2022- what a stunning year for fashion in San Francisco! From elegant ballgowns showcasing a grand return to public gatherings, to a vivid Y2K revival, we're taking a look back at some of the best outfits and trends in the city that we spotted throughout the year.
See also: Find Your Perfect Pride Outfit At These Best Castro Fashion Shops
Our year of couture, cotillions, and celebrations all kicked off with the SF Ballet's absolutely resplendent “La Grande Fête" Gala in City Hall on Thursday, March 24th. Stand-out looks here came from esteemed guests, journalists, and especially from the talented ballet stars themselves, all adorned in a consistent theme of extravagant fairytale-like dresses and elegantly experimental statement pieces that showcased both our city's progressive ingenuity and posh refinement.
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We absolutely loved SF Ballet Dancer Luca FerroĢ's fiery hot red IVY PARK jumpsuit that paired effortlessly with his glamorous Prada bag and Adida platform boots.
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Ballet dancer Jacob Seltzer (left) styled bold white combat boots with a sleek crop top and flowy jacket while posing with Principle Dancer Benjamin Freemantle dressed in equally fabulous juxtaposition of tulle and leather, reinventing and challenging traditional menswear.
Shortly after our luxurious gala came the much-anticipated arrival of the San Francisco International Film Festival, which welcomed in and honored a plethora of renowned celebrities including Dakota Johnson for "Cha Cha Real Smooth," Michelle Yeoh and Sandra Oh for "Everything Everywhere All At Once," Jenny Slate, and so many more. This week-long film festivity all kicked off with a grand premiere and lavish afterparty for "Stay Awake" with Fin Argus and Chrissy Metz, with everyone dressed in outfits that would be emulated throughout the year.
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Fin Argus and Chrissy Metz of "Stay Awake" fashionably set the stage for the following films and celebrity outfits with their vibrantly fierce and playful attires, underscoring the bold creativity of the festival.
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Dakota Johnson illuminated the red carpet for the "Cha Cha Real Smooth" premiere with her powerful houndstooth Gucci suit paired with a subtle black crop top that was also a perfect combination for our spring warmth.
See also: Dakota Johnson And Director Cooper Raiff On Their Film "Cha Cha Real Smooth"
Another milestone in our city came with the exhilarating return of our San Francisco-original Bay to Breakers Race on Sunday, May 15th after a long two-year pause. With over 18,000 participants excited to run, party, and dress up for the beloved tradition, here are some of the most whimsical and inventive costumes we saw.
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It was so delightful and heartwarming to see a group come out together and coordinate a costume theme, like these iconic princesses!
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Likewise, these women definitely exuded strength not only from their heroic outfits, but also from their committed participation!
Another well-missed tradition also returned to San Francisco this summer, and that was with the historic and outstandingly enjoyable Pride Parade. The Sunday march vividly decorated the entire city with gorgeous rainbow outfits that truly radiated feelings of jubilation, liberation, and personal authenticity.
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We simply can't forget Grand Marshall Vinny Eng's legendary flowing flag cape as he rode down the parade in powerful and inspiring grace.
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What's at the intersection of our chilly foggy summers and Pride month? Warm denim jackets with proud rainbow colors and inclusive pronouns! Luckily Karl the Fog didn't overshadow the brilliant day, like that would stop our locals!
Outside Lands this year also further solidified San Francisco's persistence to come together for outstanding live music, whether for this year's Rina Sawayama, Jack Harlow, Green Day, or any of the showstopping 50+ performers! The three-day festival's August backdrop also encouraged plenty of summery western-wear and artfully-personalized thrifted finds.
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Retro is slaying once again, as throwback finds provide the perfect level of warmth, subtle style, and uniquely gender-defying flair for anyone.
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Outside Lands this year will be remembered for all of the cowboy hats seen from overhead! Such western flair was also given endless customizations, modernizing the classic aesthetic like in this radiantly cutting-edge hot pink look.
Another awe-inspiring music gathering that graced our music-loving city was the Portola Festival, which offered more techno, house, and EDM sounds with Fatboy Slim, Flume, Yaeji, and Charli XCX. The trends we were enthralled with here, particularly from the gen z crowd, brought forth a long-awaited colorful revival of warehouse rave, neon Y2K, Baby Spice-esque pastels, and fabulous vogue attire.
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Industrial rave, defined by mesh, hard cutouts, and neon body suits, beautifully met the retro-futurism of the 90's and 00's with the iconic silver fabrics, funky shades, and bucket hats.
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Sunglasses were all the rage at this sunny summer site, and not limited solely to the Y2K era, as throwback 80's and 70's disco queen shapes were spotted, all with non-traditional and modern revampings.
We can't wait to see what creative looks San Francisco pioneers next year!
See also: Alternative Fashion Boutiques That Boldly Channel SF's Influential Punk History
Photography by: Courtesy of Anastasiia Bidzilia/Getty Images
