Los Angeles is a difficult destination to pin down; it’s unlike any other American city and has its very own distinct culture. While it’s instantly associated with fame and money (Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, red carpet premieres, etc.), L.A. also boasts a burgeoning art sector, a riotous comedy scene, world-class music venues, an enormous urban population, and more. Hippies, hipsters, and Scientologists can be spotted alongside A-list stars and movie executives at the latest foodie paradise, and it is this kind of unexpected diversity that makes the city so attractive to a prospective tourist.
Locals (or “Angelenos”) live and die by current trends, so a visit to Los Angeles marks the perfect time to pull out all the stops when it comes to your wardrobe. Hipster fashion is very much on the rise, but there is plenty of opportunity to display status symbols like the latest “It” bag or avant-garde pieces by an obscure designer.
Click through the gallery below for Savoir Flair’s breakdown of what to pack according to the activities you can’t miss.
What to Wear in Los Angeles This Summer
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As the birthplace of the modern film industry, there is no shortage of wonderful and obscure cinema experiences around the city (think: the New Beverly, the Nuart, and the Egyptian). Alternatively, Cinespia and Street Food Cinema offer unique outdoor film watching under the stars. We recommend blending bohemian style with high-fashion accessories to stand out from the crowd.
SHOP THE LOOK
BUY NOW: Cecilie Copenhagen top, AED 625/SAR 639, Browns
BUY NOW: Jason Wu for Pluma bracelet, AED 1,027/SAR 1,049 each, Neiman Marcus
BUY NOW: Rag & Bone jeans, AED 694/SAR 709, FarFetch
Zara bag, AED 350/SAR 357, The Dubai Mall
You haven’t “done” L.A. until you’ve spent a day by The Standard’s rooftop pool (you may recognize it from about a hundred different television and movie scenes). With a panoramic view of Los Angeles below and the mountains in the background, visitors can enjoy a heated swimming pool, an AstroTurf deck, a dance floor, live music, waterbed pods, and more. Whether you choose to spend the day here or at any of the city’s other glamorous poolside locations, a printed maxi and eye-catching accessories are a great choice for observing the celebrity comings and goings.
SHOP THE LOOK
BUY NOW: Markus Lupfer by Linda Farrow sunglasses, AED 1,109/SAR 1,132, Linda Farrow
BUY NOW: Erdem dress, AED 5,589/SAR 5,707, Net-a-Porter
BUY NOW: Teva sandals, AED 257/SAR 262, Opening Ceremony
BUY NOW: Burberry Prorsum clutch, AED 3,589/SAR 3,664, Luisa Via Roma
A quick hour ride down the 10 to the 405 will take you straight into the heart of Venice Beach. This vibrant seaside community offers up plenty of opportunities to observe the colorful locals as they skate, surf, and lounge on the boardwalk. A cheerful printed dress and sandals will help you blend into the energetic surroundings.
A little over two hours from Los Angeles lies Palm Springs, an oasis in the desert that offers up natural beauty galore. It has an extremely ritzy side too, so if you want to pamper yourself pop into one of its many luxury resorts for a day at the spa. A bohemian twist on the LBD is a great choice for exploring the area in comfort.
SHOP THE LOOK
BUY NOW: Miss Selfridge necklace, AED 28/SAR 29, Miss Selfridge
BUY NOW: Tomas Maier dress, AED 2,865/SAR 2,925, Net-a-Porter
BUY NOW: Valentino pumps, AED 2,062/SAR 2,106, MyTheresa
BUY NOW: Balenciaga bag, AED 2,736/SAR 2,794, Net-a-Porter
Los Angeles is a very health-conscious city – even the pets have “energy healing centers” and “green” menu options! Embrace the culture of the city and try a hot yoga class at Bikram Yoga, a cold-pressed juice from Moon Juice, a vegan meal at Crossroads, or a hike up Eagle Trail. For your day of fun and fitness, opt for a lightweight athletic look and you’ll be mistaken for a local in no time.
SHOP THE LOOK
BUY NOW: Nike bra, AED 199/SAR 203, Net-a-Porter
BUY NOW: The Elder Statesman pants, AED 2,773/SAR 2,831, Net-a-Porter
BUY NOW: Athletic Propulsions Labs trainers, AED 550/SAR 562, Matches Fashion
BUY NOW: Stella McCartney backpack, AED 5,308/SAR 5,419, Barneys