8 Simple Outfit Recipes California Girls Can't Stop Wearing

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(Image credit: @vanessa_oblinsky)

Since you clicked into this story, you're probably interested in California style, maybe even more so lately than you might have been before. Given that the pandemic has shifted the way we get dressed, the easygoing and casual vibe that the West Coast is known for has never seemed more appealing than it does now. People are turning to California girls for their simple-but-stylish outfit inspiration.

In my opinion, the best thing about the California-girl aesthetic is that it's casual but never boring, a balance I know I'm always striving for these days. This is why I'm diving into the simple outfit recipes they seem to love enough to wear over and over again. I've spotted California fashion girls wearing these combinations all over my feed but can also attest to seeing these looks IRL throughout my six-year sojourn on the sunnier coast.

If you're ready for a roundup of inspirational California outfits, look no further than the below nine.

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Floral Dress + Sporty Sneakers
(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Since most of California enjoys summer weather nearly year-round, a pretty floral dress is basically a wardrobe staple. L.A. girls, especially, wear theirs with sporty sneakers and tall socks for a cool vibe.

Shop the look:

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Double Denim
(Image credit: @vanessa_oblinsky)

Does it get any simpler (or more timeless) than a denim-on-denim ensemble? I think not. Whether they're tucking a chambray shirt into their jeans or matching with a coordinating denim jacket, Californians know it's a look that never fails.

Shop the look:

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Cropped Tee + Slip Skirt
(Image credit: @thetennillelife_)

On casual days, you can spot Cali girls wearing a slip skirt with a basic tee or tank and adding interest via gold jewelry.

Shop the look:

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Blazer + Tank Top + Jeans + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @sophiegold)

As fall approaches, our West Coast friends are bringing back their blazers and boots to re-create this classic ensemble.

Shop the look:

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Matching Sets
(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

Matching sets aren't unique to California, but they are definitely a popular outfit there for good reason. There's nothing easier to throw on and look put-together than a matching two-piece set, especially when inspiration is lacking.

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Tank Top + Trousers
(Image credit: @catchmeeksifyoucan)

While I was living in L.A., I wore a tank with trousers more times than I can remember because the look is easy but chic.

Shop the look:

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Bodysuit + Jeans + Flat Sandals
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Jeans, especially vintage Levi's, are part of the California-girl uniform, and wearing them with sandals and a bodysuit couldn't be easier.

Shop the look:

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Basic Dress + Trendy Sandals
(Image credit: @stellasimona)

Since basic dresses have become more relevant lately, this simple look is one to jot down for future reference. 

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For even more casual outfits, check out these nine easy looks composed of just the basics.

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.