips: everything I bring has to fit in a single carry-on. Last week, that meant dressing for highs in the 20s. I managed it with plenty of space left for workout clothes and my travel steamer.

After seven years in San Francisco, I've donated most of my East Coast winter sweaters and coats to charity, so I have to be smart about layering my Bay Area pieces to survive sub-30 temperatures. My winter travel capsule breaks down to twelve items—five tops, two pants, one dress, one coat, and three pairs of shoes—and it's easy to replicate with the basics you already have in your closet. (Or shop my picks below by clicking on the photos.) With clever mixing and matching, you can create four or five days of outfits from this collection.

Since you'll be wearing at least some of these picks en route to your destination—I recommend a sweater or sweatshirt, tank, jeans or leggings, over-the-knee boots, and a coat for travel—you should be able to easily fit the rest in your roll-aboard. Whether you're flying back east or debarking to the snowy plains, these are the building blocks for your winter getaway wardrobe.

Melissa Fleis Stevie Sweater

Melissa Fleis's knits fit beautifully and they have a slightly post-apocalyptic vibe, so they're kinda my jam. The pieces are designed to be mixed and matched, and I love this sweater with her Drift top, but it would work just as well over a traditional tank if you're not into asymmetrical layers.

$440 at NWBLK, 1999 Bryant Street
 

American Giant Essential Pullover

If there's one thing we learned from 2016, it's that fashion loves a hoodie. Embrace the comfort while it lasts. To wear your hoodie like a street style star, add leather leggings, sneakers, and a great coat for an afternoon running errands.

$69 at American Giant, online

Levi's Selvedge Denim Shirt

I love a denim shirt with everything from jeans (double denim!) to leather leggings to a sequined mermaid skirt. It's one of the basic building blocks of your wardrobe, so why wouldn't you pack it for a trip? 

$98 at Levi's Plaza Store, 1155 Battery Street

Everlane Silk Camisole

Silk is ideal for layering because it's not bulky, and it helps regulate your body temperature. A silk cami is the easiest layer under sweaters and blouses when you want to warm up, or you can wear it with your leggings for a model-off-duty look.

$58 at Everlane, online and at 2170 Folsom Street

Banana Republic Essential Tank

I think I have at least ten Banana Republic tank tops—they truly live up to their "essential" name. They work under sweaters and sweatshirts, or for lounging. I never travel without one. 

$22.50 at Banana Republic, 256 Grant Avenue

Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Leggings

Leather leggings are expensive, but they're perfect for winter travel: comfortable, stretchy, easily packed, and warm. Wear them with flat boots and a sweater to dress them down or heels and a cami to dress them up. Simple. Easy. Done.

$990 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 384 Post Street

Gap Grey High Stretch 1969 Legging Jeans

My monochromatic travel wardrobe skews toward black, but a pair of grey jeans make it a little less monotonous. These will coordinate with the OTK boots or the sneaks. 

$44.95 at Gap, 890 Market Street

Amour Vert Priscilla Dress

We all know that an LBD is a versatile option in your suitcase. The twist detailing on the front of this Amour Vert number makes it fancy enough for a night out, or, if you want to dress it down, you can layer a sweater and a jacket over it. 

$138 at Amour Vert, 437 Hayes Street
 

J'Amy Tarr Black Moto Coat

It never ceases to amaze me how much a well-cut coat can pull together even the most casual look. J'Amy's Japanese wool moto coats are classic, yet distinct, and will look smart with everything else in your travel capsule.

$685 at J'Amy Tarr, online.

Stuart Weitzman Lowland Boots, $798

OTK boots instantly elevant a look. Wear these while you trvael, since they would take up a lot of space in your suitcase. When you arrive, layer them over your skinnies or with tights and under a dress for extra warmth.

$798 at Nordstrom, 865 Market Street.

Paolo Lynsey Ankle Boots

Other local shoe brands may get more buzz in San Francisco, but Paolo makes some killer heels. The fringe on these adds enough interest that the rest of your outfit can be simple and you'll still have a "look". The heels are five inches, so they're not ideal for walking, but these would be badass for Uber-ing to a party or dinner.

$289 at Paolo, 524 Hayes St

Allbirds Wool Runners

You've got boots, you've got heels, now you need sneakers. And there's nothing more comfortable than a pair of Allbirds. These are the casual kicks for your trip; wear them around town, or even the gym. They're super squishy, so they're easy to pack in your suitcase. 

$95 at Allbirds, online