https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:16:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300068 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:50:46 +0000 LeahJanes 300068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in SF, recently relocated from Australia.</p> <p>I think aside from jeans being a uniform, the standout aspect of California style is that you never want to look too "done". A California Style Girl will combine their $250 jeans with a pair of Vans or flip-flops. Everything is casual here - even corporate offices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300060 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:40:40 +0000 Anonymous 300060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's been awhile, but having lived several years in OC, the dress was expensive casual..a new concept to someone coming from the Midwest. I'd say Rae's Real Housewives look and no filter on what is age appropriate describes what I experienced. Also, the latest trends and not much black. One was definitely judged on how they looked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300056 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:34:02 +0000 RoseandJoan 300056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From a complete outsider perspective Rachel Zoe (and her Zobots) embodies California Style </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300054 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:31:23 +0000 Desmo April 300054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Almost forgot...<br /> age appropriate doesn't seem to really be a concept common to SoCal especially. That can be both good an bad! I think that is why I can have such a problem grasping the concept--I don't really pay attention to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300045 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:12:39 +0000 Sheila 300045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Genius, detailed responses. Having lived both in the La Jolla/San Diego area and the San Francisco area for 15-20 years each, I echo the previous replies. Must emphasize that "the City"', as San Francisco is known locally, is very sophisticated...lots of black, upscale, designer wear. Society and class are taken seriously here in the old-money subculture. You can walk into the Union Square Nordstrom and see things that you will never see in Walnut Creek, which is only about 20 miles east but still a very expensive place to live. In fact, that entire Nordstrom seems more like a Neiman-Marcus...at least that was my impression every time I shopped there.</p> <p>Sigh. I miss those days...living north of Seattle now, more of an REI vibe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300042 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:56:26 +0000 tarzy 300042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What great responses!</p> <p>I have lived in and around the Hollywood area for about 25 years, and there is also a very definite "LA style," influenced by Hollywood/the movie &amp; TV industry. Everyone wants to be a star, look like a star, marry a star. There is A LOT of skin - short short skirts, tank tops, low cut tops, and high heels (and not just on the young.) Lots of hair extensions, expensive handbags. (And lots of Botox!) Lots of flash. Lots of labels. Lots of $$$. Not a lot of style or class. </p> <p>The warm weather (almost year round) is a factor, and the bright sun influences color choices (dark, somber colors don't always look right here.)</p> <p>Of course, not everyone dresses this way. (I don't!) And as others have mentioned, there are pockets of creativity, boho dressing, and "mall dressing" (yoga pants, hoodies, jeans &amp; t-shirts.) </p> <p>I don't find a lot of sophistication, and I don't find a lot of individuality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300031 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:29:49 +0000 Angie 300031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone! This is brilliant information </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300028 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:16:28 +0000 Lori 300028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's funny, I've lived in San Diego for just over 20 yrs (from early 20s to early 40s) and have probably fit into many of the categories of style mentioned over those 20 years. I agree that California is very diverse and there really isn't one "California style," but it definitely leans towards the casual end of the style spectrum in everyday life. Also, I have another perspective too since I've worked at a law firm for the entire 20+ yrs and worked exclusively with high net worth estate planning clients, so I have seen the refined, business and business casual side of California style as well. </p> <p>Depending on where you go around town there are many different style personas - beachy, Deadhead dreads, boho girls, vintagey/retros, urbanites, dressy business and the ladies that lunch/country clubbers - it's all here, just like most cities I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-300025 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:57:04 +0000 rae 300025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IMO, there are too many subcultures in CA to have an overall California style. I only really know Southern California, but here is my take. I want to make clear that NOT everyone falls into these categories; these are generalizations of some of the subcultures I've noticed.</p> <p>OC/South County: (pics 1-2): Trucker hats, UGGS, tight shirts, flip flops, jeans, seat-belt belts, graphic tees advertising skater brands. This is commonly known as "bro ho" style. You'd think it was just a younger girls' thing, but plenty of moms do this, too.<br /> <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bro%20ho" rel="nofollow">http://www.urbandictionary.com.....m=bro%20ho</a></p> <p>OC/South County: (pic 3): Tight all around, lots of bling, conspicuous branding. The Real Housewives of OC really do sum it up for me. </p> <p>Silverlake/Gentrified areas (4-5): These areas seem to carry a lot of what is known as "hipster" style - generally someone who wears vintage stuff just because it's old and expensive, even if it is unflattering. Also may sport head-to-toe American Apparel and travel in packs. "Hipster" is often used as a derogatory term. </p> <p>Santa Ana/Tustin/Orange (6): This area has a certain concentration of "Rockabilly" or sometimes "Psychobilly" style. Kind of a dark take on 50s style. Lots of grease in the hair for guys, lots of red lips for gals. </p> <p>Beach towns (7): Lots of cut-off denim skirts and flip flops. </p> <p>Urban areas/college areas: In this case, I'd agree that anything goes. Unless you fall into a particular group, it's really all about being an individual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style/page/2#post-299997 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:39:22 +0000 cloud9 299997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say California is pretty much "anything goes"... Very eclectic. From ethnic garbs to designer labels, beach bum to hollywood glam. I think of "california style" as the laid back looks like:<br /> - men: t shirts, print or plain, with cargo shorts or jeans, sandals (typically flip flops).. If it's "cold", they add a sweater hoodie, and very often with school logo, regardless of age.<br /> - women: jeans, &amp; t, jeweled flip flops or Uggs, with a coach bag. track suits with/without big designer logos.<br /> - kids: clogs, jeans, some screen print Ts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299969 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:03:18 +0000 MsMary 299969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have lived in So Cal all my life, and I agree with the "jeans and t-shirts" formula. The other thing I would add is "expensive." People like to spend money on clothes and accessories, and they like the money to shoe -- e.g. designer bags with designer initials. And it seems EVERYBODY tans and bleaches and has elaborate nails. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299905 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:39:44 +0000 Kira 299905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've only lived in Southern California. Breezy vintage is my fave CA look, seen often in Burbank. Clubbing clothes or jeans and tees rule Hollywood Blvd. When I visited my grandparents in Victor Valley during Christmas, everyone in the mall was wearing jeans and a patterned hoodie. I mean everyone. It was depressing. Tokyo style pops up a lot in Anaheim and Little Tokyo, LA, and I love it! </p> <p>Maxi dresses in SoCal during the summer, and denim shorts with flip flops and designer purses, tank tops, and extreme tans on the crosswalks. Guys in black suits and sunglasses at night in China Town. Lots of Disney character clothes, especially Jack Skellington on men and women. Converse and ridiculously high gladiator heels at the same event. Indian sari's flitting through the crowd, trailing after their wearer like the mists of a dream, and plenty of wild red (or other non-natural but really interesting) hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299855 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 07:10:26 +0000 Desmo April 299855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As others have said before, there are huge variations for what goes in California.</p> <p>NorCal is very different from SoCal, The OC is different from LA, eastside is different from the westside and so on...</p> <p>At its best California has taken casual to an art form. I can wear jeans just about everywhere short of the Oscars. I live in Hollywood on the outskirts of Silver Lake which tends to have a little bit more of a rough edge than say Beverly Hills. To me Rachel Pally, the designer, has a great California vibe.</p> <p><a href="http://www.rachelpally.com/home.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.rachelpally.com/home.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299846 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:15:10 +0000 CocoLion 299846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was born in SF, lived in LA for 20 years, and now live on our family ranch in the Sierra foothills. I agree with Anchi that if you have to pick one word that defines CA style, it is casual.</p> <p>I am going to take this one step further and add two more words key to CA style. Jeans. T-shirts.</p> <p>Everyone knows denim was invented here for the gold miners and ranchers to withstand the dry stickers and other environmental hazards. EVERYONE wears jeans here. I even have pictures of my grandmother wearing them, before they were adopted by the peace and love generation. A lot of premium denim comes from CA -- True Religion, 7FAM, Joe's, Citizens of Humanity, Hudson.</p> <p>Likewise, a lot of casual knitwear (read: t-shirts) is designed and even made in LA from the likes of LNA, Three Dots, Michael Stars, C&amp;C California, Splendid and Nation. </p> <p>So that's how I'd sum up CA style ... jeans+t-shirt done expensively = casual chic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299845 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:13:38 +0000 fathenry 299845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, to me this means uber casual. Tank top with gausey scarf. Flip flops or espadrille wedges. Jeans okay anywhere. Cute skirts and floaty dresses. People with a tan.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299838 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:36:51 +0000 taylor 299838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It really does depend where in Cali you live. I have lived all over Calif. From San Jose to So. Cal and now in Nor. Cal.<br /> Southern Cal. Is definitely Hollywood typical and beachy.I say relaxed and refined<br /> Northern Cal is definitely dressier I find than San Jose... and San Fransisco is dressier yet.<br /> But honestly the smaller and more upscale the dressier and more refined...such as Los Altos, Los Gatos are more refined.</p> <p>The weather in California varies from very mild summer and winters to very hot summers and very cold winters...all over the map. I guess it really does breakdown to the location and not just a typical California style.<br /> Everyone thinks I am from NY...I can only guess it is because I don't have long bleached blonde hair...augmented to stripper proportions or over tanned :)...typical California I am told.</p> <p>Anchi, just read your take on Nor. Cal...were I also live...how funny we have very different take...I don't see any Boho to really speak of...:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299833 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:25:10 +0000 Anchi 299833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've lived in California most of my life (we emigrated here when I was a child). I think the perception people have of "California style" is often different from what you see i.r.l. The geographic divide has an impact: I think northern and southern California have distinct style differences. </p> <p>Most people think of a bohemian, surfer-girl vibe (originating in SoCal) when they think "California", with faded jeans and tees/tank tops or loose blouses. This look also often incorporates ethnic touches like Mexican embroidery, and ethnic fashions like Asian-style tunics, ikat and batik prints, and/or "hippie"-ish jewelry made of beads, strips of leather, etc. Two brands that exemplify this style are Free People and Gypsy 05, much loved by many Californian women I know (including me!).</p> <p>This kind of surfer/boho style can also morph into a very hippie/nature-girl vibe that's *huge* here in northern California, where I live. On one extreme you'll find lots of tie dye, clothes and footwear made of "green" fabrics like hemp, etc. But most people prefer the middle-of-the-road jeans, tees and sandals (or Uggs in winter) look that may or may not incorporate touches of tie dye and other hippie-style standbys. This always seemed more NorCal to me, but I might be wrong since I haven't been in SoCal in years.</p> <p>In the San Francisco bay area, I've often find that many young women adore vintage style, showcased in such blogs as Calivintage, Fashionist, and The SF Style. Vintage is popular here in the Sacramento valley where I live too, but mainly in cities or college towns. </p> <p>But most Californians are suburbanites, and dress more or less the same way other people who live in suburbs all over the USA do: lots and lots of bootcut jeans or capri pants, tees or collared, fitted woven tops, sweatshirts or sweaters, flip-flops (even in January) or flats or Uggs, and Coach bags everywhere. I sometimes think I'm the only female in this state who does not own or carry a Coach bag, lol!</p> <p>If I had to pick one word to describe California style, I'd probably choose "casual". I think women dress a bit more casually here than in other parts of the country, even when they're dressed up and/or wearing expensive/dressy clothes. I don't know why. Laid-back and comfortable clothes are valued here, even for church services and weddings. This often drives me crazy because I don't think casual clothes are appropriate for formal or religious events, but I might be in the minority with that opinion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299818 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:19:33 +0000 ticksgirl 299818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoa! I just noticed I've popped up on this thread! And as an example of a style type, no less! I mentioned my "what's my style" angst just the other day, but I would never have guessed California style. Hmm.</p> <p>If California style = whatever you can stand to wear in 100-degree heat while still trying to maintain some semblance of attractiveness, then yes, this is it! I'm in Texas, and that is pretty much the driving force behind most of my summer style choices. Well, that and my very casual SAHM lifestyle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299797 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:35:59 +0000 Vix 299797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(So you say, so you say....)</p> <p>The thing about Jennifer Aniston -- whose style I generally like though she gets flak for being "boring -- is that to me she looks as at-home in LA as when I see pap shots of her in NYC. It's just a matter of warm-weather modern minimalist vs (generally) more bundled up version. </p> <p>IMO she suits the environment she's in but doesn't really seem to embody a particularly iconic-for-location style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299796 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:30:48 +0000 Mo 299796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, not on me!! On one particular guy in my metalshop class, actually haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299793 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:26:10 +0000 Vix 299793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><strong>&gt;&gt; I do remember Ugg boots with shorts in my LA high school </strong></p> <p>Now Mo, can you really write that without including a photo of yourself?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299789 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:15:41 +0000 Mo 299789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of Jennifer Aniston when I think of California style. I grew up in the SF Bay Area and L.A. both and then relocated to the relatively remote Tahoe area. They are all CA and they all have different prominent styles of dress. I do remember Ugg boots with shorts in my LA high school but you would never have caught anyone dead doing that in the Bay Area (where I also attended high school) in the 80's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299784 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:54:33 +0000 Vix 299784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rightly or wrongly, I think "CA style" is generally seen as "SoCal style" -- which translates to a strong beach/surfer chic/boho influence -- not all at once! -- and some skin showing.</p> <p>I love Ms Ticksgirl's style but I wouldn't peg it as especially Californian. </p> <p>IMO Santa Monica designer Stacia captures one aspect of SoCal dressing:</p> <p><a href="http://www.shopstacia.com/shop/cart.php?target=category&#038;category_id=302" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopstacia.com/shop.....ory_id=302</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299783 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:54:26 +0000 Angie 299783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Aida! Although I see a LOT of goth, hipster and grunge wear I live - it's generally the norm - or polar fleece and keens :(. And then there's me, the Chanel girl in tomato red, completely defying her environmental norm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299778 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:51:01 +0000 kellygirl 299778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think TG is a perfect illustration, Angie. Casual, stylish, minimal with unique details, and denim--sounds pretty CA to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299777 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:50:40 +0000 Aida 299777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very true Angie. I'm thinking of folks who still think of Seattle in its grunge heyday, I get plenty of comments from people outside the state about it, heh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299776 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:50:18 +0000 Lisa 299776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Angie, I would agree that Ticksgirl has great California style and it's even a tad on the dressy side for casual style as they are nicer tops than a plain ol' t-shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299774 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:48:35 +0000 Angie 299774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Marianna!</p> <p>Khris, I hear you. I've only been to LA once but to SF many times. People in SF dress very differently to people in LA. </p> <p>Aida, Seattle has loads of opposing styles - topic for a different thread </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299765 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:44:06 +0000 Aida 299765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of something that's few in layers, easy to wear and easy to remove for a trip to the beach, jeans, short shorts, short sun dresses, sandals, looser fit all around. Beachy!</p> <p>EDIT: Of course, I do not live in California. And I'm sure I don't always dress the way people think of when they think "Seattle" or "Pacific Northwest" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-please-describe-california-style#post-299764 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:44:00 +0000 chewyspaghetti 299764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is this a trick question? There is a certain style that I keep hearing referred to as California Style, which is similar to the outfits in the link that you posted Angie. However- that isn't what I actually see worn here (in any of the places that I have lived). California is a huge state with completely different cultures in different places, though. What I see a lot of is flip flops, cami's, hoodies and jeans (or designer track suits) with long fake nails and designer purses. I never understood that look, but those are the things that I see most. </p>