How to Dress Like a Local in Los Angeles

It's the land of movie stars, surfing and vegan smoothies. Los Angeles is also home to so many attractive and stylish people that it's easy to feel self-conscious when you walk among them. Don't fret, though; millions of people call LA home, and many of them look and dress just like the residents of any other city. But it's a fun challenge to try to fit in with the movie stars of tomorrow, so pack your bags with care.

Unless they're executives or on their way to an audition, LA locals tend to dress casually – like, yoga-pants-and-sneakers casual. Hiking and exercising are very popular activities, and you'll see tons of people walking around all day in high-end gym clothes. Don't worry about standing out if you wear jeans and a ripped T-shirt. In fact, wearing khakis and a button-down shirt would make you stand out more.

That said, LA natives do tend to put some time and effort into their outfits, with a focus on looking cool. Baggy dad jeans, knee-length jean shorts, ill-fitting tops and chunky white sneakers will make you look like a tourist. Pick pieces that are of high quality, fit you well and make you feel comfortable. That might mean head-to-toe black, shorts and a white T-shirt or a patterned dress. In LA, fitting in is more about exuding confidence than anything else.

You won't see yoga pants in a Malibu bistro or Hollywood club. Locals dress up for going out at night. Where you're going will dictate some of your fashion choices, though. If you're going to an improv show or a pizza place in the Valley, no need to change out of your sightseeing clothes. But if you're going to an upscale eatery or to a trendy bar or club, fit in with the locals by donning a body-hugging dress or a tailored shirt and dress pants or dark jeans.

If you've ever dreamed of rocking a zebra-print romper or trading your khakis for leather pants, LA is where you should go for it. Many of the city's locals embrace fashion trends, and it's common to see people in the grocery store wearing outfits that look like they just came off a runway. And a big chunk of the population embraces a "wear whatever you feel like" philosophy, so locals won't bat an eye at a man with a Mohawk wearing a three-piece suit. Ultimately, taking fashion risks actually helps you blend in on a trip to LA.

Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement in LA. They're a necessity for visitors of all ages, because the sun shines most days. A brimmed hat also combines function and fashion. Whether it's a baseball cap or a floppy sun hat, take at least one with you. Colorful scarves and funky jewelry are also popular with lady Angelenos (and more than a few men). Stash a few filmy, colorful scarves in your bag and loosely wrap one around your neck before heading out in the morning. Add a few rings and a distinctive necklace or earrings and grab a slouchy satchel purse or crossbody bag. Finish your outfit with flat sandals, ankle boots or slim sneakers, then head out to take on Hollywood.