What to Wear to Seattle in the Summer
Most of you know that I was born in Seattle and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve lived everywhere from Anacortes in the San Juan Islands, Skagit County, to Seattle proper and just South of the city.
If you couldn’t tell, it’s my favorite place on Earth….and I’ve been to some incredible places. Is it the food? The coffee on every corner? Or is it the Olympic and Cascade mountains that sandwich the evergreen-rich city, Puget Sound and Lake Washington?
Could it be the breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier on a clear day, or the quirky places to see and fun people to watch? Maybe it’s the fresh seafood and views of the water.
I can’t pick one. All I can say is, if you don’t mind gray and drizzly days in the winter, and rain- drenched streets in the spring, the Northwest really is best!
Since I just took a trip the Emerald City, I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do during the summer. This list by no means could ever be comprehensive. I mean… there’s so much variety in Seattle and the surrounding areas. It would take thousands of books to name all of the incredible things to do and see!
I go so many questions about what I was wearing when I was there, so this first PNW/Seattle post is all about what I wore or what I think you need to bring in the summer. And tomorrow, I’ll share all the things we recently did, and a list of some of my favorite places.
Weather
Let me preface by saying that Seattle is normally very mild in the summer with temps from the upper 60’s to low 80’s and typically guaranteed sunny in July and August. BUT for some reason, the PNW had a little heat wave for a couple of days while we were there! Above 100 degrees! Look at the weather and plan accordingly- and be prepared for changes.
Seattle Style
Seattle is a casual city so you can expect to see most people dressed down pretty much everywhere you go. Even the nicest restaurants. But obviously, feel free to wear a pretty summer dress or top if you’d like! People do still dress up so no one is gonna look at you weird. Just don’t plan on going over the top.
Layers
In Seattle you normally need to have layers for the cool mornings and evenings near the water. Bring a wrap or cardigan sweater, a sweatshirt, and a denim jacket and take it from there.
Base pieces
You’ll need some dresses, and a couple pairs of shorts. I also brought a skirt. Bring at least one pair of jeans and definitely some leggings for walking or working out.
Other than that, easy tanks and tees will do to round it all out- and don’t forget your bathing suit for the lakes and rivers!
Shoes
For shoes, a couple of pairs of flat sandals (think Birkenstock’s and braided flats) and some sneakers for walking, and athletic shoes for working out or if you decide to take a hike.
Bags
As far as bags are concerned, I bring a large tote to sit atop my carry-on roller, a small cross body for times I’m on the go, and a backpack for hiking or exploring.
What I Wore
These are some of the outfits I wore, and I’m really happy with what I brought!
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This was sooo helpful! I loved all your outfits and was following along in your stories hoping you migHt link these adorable pieCes. We are traveling To CALIFORNIA at tHe end of thE month and I will definitely be taking some of these pieceS. Thanks again Anna!
Yay! I’m so glad it was helpful! Have fun in California – it’s so beautiful there!!
Love, love these outfits. They are the perfect mix of comfy but still fun and cute! Love those white birks too.
Thank you Andrea! I was really pleased with what I brought- except seeing the weather was going to be 105 plus, I forgot to bring an extra cardigan sweater – the weather cooled way down and had to buy one for the early morning breeze!
I love your outfits but I love even more that you can laugh at the picture of you and Rob in front of the space needle where you’re not posed for the camera. You’re the besttt!!
??that was so funny!! At first I was like dang we didn’t get a good pic! Then I was like welp this is what I’ve got haha!
Anna, looove this travel capsule! i Am wondeRing if you can talk about the riley vs the parker shorts and sizing. Sorry if i missed this!
Hi! Done!
HI I WILL BE VISITING SEATTLE DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND SO LIKE IN 10 DAYS. IT WILL BE MY FIRST TIME TO SEATTLE. WHAT DO I PACK? PER 10 DAY FORECAST, ITS SAYS IT WILL BE STEADY WEATHER 72–75 DEGREES,
wHAT SHOULD I BE PACKING? SUMMER DRESS? rOMPERS? OR jEANS AND LAYER TOPS WITH LIGHT JACKET?
tHANK YOU IN ADVANCE. pLEASE SHARE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE WOULD BE GREAT.
It gets cool at night so I suggest jeans, comfy shoes since you’ll be walking a lot, and then tops you can layer a sweater or light jacket over!