While certain trends may come and go, L.A. style is fairly consistent. If you’re planning on visiting L.A. in the fall – whether for a day or for a month – the weather will be warm and sunny (usually through the holidays).
The good news is, it’s easy to pack for a trip to L.A. If you’re flying, your wardrobe should be able to fit into one large carry-on (saving you from having to check luggage – contact the airline for carry-on rules.)
For the airplane ride, wear the pieces of clothing that would take up the most room to pack. Everyone in Los Angeles lives in jeans and despite the wavering trends of skinny jeans and super-wide jeans, most people stick to tried-and-true straight or slightly boot-cut. Pair the following with your jeans:
- A thin tank top
- A loose floaty top (a trend that keeps on going here)
- A thin cardigan (yes, “thin” again, L.A. is big on light layers)
- A sweater-coat (for windy days or nighttime – more than a cardigan, but not a coat)
- A pair of comfortable, cute flats
Now that you’re dressed for the trip, here’s what to bring with you:
- Several more tank tops, to layer underneath anything
- Loose blouse-like tops in rayon or silk
- One or two pairs of knee-length shorts (lightweight, soft fabrics; see brands such as Da-Nang)
- One or two dresses
All of these items can be rolled gently, making them small and easy to pack. Choosing fabrics such as rayon as opposed to knit ensures that clothes will be less wrinkled when you unpack them. Simply hang or lay out pieces when you arrive.
Don’t bring a lot of shoes. In addition to the flats you wear on the plane, pack a pair of high heels and flip flops (especially for the beach). People joke that no one walks in L.A., but although foot traffic may be less than New York, the no-walking myth is a bit of a misconception. Los Angeles is full of malls, sidewalks and parking spaces far from events. Your shoes should be comfortable.
Also include a hat and a pair of sunglasses. Even on a cooler day, the sun manages to shine brightly.
Leave jewelry at home. L.A. natives really don’t wear much jewelry. An often-heard complaint: “I always forget to put any jewelry on.” At any rate, you won’t have to worry about losing valuables.
Unless you’re planning on going to a very formal event, there aren’t many places where it’s imperative to dress fancy. A simple dress and a cardigan is appropriate for restaurants, tea, shopping. (Call ahead to restaurants if there’s a concern.)
Despite the constant sun and warm weather, there’s a chance you’ll need your sweater-coat. It’s unpredictable when L.A. has a random cold spell – and, when the temperature does dip below 65, it’s all anyone talks about! The closer you are to the beach, the cooler it is, so you need to dress warmer for Santa Monica or Malibu than you would for Hollywood. Many of L.A.’s attractions are outdoors, so that’s when a sweater-coat may be necessary. It can be windy or cool during nights at outdoor malls such as The Grove, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, dining on restaurant patios or hotel rooftops.
Finally, a quick list of what to avoid:
- Clothes that would be deemed “baggy” instead of “loose”
- Boring khakis or pants that you’d wear around the house
- Crazy, bright prints – not very L.A.
- Slogan tees
- All-black – too New York? Too “winter”? For whatever reason, rarely seen here lately
Happy travels!
