Pacific Northwest Style: What can I Wear Besides my Fleece Jacket?

Celebrate Pride with this waterproof jacket for your dog. A portion of proceeds support LGBTQA rights in Moscow. How’s that for impact?

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’m well aware of how much my clients rely on their fleece jackets. During the Closet Edit, we inevitably end up in a sea of fleece with her face full of dread. She’s wondering if I’m going to pull that fleece out of the clutches of her cold dead hands. Typically, I am not. What I am going to do is offer her alternatives to the same old North Face choice she’s had for years. She’ll need to hold onto that essential to walk the dog until her Uber Wishlist arrives. THEN… we’ll move past that old fleece.

There’s no need for sacrificing comfort for style. Personal style is all about feeling beautiful and confident because you know you are expressing your authentic self to the world via your clothing. If you are uncomfortable, you are certainly not feeling confident.

That being said, these are times that call for an amped up level of coziness. The past couple of years have been a real undertaking. That’s for sure. And if it was hard to part with your fleece before, you certainly aren’t going to want to do it as the temperature drops and you look toward another year or more of working from home.

So, I propose elevating your outdoor wear. Whether you are out on a hike, walking the dog or heading to the pumpkin patch, there’s no reason to feel deflated thanks to your ensemble. Thanks to the pandemic, retailers are finally catching onto this desire for stylish outdoor wear and they are delivering. I bet you never thought you’d be so excited for your next camping trip.

Super Hip Choices for Camping, Hiking, Walking the Dog and all Things Pacific Northwest

An expressive, international fleece that makes you happy and easy to find in a crowd. This bold choice is cozy and cheerful.

I am obsessed with this shirt jacket. It’s available in a zillion gorgeous colors so you can stock up.

Don’t let your boots bring down your look. The classic Red Wings are going to last forever and give you the support and foot protection you need.. Available in several cool colors including pink and grey. I told you they were cool.

This extraordinary plaid shirt jacket was the inspiration for this post. I’m a big fan of this Canadian outdoor clothing brand for more stylish choices.

Sure. White may not be ideal on your next hiking trip. But this funnel neck down vest also comes in green and black. You’ll never regret picking one up.

Outdoor gear is especially awesome when it is an old classic. The key is finding the fit that works for your figure and a piece that helps you feel comfortable AND elevated. This Pendleton coat is just right for the right person and it is also available in petite.

This is the year of the bucket hat. Pick one up for your walks in the rain, especially when you aren’t up for wearing a hood because your hair is pulled back. A fleece lined option does double duty keeping you warm and dry.

Try a camo printed fleece jacket to add an edge to your ensemble.

This is my favorite raincoat and it comes in an array of gorgeous colors. You’ll get lost on the website as you peruse options for men, women and dogs.

I loved my reversible coat as a kid and still wonder why there aren’t more of them for women. Luckily this fun and functional bomber is just a click away.

That’s right! Here’s the flip side of the reversible fleece bomber. Bam!

If that bomber is too shiny for you, try this lower key option. It comes in multiple colors and is functional for getting your hands (and your clothes) dirty in the elements.

I’m also a fan of the contrast pulls. Let’s hear it for good design.

Yes! You can stay nice and dry out in the elements. This is perfect for your next trip on the light rail. See the city! Ride the train!

A polka dot fleece?! What would Kate Spade think? She’d be overjoyed.

I’ve been a big fan of these vegan leather, recycled rain boots for a few years now. Try them with this sole or go for an entirely black look.

Fun Fact: I grew up in inner city apartments until I was 12 and we moved the country, home of the quilted work shirt. This stylish alternative to the traditional choice is my absolute dream for time in the outdoors getting work done while still wanting to feel like myself in my clothes.

Designers like fleece, too.

Another classic that you’ll never give away. This fleece lined denim jacket is functional and a stellar piece for layering with fun prints and colors.

If you don’t already know B. Yellowtail, you must check out the brand. Bethany Yellowtail offers up beautiful Native American designs that can be worn by anyone. This sweater is inspired by the landscapes and homelands of the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Nations.

Obsessed. My lovely client and friend, Aga, had this on the other day and I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. Apparently, I introduced her to Aritzia in a recent wishlist and she took it from there. Try this in any of the multiple colors offered.

Every year these boots continue to hold a special place in my heart. Like the bold sole? It’s available in multiple colors including yellow!