Heather Clark – How To Dress For San Francisco Summer

We’re the first ones to admit that working with S.F.'s finicky forecasts is a bit of a headache. And while we yearn to head out the door sans a sweater this summer, we know we’d have a major case of weather regrets (and possible hypothermia) if we took that risk.

The next best thing? Playing nice with S.F.'s thermometer and crafting a 'fit that goes both ways: An ensemble that's ready to roll when the mercury rises, but still keeps you warm when the PM chill settles. So, we've turned to one of our fave blogging babes, Heather Clark of Heather In A Candy Shop, to school us on said styling. She’s whipped up a charming getup (those scalloped shorts!) that is a double whammy in fashion and function. Bonus: We've gathered the perfect ingredients to help you copy this spot-on look at home!

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Essential #1: Quirky Tee — Hey, sometimes the simple styles seal the deal. And we don’t think any garment says carefree summer quite like a white tee. There’s something so fresh and breezy about sporting one with shorts, but since we’re in the thick of an S.F. summer — layering is a must. We love the way Heather had fun (literally) with this graphic Wildfox tee.

Wildfox Never Ending Fun Tee, $64, available at Shopbop.

Essential #2: Flattop Frames — If there’s one sunnies shape that doesn’t get enough play, it’s flattops. And a pair of tortoise-shell frames are kind of a summer necessity, so the two together — perfection. If you ask us, Heather's Karen Walkers are pretty covetable. Sunglasses envy? It does exist.

Karen Walker Deep Freeze Sunglasses, $220, available at Eye Goodies.

Essential #3: Bright Jacket — Okay, we’ve come to terms with the fact we will be sporting jackets until mid-September. Sigh. But, if there’s one way to look on the bright side, it’s by sporting a vivid coverup. Yes, we have to layer, but it doesn’t need to be a snooze-fest, right? This mint blazer is exactly what we're talking about.

Zara Studded Blazer, $90, available at Zara.

Essential #4: Standout Shorts — Who wears short shorts? Adding a sleek pair to the mix is a cool way to incorporate a summer staple without freezing your butt off. If we had it our way, these girly, scalloped iterations would be in our closets right now!

Opening Ceremony Pleated Scallop Short, $294, available at La Garconne.

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Essential #5: Cross-Body Bag — We’ll never tire of a sturdy, cross-body bag. And this one Heather keeps close to her seems like a pretty solid option. The silhouette is structured and the color classic, but the tassels add a subtle touch of playfulness.

Rebecca Minkoff Black M.A.C. Clutch, $295, available at Rebecca Minkoff.

Essential #6: Hill-Friendly Heels — Last, but certainly not least, throw on some cute steppers to round out the look. Obviously, we need to be conscious of the super-steep S.F. hills, but a minimal heel with a strappy style sounds about right. These Sergio Rossi soles are too hot to trot!

Sergio Rossi Watersnake Gladiator Sandals, $448, available at The Outnet.

Photo: Via Heather In A Candy Shop