The LA Cool Girl’s Guide to Building the Perfect Fall Wardrobe
Trying to figure out what to wear in LA in October and November? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Fall in Los Angeles is a magical time, and -of course- in a city where fashion and aesthetics are placed on a pedestal, you get to dress up everyday to celebrate it!
Growing up outside of Los Angeles in a cute town called Glendora, there was nothing I loved more than walking down downtown Glendora’s mushroom tree lined streets, picking up a coffee at Classic Coffee, and walking alongside the town’s friendly peacocks. I was living my little Lorelai Gilmore life in Glendora and made sure to cherish every moment every time fall came around.
In the city, there was nothing I loved more than working at a cafe in Echo Park, looking for new vintage pieces to add to my wardrobe in Silverlake, and spending my late afternoons at Pali Wine Society in the Arts District.
Fall is great because you don’t feel exhausted from the heat, allowing you to walk all over LA’s best neighborhoods without a single care in the world. It’s hot enough to wear a dress, but not cold enough to make you want to stay in all day. It’s perfect. Plus, who doesn’t love drinking a delicious fall drink while strolling around underneath the sun, watching the palm trees sway in the wind? It’s a dream.
Anyway, before I get carried away, I’m excited to share with you some fall outfit essentials to wear this season in Los Angeles, so that you can also enjoy the beautiful season and what it has to offer, while also being in style.
The Sweater Vest: A Staple for Los Angeles Fall Weather
Sweater vests make fall outfits in hot weather bearable and stylish at the same time. The thing about LA is that even in the middle of October and November, it’ll still be over 80 degrees. Sweater vests make a perfect addition to any fall wardrobe in Los Angeles, seamlessly blending comfort and fashion in a city known for its warmer autumn days. As the quintessential compromise between staying cool and embracing fall fashion, sweater vests embody the spirit of adapting to LA’s unique climate.
You get the best of both worlds with a sweater vest. They provide enough warmth to keep you cozy while working at a cafe in the early morning or at a get-together with the girls at the Arts District at 7pm, and you won’t feel uncomfortably hot when the sun decides to shine its brightest during the afternoon.
You can layer them by wearing a thin turtleneck underneath, a structured t-shirt, or even a nice blouse. You can dress it up with a gold necklace and some fun chunky gold earrings, or go casual and ditch the necklace and opt for simple studs.
I absolutely love the oversized look, so I recommend ordering a size larger or taking a look into the men’s section at your favorite store. I’m wearing this sweater vest by Todd Snyder.
Los Angeles Fall Fashion Staple: Maxi Denim Skirt
Fall in Los Angeles is like that sweet spot on a warm day—just perfect. It’s not too hot, nor is it ever too cold. This makes the maxi denim skirt a prime choice for a Los Angeles fall outfit essential. I love the maxi denim skirt because it’s all about that easy-breezy vibe, versatility, and touch of that LA coolness.
The thing with LA fall is, you can never really predict the weather for the day. One moment you’re enjoying the sun, the next there’s a cool breeze. That’s where the maxi denim skirt steps in like a fashion superhero. It’s the Goldilocks of skirts—just the right length to keep you comfy, whether you’re out for a morning coffee run or an impromptu beach visit. In case you get cold, just wear some leggings underneath!
I’m wearing this maxi denim skirt by MOD REF Clothing, a Los Angeles based fashion brand.
What to Wear in Los Angeles in the Fall: Slingback Heels
Black slingback heels are such a classic fall piece. They are so versatile and can really add that piece of elegance to any outfit. I’ll be wearing these black slingback heels by Sezane almost every single day this fall season. They’re comfortable, sophisticated, and will last me for years and years to come.
You can wear black slingback heels with a plaid skirt and sheer stockings with a nice turtleneck + black leather blazer, or with a loose fitting blazer and some boyfriend jeans.
They are just that type of shoe. You’ll buy a pair and never look back.
Los Angeles Fall Outfit Staple: The Suede Boho Bag
It never rains in Los Angeles, so you never have to worry about ruining your suede outfit pieces. Boho bags are great because you can carry your entire life in it and they’re truly the most effortless bag. They’re also the most practical, allowing you to bring everything you could possibly ever need.
I love The Tetbury by Fairfax and Favor. It fits everything, and I mean everything. From my iPad Pro, a journal, a book, my cameras, my wallet, and a couple of other things, it makes sure I’m both stylish and prepared to work at any place, any time. Impromptu photoshoot? Last minute meeting? No worries. I’ve got it all in this bag.
Planning Out Fall Outfits for Los Angeles Has Never Been Easier
And there you have it, your Los Angeles fall outfit essentials guide to keep you warm, cool, and aesthetic for the season. This guide was curated to help you build a flawless fall wardrobe for Los Angeles autumns.
LA is all about sunshine and style, and it doesn’t stop in the autumn and winter months. Wherever you find yourself in Los Angeles this season, I hope this guide helped you create the best outfits ever.
