I’m a Fashion Writer in L.A., and These Are the 5 Summer Trends Everyone’s Wearing

If there’s one city that has summer dressing down to a T, it’s Los Angeles, where I’ve now lived for four years. We’re kind of at an advantage given that we get the season well before everyone else, giving us time to fine-tune our wardrobe. And while style is far from singular—like any big city, you’ll find that most neighborhoods have their own looks—there are a few trends you’ll spot pretty much everywhere.

Like the L.A. lifestyle, fashion here leans a little more laid-back, meaning that relaxed silhouettes dominate, from loose shorts to flowing dresses. And because we tend to reach for more casual pieces, accessories play a major role in elevating those staples. 

Below, shop the five summer trends I’ve seen people in Los Angeles wearing.

Prairie Dresses

I recently went to an event where I was among the few people not wearing a vintage-inspired prairie dress, and the first thing I did when I got home was shop for one of my own. The cottagecore style offers elegance and comfort with flowing silhouettes, lace and eyelet details, and romantic touches like dainty florals and small bows. Gap’s summer collaboration with DÔEN included the perfect modern prairie dress: an eyelet white style with a smocked waist, bowed neckline, and tiered skirt. Other styles I’m loving include this lace-trim maxi dress from J.Crew and Free People’s Poet Mini Dress, which has a summery gingham print, embroidery at the neck, and short puffed sleeves.

Anything-But-Denim Shorts 

I’m just as shocked by how many Angelinos wear full-length jeans in 80-degree heat as I am by how few wear denim cut-offs. While jean shorts might be summer’s ‘It’ item everywhere else, they’re kind of a rare sighting here. Instead, you’ll find everything from pleated, business-inspired linen Bermudas to knit short-shorts. This relaxed drawstring style is one I spot almost every weekend while I’m running errands, but if you want something a little less casual, this embroidered, linen-blend version is also a great option.

Elevated Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are back, but we’ve moved on from the 2010s’ flimsy, under-$5 styles. Instead, I’m seeing elevated takes on the classic summer shoe everywhere. One that popped up last summer is back for 2024: the leather flip-flop, which offers a rich look and durability (because we’re no longer replacing our sandals every four weeks). And if you want even a little more oomph, consider grabbing it in a trending color—this silver pair from Tory Burch is a personal favorite—or with a small heel. 

White Tank Top

L.A. style can be kind of basic—but not necessarily in a bad way. The city often gravitates toward simple looks like classic jeans and a good white T-shirt, so in the summer, a white tank top becomes the ‘It’ item. The wardrobe staple gets paired with everything from wide-leg pants, jeans, and shorts to slinky slip skirts, and acts as the perfect base for a statement necklace like the below or oversized bag. I love this $8 tank top from Gap—you can’t go wrong with a ribbed design—but I’m also eyeing this pearl-trim style from J.Crew as well as this lettuce-trim tank for when I want my basic to feel, well, less basic. 

Charm Necklaces

Chunky charm necklaces have taken over Los Angeles. The eye-catching accessory elevates simple outfits, adding intrigue and personality to a basic white tank and a modern touch to those prairie dresses. While L.A. has a number of stores where you can build your own, you can also make things really easy for yourself by grabbing one online. This one from J.Crew is perfect for summer with ocean-inspired charms, while this pearl one from Anthropologie answers my maximalist prayers. Coach’s all-gold option is chic with small charms inspired by the brand, and at Baublebar, you can personalize your own necklace.