How does one style a practical and stylish outfit that’s NorCal weather-appropriate? The answer is: layers! 

Maxi dresses are an easy layering piece. You can layer a warm pair of leggings underneath or a slip for a hidden shield from any surprise chills. Now, summers in California truly are hot practically the entire season, but when you’re walking around a coastal town like Monterey, the weather can be much more unpredictable. You also never know when a building you walk into is going to be blasting the A/C so high that it’s like you walked from the oven and straight into the freezer.

For this look, I gave myself two options for sweater cardigans that I could switch out at anytime as they both could fit in my Mary Poppins-like purse. I started out with a light open-knit cardigan, but also kept my handy dandy cashmere sweater cardigan from BCBG in case it got cold (which it did!). Of course, what better to top a summer outfit off than a pair of elevated espadrilles which I got from Public Desire.

Monterey is an amazing coastal town with a wonderful fishing town vibe! We then continued on to the 17 mile drive which leads down through Pebble Beach to Carmel. Once again, another series of truly beautiful nature sights. I just love how you can drive in practically any direction away from the Bay Area and find yourself in someplace wonderful.