Athletic shorts may have been designed for practicality for athletes, but in 2026, they have emerged as a fashion statement among the style set. These shorts, whether colourful track styles or neutral versions made from performance fabrics, pair well with other sporty items like sports bras and running sneakers. However, to keep them feeling fresh for 2026, it's all about the styling. One elegant way to do this is to take inspiration from Olivia Wilde's recent outfit.

Stepping out this weekend in L.A., Wilde confirmed the athletic shorts trend, styling a red pair with an elegant shoe trend. Instead of opting for trainers, which might have seemed the most sensible option, she chose classic loafers, creating an intentional and unexpectedly cool outfit that feels perfectly suited to summer 2026.

To finish, Wilde styled her look with retro, sporty, and menswear-inspired pieces. She layered on an oversize stripe button-down shirt, a baseball cap, and micro crew socks. The muted hues of her shirt and hat grounded the look, making the red shorts not seem too bold.

Feeling inspired to invest in the athletic shorts trend? Scroll down to shop the chicest styles and the best loafers to pair with them.

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Extra-large handbags—like Jacquemus' Spiaggia bag, the Boatkin, and Saint Laurent's Y tote—may be having a moment, but their popularity leans more toward work or travel. When it comes to what the cool crowd is carrying to Pilates and post-class matcha runs, the vibe shifts entirely. Instead of oversize totes, they’re reaching for small bags. Just look at Hailey Bieber for proof.

While leaving Forma Pilates on Melrose Avenue, Bieber wore a chic workout look: a sheer, off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve top, micro bike shorts, and a small leather tote from The Row. It was equal parts effortless and elevated—and we're here for it.

On Hailey Bieber: The Row Park Tote Small (£1440)

Opting for a smaller bag makes perfect sense, especially for a Pilates session, when all you need are the essentials: car keys, a wallet, sunglasses, lip gloss, and maybe grippy socks. Plus, a compact bag feels far more polished when you're grabbing matcha at Blank Steet—you look put-together, not like you just left the gym. That said, keep scrolling for our curated edit of must-have mini totes and everything you need to re-create Bieber’s activewear look.

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Surprise, surprise: The 2025 California summer uniform involves denim—but not just any denim. It's all about vintage-inspired jeans that feel equal parts effortless and intentional. Think high-rise silhouettes that could've been pulled straight from a '90s supermodel's off-duty archive. The key? A slightly worn-in wash that reads "lived-in" rather than "brand-new."

Paired with the perfect white tee or ribbed tank, this look taps into a kind of casual minimalism that never feels try-hard. It's that model-off-duty vibe that somehow works all day, from a morning matcha run in Venice to a late-afternoon golden hour in West Hollywood. Whether you prefer a boxy, cropped T-shirt or a fitted tank, the goal is always the same: clean, classic, and just a little undone.

Here's where the quiet uniform gets its loudest moment. Enter the statement bag. Women in California are balancing the ease of basics with one standout piece. Think sculptural shoulder bags, oversize woven totes, and splashy pops of colour that instantly elevate the whole ensemble. It's the styling trick that makes the jeans-and-tee combo look styled, not accidental.

Ultimately, this summer's go-to outfit formula is less about chasing trends and more about returning to the essentials, but with a twist. It's the kind of look that feels good on a 26-degree day with your favourite sunglasses on and a perfectly worn-in pair of Levi's. In true California fashion, it looks just as good when you throw it together last-minute.

See the ultimate California summer uniform for yourself below.

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1. Fitted T-Shirt + Baggy Jeans + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: The contrast between a fitted T-shirt and oversized baggy jeans always feels effortless, but this season it's especially of-the-moment. A figure-hugging tee keeps the look clean and balanced, while roomy denim adds a casual, borrowed-from-the-boys energy. Finish the outfit with ballet flats for a polished, feminine twist—bonus points for a satin or square-toe style that nods to the balletcore trend.

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2. Tank Top + Barrel Jeans + Flip Flops

Style Notes: This is the kind of outfit that thrives in the warmer months. A simple tank top, preferably in a ribbed fabric, makes for a fuss-free base. Barrel jeans bring a directional silhouette that feels both laid-back and editor-approved. Flip flops—particularly in a leather finish or with a platform sole—add a relaxed, beachy element that works surprisingly well for the city, too.

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3. Crop Top + Cuffed Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: When styled right, this combination hits the sweet spot between preppy and cool. A cropped top keeps proportions in check when paired with turned-up jeans, drawing attention to the ankle (and the shoes). Cuffing the jeans makes loafers feel intentional and sharp rather than school-uniform basic. Go for a sleek leather loafer or chunky sole if you want to add edge.

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4. T-Shirt + Cuffed Jeans + Heeled Sandals

Style Notes: Sometimes the simplest looks are the most impactful. A classic T-shirt, ideally with a slightly boxy or oversized fit, pairs perfectly with cuffed jeans for a look that's both casual and elevated. The magic comes in the footwear—heeled sandals instantly transform this outfit into something that feels considered and dinner-ready. It's the kind of styling trick you'll rely on again and again.

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5. Spaghetti Strap Top + Baggy Jeans + Heels

Style Notes: The Y2K influence is alive and well in this outfit. A barely-there spaghetti strap top feels fresh and a little bit flirty, particularly when contrasted with slouchy, baggy denim. Heels add structure and polish, making this a great option for drinks, dinner, or anything that calls for a dressed-up denim look. It's casual-glam at its best.

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New York City used to house the best model off-duty style. Now, if you ask me, Los Angeles does. These days, whether they live in L.A. or are just visiting, models tend to mellow out in the California hub, leading to a laid-back street style that's easier to copy and more indicative of their genuine tastes. In New York, we see more special runway looks or rare, archival pieces, which, don't get me wrong, I appreciate as much as the next fashion person, but it's not exactly casual.

Kaia Gerber and Kendall Jenner's latest looks in L.A. are all the proof I feel I need to prove this point. Both were recently spotted out and about in the city sporting similar outfits featuring two things: black trousers and ballet flats. No, what they were wearing wasn't shocking or necessarily awe-worthy, but it was real. They're the kind of outfits I'd want to wear to run similar errands, which is why I bookmarked both for future reference.

On Kaia Gerber: Repetto Cendrillon Ballerina Flats (£205)

Gerber should be paid by Repetto given how often she wears her black ballet flats by the French footwear brand. She styled them effortlessly with a black sweater and trousers, adding glasses and a black tote bag to the mix. Everything about her look screams model off-duty to me, bringing forth memories from her mom, Cindy Crawford's modelling days, when simpler was better in terms of styling after shows and to fittings or castings.

On Kendall Jenner: The Row top, sweater, trousers, and Marlo Bag (£3990)

Jenner styled her black trousers and ballet flats similarly, trading in Gerber's heavier knit for a gray sweater-vest and layered tee, both by The Row from the brand's Summer 2025 collection. Closing out the daytime combo, she added black sunglasses and The Row's sold-out Marlo Bag, a great Margaux alternative for anyone who wants something a touch lesser known.

Clearly, there's one cool, model-approved shoe choice to wear with black trousers, and no, it's not sneakers. Shop a variety of chic ballet flats and pants to go with below.

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First, let's clarify one thing before you misunderstand me: bomber jackets are forever. I am not, in any way, telling you to send your classic vintage bomber to the donation bin. What I meant to get across in the headline above was that, right now, stylish women aren't grabbing for theirs and are instead attached to one other very specific piece of outerwear. If you haven't already guessed, I'm referring to leather blazers, the elegant jacket option that well-dressed people in LA and Paris are leaning on heavily this winter. For proof, keep scrolling.

When I think of leather blazers and chic women, the first person who comes to mind is Jennifer Lawrence, who's been wearing her version from The Row—a now sold-out style called the Boise—all year long. Taking styling cues from the runways, she'll often pair hers with a button-down shirt of some sort and trousers, adding a trendy pair of slippers or flats to finish off the look. She took a new styling route, though, the last time she wore her Boice blazer.

On Jennifer Lawrence: The Row blazer

The No Hard Feelings actress was spotted in Los Angeles having dinner with a friend shortly after announcing that she and her husband Cooke Maroney are expecting their second child together. For the occasion, Lawrence topped a chocolate-brown shirt and midi skirt set with the blazer. On the accessories front, she embellished with an oversized brown tote, black The Row Eva flats, and her go-to earrings of late by Lisa Eisner.

If you ask me, the versatility and ease of leather blazers is what makes them such a key piece in every chic woman's closet. They can be belted, cropped, fitted, or relaxed. They can be styled with jeans, skirts, trousers, or dresses. Really, the possibilities are endless. Scroll down to see how other women in Los Angeles and Paris style theirs and shop the best leather jackets on the market for fall.

See How Women In Paris and LA Wear Their Leather Blazers:

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I currently live in Los Angeles and grew up in Orange County, so yes, I am quite the California girl. While my roots are certainly planted in the Golden State, my personal style has never been, which is why I am constantly searching elsewhere for wardrobe inspiration. Having worked in fashion for most of my adult life, I have always admired the French-girl aesthetic, and lately, my closet is craving a few new pieces to help elevate my look to that classic Parisian level. 

Below, I shopped out seven French-style clothing items, from designer raffia bags to simple and sleek kitten heels that I am itching to wear here in Los Angeles this summer. Each item is timeless yet striking, which is exactly the balance these French women have mastered. With that being said, enjoy this French-girl shopping roundup, and wish me luck on my attempt to turn my closet into something French women would be proud of. 

Simple Kitten Heels

Having a pair of simple kitten heels on hand can instantly elevate any outfit. I'm loving the monochromatic shirt–and-shorts look above and plan on re-creating it ASAP.

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Little Red Dresses

This summer, instead of the LBD, I'm buying into the little red dress thanks to the endless inspiration I'm getting from French girls. 

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Designer Raffia Bags

If you ask me, there is nothing chicer than a designer raffia bag. It's giving "I'm investing in summer" energy, and I'm very here for it. 

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Colourful Button-Downs

Colourful button-downs are always the vibe, but there's something about the way French girls style them that makes me need 10 more. 

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Striped Swimwear

Striped swimwear will always be a classic, and I'm looking to invest in as many styles as I can. After seeing French girls sporting them all over my Instagram feed while on their dreamy vacations, I officially can no longer resist. 

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Investment Bags

I have always admired the way French girls style their investment bags. Whether they're wearing jeans and a T-shirt or a pretty summer dress, they make the strongest case for the cost per wear of these designer goods.

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Black Maxi Skirts

While I still love a good mini hemline, I have officially been convinced via these Parisian beauties to add a few maxi skirts to my wardrobe as well. Specifically, black ones, as they lend the most versatility when it comes to planning easy yet chic outfits. 

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Next: I'm an Editor Who Rarely Shops, But I Love These 28 Pieces

I've been lucky enough to live in some of the most incredible cities in the world, at least in my personal opinion—NYC, Paris and L.A. Each city is a unique place to live with its own local cultures and customs, and similarly, each place has its own take on fashion. Living in each place has opened me up to what makes each spot known for fashion in its own right, and I picked up some ideas about how to dress along the way—with plenty of personal outfits to share.

In L.A., I discovered how to style casual pieces like jeans and athleisure looks that are core to every Angeleno's wardrobe. NYC is where I learned about practicality. Before living there, I never had to dress for a cold winter, so I found out firsthand how New Yorkers manage to look chic while also shielding themselves from the elements—and how to maximize small wardrobe space. In Paris, I really mastered how to build out a wardrobe of great basics and investment items that I'll wear again and again, a method of getting dressed that felt very common among the most stylish Parisian women I met.

Ahead, I'm diving into my editor wardrobe that was crafted after picking up style lessons in these fashion capitals, including the key pieces I always wear and the ones I learned to skip.

Skip: Layers as an Afterthought

Wear: Tailored Outerwear

New York was the place where I really learned about the importance of layering, and I grew my collection of pieces like tailored blazers and coats. They're practical items to transition throughout the seasons, but they're also key items for pulling together a look.

Shop my picks:

Skip: Mismatched Athleisure

Wear: Coordinating Workout Sets

I used to throw on whichever T-shirt and leggings were sitting at the top of my drawer, but nothing looks more pulled-together than a coordinating athleisure set. It instantly feels intentional and polished. Plus, getting dressed couldn't be easier than throwing on a matching set. In L.A., this is practically a uniform that can be dressed up with pieces like blazers and cool sneakers.

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Skip: A personality-Void Wardrobe

Wear: Elements of Fun

While I can easily get stuck in my comfort zone of just wearing basics and neutral shades, I think it's so important to remember to add elements of fun to your wardrobe—whether it's an unexpected colour or a cool trend that's a bit outside of what you would normally wear. This is always something I'm inspired to do when I see all of the cool, experimental looks on the streets of L.A.

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Skip: It Shoes

Wear: Go-With-Anything Shoes

If shoes become too *It*, they tend to feel dated pretty quickly. To avoid this, I tend to buy shoes that feel like they have a shelf life that will last past a season and can be worn with a lot of pieces in my closet. Walking around Paris, I noticed that most French women followed this rule for shoes, and it really stuck with me.

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Skip: Cheap Basics

Wear: Quality Basics

I always regret when I buy poorly made basics because I inevitably have to retire them after a few wears. Instead, I look for well-made basics that I can throw on again and again. It doesn't always mean making an expensive purchase if you know what to look for.

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Skip: One-Wear Accessories

Wear: Versatile Accessories

In the past, I was often tempted to purchase accessories that served a very specific purpose and then just sat in my closet. New York wardrobes, however, are very small, so I had to make smarter decisions about the accessories that took up precious space.

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Skip: Overthinking It

Wear: One-of-a-Kind Pieces

It was during my many visits to vintage shops in Paris that I learned the importance of scooping up cool one-of-a-kind pieces and taking some risks in my wardrobe. Whether a vintage find or a unique piece from an emerging brand, those are usually the items I love most in my closet.

Shop my picks:

Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know. 

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

While I talk about fashion on the regular and share snaps of what I'm wearing, travel is another big personal interest that demands most of my other attention. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with travel—a passion that I attribute in part to my Sagittarius inclinations. Even though my travel plans have been put on hold this year, there’s no denying the impact all of my past travels have had on me. Notably, the cities I’ve lived in. Over the years, I’ve spent as much time as I’ve been able to exploring new places and moving to new cities, which is why I’ve lived in NYC, Paris, and L.A. during my adult life.

Each city is known for fashion in its own way, but it’s clear that there’s a distinct take on style in each place. Living in each of the cities, I picked up on some key styles lessons that helped shape how I dress today. In Paris, fashion revolves around sleek, timeless clothing essentials in a neutral palette and clean lines. In New York, there’s more layering and attention to trend-forward pieces. And in L.A., it’s all about a relaxed-meets-cool wardrobe.

Ahead, I’m highlighting the trendy fashion essentials that I was inspired to wear after living in each city. At this point, they’re all part of my core wardrobe, but I’ll dive into why each city inspired me to add them to my closet.

Tops

When I lived in NYC, turtleneck tops became a core part of my wardrobe. They're the perfect transitional piece for autumn and a key item for winter.

Parisians have basics mastered and I always noticed women wearing them with cool tweaks—like a button-down with a puff sleeve—to make them feel modern.

I know so many L.A. people who own and wear this exact bodysuit. It's definitely an L.A. staple.

Shoes

In NYC, boots are a must and knee-high versions are my favourite silhouette.

After living in Paris, I pretty much ditched all of my tall heels. I spotted low kitten heels everywhere and quickly realised how much more practical they are.

Like I said, comfort is king in L.A. And that means making sure you have a great pair of sneakers in your closet.

Bottoms

NYC is where my love of straight-leg jeans really took off. They're the most versatile style to add to your closet and look great with anything from boots to heels.

Great tailoring is a trademark of Paris, so you'll find the women there wearing amazing trousers like these.

Sweatpants are a regular street style staple in L.A. Bonus points in they have a relaxed fit.

Outerwear

I didn't really experience true winter weather until I moved to NYC, so I had to quickly learn how to stay warm with some new layers, like the faux fur jacket I added to my closet.

Nothing makes me think of Paris more than a classic tweed jacket. Paired with jeans and slingbacks, you have the perfect wear-anywhere outfit.

L.A. doesn't get that cold, but you do still need some light layering pieces in the winter. One of my standby staples? A leather trench.

Dresses

When living in NYC, I attended more semi-formal events than anywhere else, so it was great to have a black dress on hand.

A favourite dress style among Parisians? Pretty floral printed styles that you can wear just about anywhere.

Nothing is more L.A. than a fun mini dress.

Accessories

Claw clips made a huge resurgence when I was living in NYC and they were one of the accessories I always spotted when I rode the subway. Now, they're a mainstay in my wardrobe.

On the streets of Paris, I would see timeless (often vintage) bag shapes more than any others. You can't go wrong by investing in a classic silhouette.

If you've ever been to L.A., you immediately realise that you need sunglasses at all times.

Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends to know. 

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

California style is known for its casual and everyday appeal while French style is revered for its effortless chic vibe. Given that the laid-back approach of the West Coast has become a lot more relevant to all of us lately and that French style is, well, always relevant, we went ahead and cross-referenced the style staples that both groups are wearing as we head into fall—a sartorial Venn diagram, if you will. The result? A list of seven autumn staples that are as effortless and easy to wear as they are polished. So whether you need to ideate some autumn outfits or are looking to stock your wardrobe with timeless staples, discover the pieces California and French women agree upon and get inspired each group's distinctive styling approach.

1. Leather Outerwear

2. Knit Dresses

3. Checkered Blazer

4. Straight-Leg Jeans

5. Trench Coats

6. Loose Trousers

7. Chunky Knits

Up next, the biggest autumn/winter 2020 fashion trends to know. 

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Nothing makes getting ready in the morning easier than having an arsenal of go-to outfits to fall back on. Whether it's a classic dress-and-shoe combo, ideas for styling tricky pieces like Bermuda shorts or a tracksuit look that is anything but boring, we could all use some more outfit ideas to mix things up. That's why I'm looking to eight of my favourite L.A.-based fashion people to inspire with chic summer looks that, simply put, work every time. 

From tailored pieces to comfortable loungewear, these women have relaxed but yet style and know a thing or two about making L.A. style their own. Here, see and shop the looks for yourself, and don't forget to save your favourites for the next time you're looking for some fresh inspiration.

Striped Dress + Heels + Earrings

This easy outfit formula works year after year. One thing I love about striped dresses is how easy they are to dress up or dress down, simply by pairing on with a simple sandal or pair of strappy heels.

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Ribbed Top + Bermuda Shorts + Loafers

Bermuda shorts have been going strong, and this is exactly how to pull off the tricky trend. This outfit is the perfect polished look to wear right now and then later this autumn by adding boots and a blazer. 

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Button-Down Top + Miniskirt + Sandals

A skirt-and-sandals combo is a go-to weekend look. What's especially cool about this outfit is the mix of fun colours and textures.

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Tee + Trousers + Flats

A tee with trousers is the ultimate versatile look that can be dressed either up or down. Bonus points for swapping in bold shades instead of neutrals.

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Satin Top + Jogging Bottoms + Tube Socks

The ensemble that's the closest thing you'll get to feeling like you're wearing pyjamas. Sure, you could stick with a matching tracksuit set, but I love the idea of adding in a satin top instead of a hoodie.

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Oversize Tee + Jeans + Loafers

Jeans and a tee never fail—especially when you have a cool pair of loafers to finish the look. I've found that a light-wash like these have major staying power in my closet.

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Tank Top + Bike Shorts + Sunglasses

Embrace the bike-shorts trend with a tank top and sunglasses for both comfort and polish. If you want to dress this up, simply add a boxy blazer and boots.

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Tee + Trousers + Heels

Tailored trousers and heels always add an extra element of polish to your basic tee. Think of this as an easy alternative to your go-to jeans look.

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Next, our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2020.

Now we're not just saying this to blow smoke for our lovely Los Angeles–based Who What Wear crew, but their fair city is undeniably gaining traction as a fashion force to be reckoned with. Could it be that L.A. is shaping up to be the world's fifth fashion capital after (and this is in no particular order) New York, Milan, Paris and London? Not only did Hedi Slimane decamp from France to La La Land following his appointment at Saint Laurent, but now he's putting his money where his mouth is, so to speak, and staging the house's autumn/winter 2016 show there too. 

It's been a busy week in terms of Saint Laurent news—with rumours spreading now far and wide that Hedi hasn't reached an agreement for renewal of his contract and that Anthony Vaccarello could be next in line for this golden job—but back to our focus. How, why and when did L.A. become a serious player in this high-fashion market? 

"The Los Angeles fashion moment has been bubbling for a few years now, and it’s part of a larger creative renaissance that includes the art and design worlds too. It’s exciting to see the burgeoning movement continue to grow, especially as tastemakers like Natalie Joos make the move west," explains Who What Wear's editorial director, Kat Collings. 

On Suki Waterhouse: Rosetta Getty dress.

Style Notes: Rosetta Getty is one of the most exciting labels coming out of Los Angeles right now.

There has long been a booming denim scene and constant red carpet dressing, and, of course, we all know athleisure wouldn't exist without the Gigi/Kendall types heading from one new workout to another in their finest exercise kits, but some designers—like Hedi and also Jeremy Scott before him—have been instrumental in cementing a more salubrious reputation for the city. So forget the Juicy Couture pink velour tracksuits of Paris Hilton's past (and the dogs carried around in monogram-emblazoned bags). The new L.A. aesthetic is sophisticated but seriously chilled.

"It has an ease and lightheartedness that sets it apart from other style hubs," says Kat. "There’s a looser interpretation of what goes, what’s appropriate, and even what’s in style, which ultimately feels refreshing. There’s a tradition of bohemian-inspired style, but currently it’s more of an abstract interpretation—it can be as subtle as not wearing a bra, which has a specific '70s-inspired appeal under a thin ribbed knit, or repurposing a faded ribbon as a choker. As a counterpoint to New York’s uniform of head-to-toe black, wearing colour or an all-white ensemble always feels en pointe in Los Angeles."

Style Notes: Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid walking through the streets of L.A. in their usual hybrid of exercise gear and regular clothes.

One of Kat's top examples of this relaxed but pulled-together polish is Rosetta Getty: a designer with ultra-luxe, top-end price points sitting alongside other US labels like The Row and Altuzarra. Only this week did Suki Waterhouse put Rosetta's sumptuous wares to the test, choosing a nude, draped cape gown and blown-out Farah Fawcett waves for a Hollywood event. Kat tells us: "I find a snippet from Rosetta's website compelling. 'We’ve made an edited group of pieces, several void of trims or closures offered in multiple fabrics to let the wearer feel free to interpret.' This is pure Los Angeles: free to interpret. The lightness that comes with the ability to wear it how you want, to experiment."

Scroll through the gallery below to shop our UK-approved edit of L.A. pieces…