If New York girls seem dark and brooding with their affinity for all-black and semblance of an old-school punk, California girls are the complete opposite. For the most part they look like actual blonde-haired angels who can (and will) make a bikini top work in every situation. Stylist Djuna Bel moved to L.A. from New York and yet, with her dreamy blonde hair and ’70s tomboy style, she looks like she’s been soaking in the California vibes and sun her entire life. We’re generally in touch with our New York City sensibilities, but we’ll gladly take some tips from Djuna on how to do what L.A. girls do best—channel summer all year long. Here are the three wardrobe necessities for angelic L.A.-girl style, no beach required.
Colorful and easy “one and done” pieces.
Part of the appeal of California style is how easy and effortless it all seems. L.A. girls just throw on an oversized loose-fitting dress or jumpsuit over a bathing suit and call it a day. But who is to say you need a bathing suit to make this look work? A white maxi dress doesn’t have to be sunny-attire-only; it’ll just as easily work in the fall with a pair of ankle boots and a baggy jacket.
An endless supply of lived-in jeans.
OK, so maybe an amazing jean collection is a wardrobe staple no matter who you are, where you live or how you define your style. Yes, we have a staggering amount of denim but that isn’t to say we aren’t envious of Djuna’s Re/Done vintage shorts collection. Instead of going for the obvious vintage tee and jeans, try pairing these with a loose white blouse and a pair of colorful statement earrings. It looks done-up, but just enough to also seem like you weren’t trying too hard at all.
Standout accessories that look just as great with jeans as they do with a dress.
Djuna’s closet was understated and perfect, but that isn’t to say she didn’t have a good amount of standout pieces as well. In New York we have a tendency to wear all of our most awe-inspiring accessories at once, whereas in California, they’ll wear one at a time. Whether it be a cute straw bag, chunky earrings or eye-popping shades, one accessory is all you really need to add a little pop to your maxi dress or standard jeans-and-tee combo.
