I feel like I packed better for my trip to California last week than I have for past trips but I still get nervous about what to wear in Los Angeles. It’s much more casual than New York and encompasses lots of layers. The temperature was in the 60’s when I arrived which prompted everyone to pull out fur, winter coats, and boots which I thought was funny since it felt like a heat wave to me. I always look to Jessica Alba for inspiration since she epitomizes West Coast casual chic.  That’s her above in her new campaign for DL1961. While women do wear dresses and skirts in Los Angeles, the majority of people I see every trip are wearing jeans or leggings. Here are a few outfit ideas to get you ready for your next trip to La La Land.

The blazer is an outfit staple in Los Angeles so I’d pack one in every color. I love how this Iconic Crepe Blazer could be dressed up or down.  It also comes in black. I packed a pale nude colored blazer from Club Monaco that worked perfectly but unfortunately it’s sold out. Another less expensive option is the Kenson Textured Blazer. 
Tanks are perfect for layering when the weather warms up during the day. I love the sand color of this Kaylen Washed Silk Tank but it also comes in black.

At one point in Montecito, I looked down and everyone I was with was wearing pants with elasticized hems. This included two women and a man. While these Knitted Track Pants don’t have elastic around the hem, they are a great comfortable option for relaxed California.

Chic sneakers are still popular and I love the color of these MM6 Maison Margiela Sneakers.

Small bags are great in California since you can keep all your essentials in your car and I also love the color of this Chloe Drew Shoulder Bag.

You can’t go anywhere in Los Angeles without sunglasses. This pale pair from Thierry Lasry would finish this outfit off perfectly too.

While the first outfit is dressed up casual, this outfit is full on casual. Army green jackets are perfect for throwing on for cold mornings and nights. I love this Saint Laurent Jacket elevates the style.  A less expensive option is the Field Mechanic Jacket from J.Crew.

Sweaters are another staple of California dressing so I was glad I packed a bunch.  I wish I had this By Malene Birger Boucle Sweater for my trip. I love the color and the split hem.

I packed four pair of jeans for an eight day trip because they are that important in California. These Frame Denim Boyfriend Jeans are perfect for Los Angeles.

Boots are also big in Los Angeles no matter what the temperature. You can’t go wrong with the Dicker Boot from Isabel Marant too.

I was surprised to see so many larger tote bags when I was out and about in Los Angeles. I love my Celine totes but this Saint Laurent Tote might be a new option for me.

Again, you can’t go anywhere without sunglasses and the bigger the better like these from Bottega Veneta.

When I met my friend Andrea Stanford from C Magazine in Los Angeles, she was wear a fur vest and all black so this look is an homage to her. This Faux Shearling Vest is a great alternative for those who don’t like real fur.

Andrea had a black cashmere sweater on too and this one from Equipment is perfect.

Black leather leggings are another staple in Los Angeles. Everyone raves about this pair from Vince.

Andrea was wearing boots but I love the leg elongating quality of the PVC sides on these Gianvito Rossi Pumps.

Andrea was also carrying a chic black clutch from Jonathan Rachman‘s San Francisco boutique that is unfortunately not available online. This Balenciaga Clutch is good alternative.

Delicate jewelry is popular in Los Angeles and this Repossi Ring is delicate and tough at the same time.

The funniest story I ever hear about Los Angeles is that everyone wears black and looks like rock stars who party all night and do drugs while the reality is that they all drink green juice and go to bed at 10pm so they can get up early for a hike.

Happy Shopping!