I Just Got Back From L.A.—These Are the Trends I Saw Most Out and About

I recently traveled to Los Angeles for work. With my role as a fashion editor, I basically spent the bulk of my time working on various style projects and writing and chatting about trends with my coworkers. Given my heightened sartorial sensibilities, I also kept a close eye on what people are wearing out and about. Today I thought I’d share with you the trends I saw often in L.A. You know, to potentially inspire any upcoming shopping trips.

The trends in question all leaned into that effortless California vibe. Each is forward and also highly versatile in that they could be styled with a range of different basics. I’m talking about everything from chic separates that look excellent with denim to simple shoe trends that are also inherently chic.

With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the trends that consistently caught my attention. To showcase each, I pulled visual inspiration from various style setters that live in L.A. Incorporating one or all of the looks into your wardrobe could just give you that cool and easy California fashion-person aesthetic.

1. Oversize Shirt

los-angeles-fashion-trends-2021-294437-1627408967126-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

The oversize button-down shirt is the one trend I saw time and time again. Whether worn on its own or open with a tee, the relaxed piece brought ease to various looks.

2. Loose Trousers

los-angeles-fashion-trends-2021-294437-1627408968968-image

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

It's all about wide-leg and loose trousers RN. Formfitting pants weren't as prevalent, but silhouettes like this reigned supreme. The pants were typically styled with cute tanks or button-down shirts.

3. Forward, Flat Sandals

los-angeles-fashion-trends-2021-294437-1627408969444-image

(Image credit: @ylynnnguyen)

Heeled sandals definitely had a moment, but so did fashion-forward flat sandals for a comfortable and cool vibe. 

4. Corset Tops

los-angeles-fashion-trends-2021-294437-1627408968417-image

(Image credit: @indyabrown)

I saw a few cute corset-inspired tops—especially while dining outside for dinner. Styles like this were often teamed with jeans or midi skirts.

5. Relaxed Jeans

los-angeles-fashion-trends-2021-294437-1627408967944-image

(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

In the denim realm, L.A. fashion people embraced those loose, straight-leg jeans. 

6. Loose Blazer

los-angeles-fashion-trends-2021-294437-1627408969798-image

(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Oversize blazers have been staples in many wardrobes over the past few seasons, and the lighter-weight styles (with sleeves bunched up) popped up a lot.

Next, check out the brands L.A. fashion people love.

Explore More:
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.