Those who live in Los Angeles know that it basically feels like summer all the time, save November through March when temperatures drop below 75 (and yes, we complain about that). But despite our flair for the dramatic—walk down Melrose in February and you will inevitably spot a $1,000 parka—our spring started well before winter officially ended.
While most other cities have only recently started to warm up, Los Angeles has been in a full state of spring for months, which has given me insight to all of the season’s top fashion trends. While New York is all about sexy tops and unexpected accessories right now, Angelinos are leaning into oversized silhouettes, bold hues, and elevated basics. It’s a city with a reputation for being laid back, and this season’s fashion reflects it.
Below, check out the six spring 2024 trends people in Los Angeles have been wearing.
Colorful Sneakers
Bloomingdales
There might be white sneaker-fatigue here. While people are, of course, still rocking their OG Sambas, I’ve noticed an uptick in colorful sneakers, which maintains the city’s casual aesthetic while bringing a bold touch to everyday outfits. This new version of the Nike Cortez might be my favorite shoes that I’ve spotted; they feature a hairy green suede that looks almost like a football field. I’m also obsessed with these butter yellow Golas you can grab at Anthropologie.
Loose Linen Pants
GAP
Baggy jeans dominated the last few months, but as we’ve turned the corner into spring, I’ve seen more and more people trading in their stiff denim styles for loose linen trousers. This was something we saw trending during Copenhagen’s fashion week, and it’s finally made it to L.A., where people are pairing the pants — which look almost like elevated pajama bottoms — with everything including grungy leather jackets, crewneck sweaters, and totally oversized button-downs. If you want to try this look for less, consider grabbing this $33 style from Amazon, but if you’re down to splurge, Reformation’s Olina pants are designed from 100-percent linen and balance comfort and impeccable tailoring, featuring both a drawstring waist and the perfect straight-leg.
Angular Sunglasses
Tory Burch
When it comes to sunnies, people in Los Angeles like to have fun. I’ve seen just about every style under the sun — from giant circular silhouettes to teeny tiny glasses that hardly cover the eye — but in the past few months, thicker, angular frames have been everywhere. Rather than opting for thin, wiry styles, people are grabbing tortoise-shell and bold-hued square, rectangular, and even straight-line aviator silhouettes (I see these Crap Eyewear glasses probably once a day). If you love an aviator, consider grabbing this $39 pair at Nordstrom that offers a modern take on the iconic style. Or, if you like a more rectangular shape, these Tory Burch sunnies are my fave.
Boxy White Tees
Aritzia
If there’s one thing everyone in L.A. has, it’s a perfectly boxy white T-shirt. The style hangs just loose enough, hitting right at the waistband of your bottoms, whether that be casual jeans, wide-leg trousers, and even silky slip skirts. This is something you don’t have to spend a lot of money on — in fact, this shopper-loved Hanes style is on sale for $8 — but if you’re down to invest, this $40 Aritzia tee is one of the best (or so I’ve heard).
Oversized Layering Pieces
Banana Republic Factory
I love how people in Los Angeles layer; it’s casual, cool, and remarkably comfortable thanks to a penchant for oversized silhouettes. I also love that this can apply to just about any style. While I’ve of course seen my fair share of billowing trench coats, a universal spring staple, I’ve also noticed roomy leather and denim jackets and even oversized button-downs that people wear open over their favorite tanks and tees.
Slinky Midi Skirts
Reformation
I’m sure it depends on the time, situation, and neighborhood, but my general understanding after living here nearly five years is that people in Los Angeles don’t really get dressed up. It’s a city that favors sneakers to heels and oversized totes to small, blinged-out bags. But when people do want to elevate their look, they reach for slinky midi skirts. The style still offers that breezy feel that Californians love while the body-skimming fit and silky material provides an elegant, sometimes sexy touch. J.Crew’s Gwyneth skirt is a shopper-favorite (I’m obsessed with the red shade that’s both on-trend and on-sale), but this Vince skirt in a beautiful midnight blue is sitting at the top of my wishlist.
