5 Ways On How To Dress Like A Local In Los Angeles

Are you dreaming of that effortless SoCal style? Looking to blend in with the laid-back yet fashionable Los Angeles crowd? Then you have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down the five outfit combinations. 

That will instantly give you that coveted casual LA vibe. Trust us once you nail these looks. You will fit right in while strolling Melrose and sipping an iced oat latte in Silver Lake.

What LA Locals Wear?

Before we dive into the outfits, let’s set the scene on the quintessential Los Angeles style aesthetic. LA fashion is all about appearing cool and casual without looking like you tried too hard. Oversized, relaxed silhouettes are key. 

What LA Locals Wear?

Stick to muted, neutral tones, and never ever get too done up messy hair and minimal makeup are must haves. Looking stylish yet comfy is the name of the game here.

Now that we have covered the vibe, here are the five outfit formulas every LA style star swears.

1. White T-Shirt + Baggy Blue Jeans + White Sneakers

This look is the ultimate LA uniform. You can’t go wrong pairing an oversized white tee with classic loose blue jeans that stack at the ankle. Top it off with some fresh white kicks like the iconic Air Force 1s. It is simple, cool, and ridiculously easy to pull off.

1. White T-Shirt + Baggy Blue Jeans + White Sneakers

Some key tips:

  • Look for white tees with a touch of stretch and shorter sleeves that hit right around the shoulder. Hanes Beefy models are an LA essential.
  • Classic Levi’s 501s in a true blue wash are perfect for the jeans. Go two sizes up for that coveted loose, baggy look.
  • Don’t overthink the shoes any bright white sneaker will do. The Nike Air Force 1 and Chuck Taylors never go out of style here.

This effortless uniform looks amazing dressed up with a blazer for drinks or kept super casual by tossing on a baseball cap and hoodie. It’s the backbone of Los Angeles style.

2. Short Ruffle Blouse + Blue Jean Shorts + Sandals

When the weather heats up, this cute yet casual combo is an Los Angeles warm weather staple. Start with a flowy ruffle blouse or camisole in pretty neutral tones. Look for tie front and cropped details to give it that effortless feel. Tuck it into an easy pair of high rise jean shorts in your ideal length and distress level.

2. Short Ruffle Blouse + Blue Jean Shorts + Sandals

Then slip into some flat sandals to complete the sunny, carefree look. Anything strappy and minimal works perfectly. Steve Madden’s classic leather rope sandals are an Angeleno’s go to.

Toss a jean jacket over your shoulders once the sun sets, add some dainty layered necklaces. You are ready for patio margs with the girls.

3. Hoodie + Baggy Black Jeans + White Sneakers

We all have those days where we want to look like we woke up, rolled out of bed, and instantly achieved model off duty vibes. For those mornings, the hoodie and jeans combo is an LA staple. Start with your coziest oversized hoodie a vintage sports team logo or streetwear branding looks best.

3. Hoodie + Baggy Black Jeans + White Sneakers

Then grab those baggy black mom jeans that make you feel like you can conquer anything. Levi’s Ribcage style gives the perfect relaxed boyfriend fit. Finish with your go to white kicks. You have got that “cool girl” aesthetic on lock.

It is the ideal off duty model look. Just add some oversize sunnies and a messy bun for peak casual Instagram baddie energy. Bonus points if you can pull off that signature Rachel Green bridesmaids look from Friend.

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4. Puffer Jacket + Black Jeans + Chunky Boots

Sure, 60 degrees is not exactly “freezing” by most standards. But in LA, that is officially puffer jacket weather. Don’t worry we have got a cool way to rock this cozy cold weather staple. 

4. Puffer Jacket + Black Jeans + Chunky Boots

Start with a sleek black puffer (bonus points if it’s cropped) over your favorite straight-leg black jeans. Look for a puff that hits at the hips and a bit shorter for maximum style points.

Then grab your chunkiest lace up boots to keep those toes toasty. Edgy lug sole styles like the classic Dr. Martens 1460 were practical made for Los Angeles street style. Add a beanie and you’ve got that perfect “cool girl third-day hair” look down.

5. Sundress + Sandals

When the temperature rises, LA style is all about breezy sundresses and sandals. Seriously  you will be hard pressed to find a stylish local not sporting this combo. Go for a pretty slip dress in linen, crinkled cotton, and even ribbed knit. Look for feminine details like puff sleeves or smocked bodices in fun shades like marigold or sage green.

5. Sundress + Sandals

Slide into some flat strappy sandals (Tkees and Steve Madden dominate here), toss on some oversize sunnies. You are ready for any beach day or boozy LA brunch. It is the perfect balance of polished yet laid back cool. 

Style your hair in those iconic loose California waves and dab on some dewy tinted moisturizer for a sun kissed glow.

Pro Tip: For maximum LA cred, stick to delicate, understated jewelry barely there necklaces and huggie hoops.

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How to Dress Like an LA Local: The Casual-Cool Fashion Guide

How to Dress Like an LA Local: The Casual-Cool Fashion Guide

Looking to blend in with the stylish crowd in Los Angeles. This guide breaks down the 5 fail-proof outfit combos you need. From the quintessential white tee and jeans to breezy sundress looks. Dressing like an Angeleno local has never been easier.

LA Street Style 101: 5 Outfits for Nailing That Effortless Cali Look

From Melrose to Malibu, these are the 5 key looks that define LA street style. Master these laid back outfit formulas for an instant hit of that coveted casual-cool Cali vibe:

  • Classic white tee, oversized denim, fresh white kicks.
  • Flirty ruffle cami, distressed jean shorts, strappy sandals.
  • Cozy hoodie, mom jeans, bright white sneakers.
  • Sleek puffer jacket, straight black denim, lug-sole boots.
  • Easy sundress, flat slide sandals, crossbody bag.

The LA Woman’s Wardrobe: 5 Outfit Formulas for Embodying California Cool

The LA look is all about appearing stylish yet low key. Here are the 5 outfit combos every fashionable Angeleno has on repeat:

The LA Woman's Wardrobe: 5 Outfit Formulas for Embodying California Cool
  • Oversized white tee half-tucked into loose, light wash boyfriend jeans and chunky sneakers.
  • Smocked ruffle top paired with high-rise jean shorts and strappy sandals.
  • Comfy hoodie with black mom jeans cuffed over fresh white kicks.
  • Cropped puffer coat layered over sleek black denim and platform combat boots.
  • Flowy linen midi sundress with flat woven slides for an effortless summer look.

Dressing Like an Angeleno: 5 Key Looks for That Coveted Laid-Back LA Vibe

Nailing that quintessential laid-back look is easier than you think with these 5 outfit formulas.

  • A slightly oversized white tee half tucked into baggy medium wash jeans, rolled at the ankle over classic white sneakers.
  • A tie-front ruffle blouse tucked into high waisted cut off shorts with strappy flat sandals.
  • An oversized hoodie half-zipped over a relaxed white tank and baggy black boyfriend jeans cuffed over fresh white trainers.
  • A sleek black puffer jacket over straight-leg black jeans tucked into chunky lug sole boots.
  • A breezy cotton knit midi dress in a pretty pastel shade paired with minimal slide sandals.

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Final Thoughts

No matter which of these iconic Los Angeles outfit formulas you go with. There are a few key styling tips to keep in mind to cement that laid back California look. First, embrace rumpled textures and don’t stress over wrinkles. Angelenos practically live in drapey, relaxed fabrics like linen, cotton, and terry cloth. A slightly crinkled white tee or sundress with an artfully disheveled vibe is expected and embraced here.

Next up, hair and makeup should look effortless and undone. Locals love that perfectly imperfect “I woke up like this” aesthetic. So skip the heavy makeup and opt for lightweight, dewy skin tints and soft nudey lip colors. When it comes to hair, tousled beach waves, messy buns, and third day texture are the move. Appearing like you didn’t labor over your look is the ultimate flex.

Accessories are also kept to a minimum in line with that “cool girl” nonchalance. While delicate layer necklaces and dainty huggie hoops are acceptable, steer clear of bold statement jewelry and oversized logo bags that scream “trying too hard.” An oversize denim jacket, flat brim baseball cap and sleek cat eye sunglasses are the only extras you really need.

FAQs

How can I dress like a local in LA?

The key to dressing like a local LA fashionista is nailing those laid-back, effortless vibes. Stick to the five core outfit combos above built around oversized tees, loose denim, flirty sundresses, athleisure staples, and casual lightweight jackets. Keep things relaxed, neutral in color, minimally accessorized, and styled with an “undone” twist.

What should I wear to LA Fashion Week?

Even during major fashion events, the LA style stays pretty casual compared to other cities. You will fit right in wearing an airy printed midi dress and slinky slip skirt set with flat sandals and a denim jacket thrown over your shoulders. Just add some dainty layered necklaces and you are set.

What are some LA summer outfit ideas?

When the temps rise, LA locals live in breezy pieces like:

  • Flowy linen or cotton sundresses
  • Distressed denim cutoff shorts
  • Relaxed tank tops and breezy blouses
  • Flat strappy sandals
  • Crossbody bags Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics and pretty sun-kissed colors for the perfect summer LA uniform.

How do I get that iconic California girl look?

Looking naturally gorgeous and effortlessly cool is key for nailing that quintessential California girl vibe. Start with a deconstructed denim combo like perfectly ripped jean shorts with a crochet knit tank or tie-front blouse. 

Add flat sandals, a crossbody bag, tousled beach waves, and a fresh dewy makeup look. The key is appearing low-key yet totally stunning like you just rolled out of bed looking that good.

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