Anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest will tell you how much they love it, despite the near constant rain and clouds. It’s a very distinctive place to live, and it has a character unlike any other region in the world. We’re known for hipsters and Microsoft and coffee, but another thing any true Pacific Northwesterner will know is the uniform we’ve created for ourselves. No PNW resident’s wardrobe is truly complete without these not only stylish, but also very functional fashion items.
1. Patagonia fleece
You probably have at least one of these in a very obnoxious print or color. With patagonias, the more it says “1980s,” the better. These might not be the cutest item of clothing in the world to non Pacific Northwesterners, but they are actually highly coveted. Plus, who doesn’t like feeling like they’re wearing a fleece blanket.
2. Hunter rain boots
No PNW girl’s wardrobe—especially the collegiate Washingtonian or Oregonian—is complete without Hunter rain boots. These are the only fashionable foot choice when dealing with the inevitable downpours and consistent showers. Practical and cute, who doesn’t love that?
3. Birkenstocks
The true Pacific Northwesterner really only needs to own two pairs of shoes: Hunter rain boots and Birkenstocks. These are an absolute staple in the spring and summer because they’ll serve as your hipster sandals. Also, Birkenstocks are ridiculously comfortable so I’m thrilled that they’re actually trendy.
4. Very heavy duty rain coat
After you’ve experienced a PNW winter, you probably realize how necessary it is to have a top of the line rain coat. And these coats aren’t meant for fashion; they’re purely for practicality. Yes, you probably look and feel like a soccer mom wearing it, but honestly, you don’t really mind because at least you’re shielded from the inescapable rain.
5. North Face puffy jacket
This jacket is ideal for the off times when you don’t need a rain coat. No matter what, you’re going to need a jacket for 75 percent of the year, so you’ll still get lots of use out of this jacket even though it isn’t completely water resistant.
6. Flannel
The stereotype that PNW hipsters all wear flannels is only partially true. In reality, everyone in the Pacific Northwest wears flannels—not just hipsters. These are necessary for all PNW wardrobes because not only can they be a cute accessory, but they are also soft, cozy and go with anything. So lumberjack-chic.
7. Cup of Starbucks coffee
This may not seem like a fashion statement, but a cup of coffee in your hand is actually quite the accessory in the PNW. People may not understand our dependence on Starbucks (or really any coffee depending on how hipster you are) until they come here. As someone who lives in Seattle, the most caffeinated city in America, trust me when I say that a Starbucks cup is a near-necessary part of any PNW outfit.
