Californians are another breed, but you’ve gotta love their confidence — Especially in all things fashion. I’ve never been able to master Southern belle style, but have always felt like I fit right in when I visit the golden state based on my affinity for basic tees, a great pair of jeans and the occasional designer bag. Here are a few of the outfits I wore during my recent trip to LA. If you want to read about the journey, take a look at my Insider’s Guide to Los Angeles.
Venice Beach & Santa Monica
Anything goes at Venice Beach, and I ended up walking around in my swimsuit top, cutoff denim shorts and chunky white sneakers for the majority of the day. For lunch and Santa Monica, I wore a lightweight striped Luxe Apothetique short sleeve button down and carried my Matt & Nat beige crossbody tote. I would recommend wearing a swimsuit with denim and something loose-fitting when you visit the area so you don’t have to change in one of those nasty public bathrooms on the beach.
Top & Shorts: Luxe Apothetique (In-store), Shoes: Amazon, Glasses: Amazon
Hollywood & Beverly Hills
Hollywood Boulevard has quite the outstanding number of panhandlers and tourists (think Times Square, but West Coast) — but since we went to a more upscale brunch I chose to wear comfy heels for the day and a two-piece blazer shorts combo with a delicate ruffled crop tank. A sleek ponytail, hoops and plenty of bracelets completed the look! While most people wear boring tourist outfits on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I loved looking a little dressier because panhandlers tended to leave us alone for the most part (and I felt like I looked like an ultra-hip, super classy Hollywood ICON.) The best thing about wearing this two-piece combo was the fact that I could take off the blazer when I got hot and still look chic. This look was everything for Rodeo, but I do wish I had a designer bag with me while I was on that strip.
Two-Piece Blazer & Shorts Set: Leith (similar linked), Top: Urban Outfitters: Shoes: Luxe Apothetique (In-store), Bag: Matt & Nat
Griffith Park & Downtown
My Griffith Park & Downtown look was exactly what I needed it to be — Low-key, a little grungy and totally comfortable. Since mornings can be chilly in California, I opted for a pair of leggings, a cutoff Brandy Melville top, white sneakers, leather jacket and Kate Spade leather backpack. The hike takes up a decent amount of time so a chic backpack was great for holding a snack and bottle of water. An Outdoor Voices Athena Crop would also be cute with a leather jacket for the hike and rest of the day! Downtown is SUPER grungy, so I’m glad I had my leather jacket on and didn’t look too posh. Overall a super laid-back look that felt very California but still chic.
Top: Brandy Melville, Jacket: Topshop, Leggings: Target (similar linked), Shoes: Amazon, Bag: Kate Spade (similar linked)
Are you visiting LA this summer? If so, take a look at my insider’s guide to Los Angeles or DM me for recommendations. I’d love to share!