In Los Angeles, the days are warm enough to wear tank tops, sandals, and short skirts, while the chilly evenings provide plenty of opportunity for jackets and ponchos. Thanks to the casual, laid-back LA vibe, T-shirts and denim have become the uniform all year round. The secret to dressing in LA casual style is choosing good cuts and fabrics that are both comfortable and stylish.
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Part 1 of 3: Collecting a Casual Outfit Collection
Step 1. Start putting together a collection of T-shirts
LA casual style starts with a plain t-shirt. It turns out that this classic type of clothing is very versatile. T-shirts are suitable for almost any situation if you mix them right. Your collection should include a variety of colors and cuts that you can mix and match with pants or skirts to create an always different look.
- Black, white and gray are important colors, but don't be afraid to wear lighter colors like pinks and yellows to stand out.
- Women in LA wear T-shirts with anything from pencil pants and leggings to miniskirts or layering dresses. If you want a more stylish look, go for an oblong made of silk or other luxurious fabrics. You can also wear a short t-shirt dress to make this classic type of dress more stylish.
- Men wear T-shirts with jeans or cloth pants. A dark body-fitting t-shirt gives your look a casual yet luxurious look.
Step 2. Fill your closet with denim
Denim is a wardrobe staple for both men and women in LA. With a casual and fashionable feel, jeans can be worn for casual or formal styles that are suitable for any occasion. Most people have several jeans in different colors and styles. At the very least, have one fitted pair of pencil jeans and another looser one for those days when you really want to feel casual.
- For a stylish look, wear dark-fitting jeans.
- Women can wear high heels to make denim look classier.
- Don't forget denim in other forms, such as skirts, shirts and jackets.
Step 3. Play around with interesting pieces
Since LA is home to thousands of famous people, it's no wonder LA fashion is always at the forefront. You can walk around and see people wearing different cuts and designs than most. LA is a place to experiment with clothes that you probably won't find in other standard city malls.
- Asymmetrical waving cuts are popular among women. Try a simple short dress in a straight cut with an opening at the back or with an unstitched hem, or go for a floaty tunic with leggings or tight shorts. If you want to look a little more feminine or for a lunch date, a short dress is always the best choice. Choose a short dress made of loose jersey with thin straps.
- For men, try a jacket or blazer with an attractive cut over a T-shirt.
Step 4. Put on a sweater or jacket
People in LA know that when the sun goes down, the temperature will drop a few degrees. The nights are very cool when compared to the hot days. If you plan to be outside until after sunset, bring a layer of clothing that you can wear after dark.
- Hanging cardigans, fitted leather jackets, and coats are all popular choices in LA.
- Styles for men include jackets and blazers or sweaters worn when the sun goes down.
Step 5. Prepare for winter
While the temperature in LA never drops below 10°C, it's still a good idea to have a jacket or two in your closet on a cold, foggy day. Most of your wardrobe can be worn in both summer and winter if you are good at layering clothes to feel warm. A wide collection of scarves will also help you stay warm in style.
- Women can wear warm stockings or leggings under skirts, and sweaters and jackets over tank tops and T-shirts.
- Men can transition by substituting shorts for trousers and wearing a fitted jacket and cardigan over a T-shirt.
Step 6. Look for natural ingredients
LA residents care deeply about health and wellness, so they pay close attention to what materials are used in the fabrics they wear every day. You won't see a lot of polyester and plastic in LA casual wear. Natural materials such as cotton or wool and leather are preferred choices.
- Organic materials and dyes are now becoming more and more common. Look for companies that have organic clothing lines.
- Manufacturing practices are also very important to people in LA. Look for casual clothes that are made locally, rather than those made in other countries' factories.
Part 2 of 3: Adding Accessories to a Casual Look
Step 1. Use accessories to show your personal style
LA casual wear is a blank canvas that can be played with accessories. Earth tones are great when paired with accessories that stand out than would rival the impression. Brass, pink gold and silver are popular metals to play with, but you can also wear accessories made of wood or clay.
- If you like accessories, try a bohemian style. For example, you could wear a necklace with large stones, round earrings and a pile of silver bracelets.
- On the other hand, the LA casual style mentality is “less is, more value”. A simple accessory like a gold chain or a silver bracelet helps you stay casual and comfortable while at the same time keeping your look stylish.
Step 2. Protect yourself from the sun in style
The sun is shining brighter in LA, and in addition to wearing sunscreen, you need accessories to protect yourself. Have a collection of hats and sunglasses that you can mix and match to create different LA casual looks.
Step 3. Play with footwear
Footwear can transform standard LA casual attire, helping you transition from day to night or from outdoor to indoor with minimal changes. Classic casual wear such as jeans and a T-shirt can be simplified with Converse shoes or made extravagant with high heels, which can help you adjust to whatever situation you're in during the day.
- Sandals, flip-flops and open-toed heels are a popular choice in LA for all year round.
- The sneakers complement LA casual style and ensure you stay comfortable all day long.
Step 4. Bring a more stylish piece of clothing and accessories to wear to an evening out
In LA, you don't have to make a complete makeover for the evening (unless you're going to a party or a really fancy restaurant). Just change accessories if you are going to a restaurant or club.
- Women usually wear summer dresses or skirts and high heels to go out, but you can still go with dark pencil jeans, a pretty tunic and high heels.
- Men can swap sneakers for formal shoes and show up at the club in well-fitting jeans, a T-shirt and a nice blazer.
Step 5. Add accessories to your swimsuit
Because LA is by the beach, people often wear swimsuits all day long. Wear comfortable bathing suits, as you're likely to be wearing them for hours on end. Wearing a beach sarong or short jeans and a sheer top can cover up your swimsuit a bit when you're transitioning from a casual outing at the beach to going indoors.
- Add accessories to the swimsuit like any other outfit. Wear jewelry, hats, sunglasses and a scarf.
- Consider buying a large handbag that can double as a beach bag. Tote bags and other bulky bags are very popular in LA.
Part 3 of 3: Dressing for Special Regions
Step 1. Free yourself at Venice Beach
The Venice Beach area is an eclectic neighborhood that supports fashion experimentation. When people say "everything is okay" here, they really mean it. If you have an impressive piece of clothing that you've been meaning to wear for a long time, wear it at Venice Beach. If you prefer to stay casual and comfortable, consider making your overall look more stylish with trendy accessories or shoes.
Step 2. Choose comfort in Griffith Park and other great outdoors
LA is known as a city where people are used to driving by car, but Griffith Park and other park areas require a lot of walking. You can wear comfortable clothes and shoes but still look stylish.
- Instead of wearing white and bulky sneakers like a tourist, opt for sneakers that are slimmer and fashionable.
- Wear a stylish backpack so you can carry water and other essentials.
Step 3. Choose a luxury outfit in Beverly Hills
Maybe you can meet a celebrity or two if you decide to shop at the boutiques on Rodeo Drive. You can still go casual LA style, but your look may need to be lifted a bit with high heels and a few classy accessories so you'll look like a natural part of the Beverly Hills neighborhood.
- In Beverly Hills, you will often see women wearing high heels, even during the day.
- Men should wear good shoes and suits to restaurants in this area.
Step 4. Express yourself at Beachwood Canyon and Los Feliz
This area is the home of artists, musicians and people who are creative with their style. LA casual really stands out here, so you'll see lots of people wearing natural fabrics, denim and simple accessories.
