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:
- 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.
- women: jeans, & t, jeweled flip flops or Uggs, with a coach bag. track suits with/without big designer logos.
- kids: clogs, jeans, some screen print Ts.

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.

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.
http://www.urbandictionary.com.....m=bro%20ho

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.

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.

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.

Beach towns (7): Lots of cut-off denim skirts and flip flops.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks everyone! This is brilliant information

What great responses!

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 & 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.

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.)

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 & t-shirts.)

I don't find a lot of sophistication, and I don't find a lot of individuality.

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.

Sigh. I miss those days...living north of Seattle now, more of an REI vibe.

Almost forgot...
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.

From a complete outsider perspective Rachel Zoe (and her Zobots) embodies California Style

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.

I live in SF, recently relocated from Australia.

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.