I’m a Fashion Writer in LA and These Are the Spring 2024 Trends

Those who live in Los Angeles know that it basically feels like summer all the time, save November through March when temperatures drop below 75 (and yes, we complain about that). People approach the first half of this “cooler” season through the lens of, for lack of a better word, delusion, layering on sweaters and thick jackets (I suspect we have a little winter FOMO). But, around the end of February, everyone decides to admit what we’ve all been thinking all along: It’s been spring for months now.

While most other cities are finishing out the winter season, Los Angeles is in a full state of spring, which has given me a sneak peek at the upcoming season’s top fashion trends. While New York is all about sexy tops and unexpected accessories right now, Angelinos are leaning into oversized silhouettes, bold hues, and elevated basics. It’s a city with a reputation for being laid back, and this season’s fashion reflects it.

Below, check out the six spring 2024 trends people in Los Angeles are already wearing.

Colorful Sneakers

There might white sneaker-fatigue here. While people are, of course, still rocking their OG Sambas, I’ve noticed an uptick in colorful sneakers, which maintains the city’s casual aesthetic while bringing a bold touch to everyday outfits. This new version of the Nike Cortez might be my favorite shoes that I’ve spotted; they feature a hairy green suede that looks almost like a football field. I’m also obsessed with Maguire’s just-launched Simone Trainers, which are designed from leather and suede and feature the most vibrant yellow finish. 

Loose Linen Pants

Baggy jeans dominated the last few months, but as we’ve turned the corner into spring, I’ve seen more and more people trading in their stiff denim styles for loose linen trousers. This was something we saw trending during Copenhagen’s fashion week, and it’s finally made it to LA, where people are pairing the pants — which look almost like elevated pajama bottoms — with everything including grungy leather jackets, crewneck sweaters, and totally oversized button-downs. If you want to try this look for less, consider grabbing this $30 style from Amazon, but if you’re down to splurge, Reformation’s Olina pants are designed from 100-percent linen and balance comfort and impeccable tailoring, featuring both a drawstring waist and the perfect straight-leg.

Angular Sunglasses

When it comes to sunnies, people in Los Angeles like to have fun. I’ve seen just about every style under the sun — from giant circular silhouettes to teeny tiny glasses that hardly cover the eye — but in the past few months, thicker, angular frames have been everywhere. Rather than opting for thin, wiry styles, people are grabbing tortoise-shell and bold-hued square, rectangular, and even straight-line aviator silhouettes (I see these Crap Eyewear glasses probably once a day). If you love an aviator, consider grabbing this $40 pair at Nordstrom that offers a modern take on the iconic style. Or, if you like a more rectangular shape, these Tory Burch sunnies are my fave. 

Boxy White Tees

If there’s one thing everyone in LA has, it’s a perfectly boxy white T-shirt. The style hangs just loose enough, hitting right at the waistband of your bottoms, whether that be casual jeans, wide-leg trousers, and even silky slip skirts. This is something you don’t have to spend a lot of money on — in fact, this shopper-loved Hanes style is on sale for $10 — but if you’re down to invest, this $40 Aritzia tee is one of the best (or so I’ve heard). 

Oversized Layering Pieces

I love how people in Los Angeles layer; it’s casual, cool, and remarkably comfortable thanks to a penchant for oversized silhouettes. I also love that this can apply to just about any style. While I’ve of course seen my fair share of billowing trench coats, a universal spring staple, I’ve also noticed roomy leather and denim jackets and even oversized button-downs that people wear open over their favorite tanks and tees.   

Slinky Midi Skirts

I’m sure it depends on the time, situation, and neighborhood, but my general understanding after living here nearly five years is that people in Los Angeles don’t really get dressed up. It’s a city that favors sneakers to heels and oversized totes to small, blinged-out bags. But when people do want to elevate their look, they reach for slinky midi skirts. The style still offers that breezy feel that Californians love while the body-skimming fit and silky material provides an elegant, sometimes sexy touch. J.Crew’s Gwyneth skirt is a shopper-favorite (I’m obsessed with the red shade that’s both on-trend and on-sale), but this Vince skirt in a beautiful midnight blue is sitting at the top of my wishlist.