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A trip to California can take you from shopping along palm-lined streets in LA to catching those stunning coastal views on a San Diego hike. It’s easy to worry that planning what to wear in California will feel like its own itinerary. Take a deep breath! I’ve got plenty of California outfit ideas that are so stylish and laid-back, they’ll make you feel like a trendy local.
How to Dress for California
California style leans into contrast— if you have a structured top, go for a flowy bottom, or offset a playful piece with a sleek one. In this guide, you’ll see light knit layers over bikinis, neutrals next to bold prints, and elevated basics that look anything but boring. These California outfits are the perfect balance of comfort and trendiness, with budget conscious finds with luxe quality. If you have the travel bug, check out all my fashion travel guides!
14 California Outfit Ideas
Relaxed Linen Pants with a Tube Top
Shop this Amazon Outfit HERE (These shoes have limited size options, shop here for a similar style.)
A breezy California outfit has entered the chat. The straight leg linen pants are lightweight and breathable, and makes a flattering silhouette against a ruched tube top. I paired them with these cushy platform sandals (shop here for a similar style) that are padded with memory foam, adding some flair and comfort! Grab a woven bag and your fave pair of sunnies, and you’re ready for a beachside stroll.
Crochet Maxi Skirt and Strappy Sandals
This crochet maxi dress is giving all the beachy vibes! Chic and flattering, it pairs perfectly with a soft basic top and strappy espadrilles. This California outfit isn’t complete without playing with some texture— and this gorgeous beaded bag did just the trick!
Sleeveless Crop Top and Wide Leg Knit Set
Go bold with a bright orange ribbed knit set. The wide-leg palazzo pants and matching mock neck crop tank are equally cute and comfy. I paired the set with this stunning acrylic clutch, which is practically like carrying your own piece of art (that conveniently holds the essentials)! For even more personality, clear square-toe heels give all the chic gallery vibes without overdoing it.
Oversized Shirt Short Set with a Bikini
Start your day with a dip in the water and a boardwalk lunch with this cute and easy California outfit. A color block triangle bikini layers perfectly under this comfy button down top with matching high-waisted shorts. Grab your shades and flip flops to complete an effortlessly stylish beach look.
Cut Out Maxi Dress and Sandals
Shop this Amazon Outfit HERE (This bag has since sold out, shop here for a similar style)
I’m obsessed with this sleek twist back maxi dress and its side slit detail! This California outfit is a cute and easy choice for a date night in downtown LA. To complete the look, add some comfy slides and a chic straw crossbody bag.
Mini Dress with Strappy Sandals
You can never go wrong with a cute mini dress! Stretchy and lightweight, the ruffle detailing is my favorite part of this cute and simple dress. To elevate this California outfit, strappy platform espadrilles and a chic shoulder bag are great pairing options.
Denim Shorts and a Pleated Crop
Shop this Amazon Outfit HERE (Some items have since sold out, shop here for a similar style top// shop here for a similar style bag)
The pleated stripe design and boat neck cut on this lightweight long sleeve crop top is such a chic and unique design that will turn heads. Throw on pair of light wash denim shorts to balance things out. To give a little more color and flair to this California outfit, I chose these cute lace-up gladiator sandals that match my brown shoulder bag.
Crochet Dress and Sneakers
Shop this Amazon Outfit HERE (This dress has since sold out, shop here for an exact style)
This crochet dress is giving all the retro chic vibes. The vintage-inspired knit pattern and color palette of the dress looks so cute with a pair of Converse. Pair the ensemble with a faux croc satchel to bring in a cool, funky California outfit that’s meant for a morning on the boardwalk.
Sleeveless Crop and Short Set
Don’t fret about constant glam during your trip— rock a few sporty looks that you can move in. This waffle knit lounge set is so comfy, which is exactly what you need for a long day of sightseeing and walking. All this cute throw-on-and-go California outfit needs is a crossbody bag and some kicks to hit the streets!
Yoga Shorts with a Cropped Cami
Who said you can’t be cute while hiking? I’m obsessed with how the compressed fitting of these comfy yoga shorts flatters my figure while still being breathable. For a cute and simple pairing (that’s also suitcase friendly), pull on a soft cami crop top. Just grab your sneakers and sunnies, and you’re good to go.
Smocked Midi Dress and Sandals
If you’re trying to find a flattering summer dress for your trip, a smocked midi is an effortless option. The ruffle straps and floral print add a romantic touch, and the piece is so versatile, it can be easily dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize. For this California outfit, I chose these cute sandals and a matching shoulder bag.
High-Waisted Bikini with an Oversized Button-Down
Shop this Amazon Outfit HERE (If your shirt size isn’t available, shop here for a similar style.)
Head to the pool with a cute high-waisted bikini! I love how this bikini flaunts your curves and still keeps everything comfortably in place. A casual and easy way to cover up is with an oversized oxford shirt. Perfect pairings with this chic beachy look includes a woven tote and comfy slides.
Cute and Easy California Outfits from Amazon
These effortlessly stylish California outfits are made to move with you! Equally cute and comfy, they’re ready for whatever the West Coast throws your way. Keep up with my daily try-ons by following me on Instagram, and shop all the latest fashion finds on my Amazon storefront.
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