Planning a trip to California? Then you’re probably already thinking about your outfit for LA. I know I was! For me, planning is one of the most exciting parts of any trip—almost as fun as the trip itself. I love organizing everything, from our detailed itinerary to my carry-on, As I showed in 10 Smart Ways to Pack a Carry On Without Stress, and, of course, the outfits.
Clothing is more than just what you wear—it’s how you express yourself and feel confident while exploring new places. Especially in a photogenic city like Los Angeles, feeling good and looking good go hand in hand.
In this article, I’ll walk you through each outfit for LA I chose for my family vacation, day by day, including what we did and what worked (or didn’t) for each occasion.
Trip Overview: Why Los Angeles?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve seen LA in movies and shows. It was never at the top of my travel bucket list, but after moving to the U.S., I started thinking about the places I could finally explore. Last year, we went to Orlando, which I wrote about here, and this year I thought LA would be a great next step.
Why? A few reasons:
- The new Super Mario World at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Iconic spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier
- The famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- And, of course, the dreamy California vibe
We had 4.5 days to fit it all in—and spoiler alert: the weather was perfect. Sunny, breezy, not too hot, and cool at night. Ideal for cute and comfy travel looks.
Outfit for LA on Day 1: Travel Day & Santa Monica
We left early and landed in Los Angeles with enough time to explore before our hotel check-in. Since I knew we’d head straight to Santa Monica, I wanted something stylish but practical.
For this day, I wore a pair of olive green cargo pants with wide pockets, which were perfect for keeping my phone handy while taking photos. I paired them with a simple white tank top and black All Star sneakers, which offered both comfort and style. Since airplanes are usually chilly, I brought along a lightweight denim jacket to wear during the flight. I also packed a pair of flat sandals in my tote, which I changed into once we landed—an excellent choice for the warmer LA weather.
Switching from sneakers to sandals once we landed was the best decision. The cargo pants were perfect for the ocean breeze at the pier, and the deep pockets made it easy to store my phone while taking endless photos.
Outfit for LA on Day 2: Universal Studios + Super Mario World
This was the day we were most excited about—especially my kids! Visiting Super Nintendo World was a dream come true.
I knew we’d be walking a lot and standing in long lines, so I needed:
- Breathable fabrics
- Comfortable sneakers
- A layer for the cold AC in indoor rides
For our visit to Universal Studios and Super Mario World, I chose a pair of soft cotton shorts that kept me cool throughout the warm day. I wore them with a relaxed graphic tee—Super Mario-themed, of course—which added a fun touch for the occasion. On my feet, I went with my trusty All Star sneakers, perfect for walking and standing in long lines. To stay prepared for changing temperatures, I tied a lightweight cardigan around my waist, which came in handy for the cooler indoor rides. I carried a small crossbody bag with a zipper to keep my essentials safe and accessible, and I didn’t forget the outdoor must-haves: sunglasses, a cap, and plenty of sunscreen.
🎒 Tip: A small bag that closes securely is essential. I also kept a mini hand sanitizer and lip balm inside.
Outfit for LA on Day 3: Hollywood Day (Walk of Fame + Beverly Hills + Warner Bros. Studio Tour)
This day was a mix of walking, sightseeing, and a long studio tour. I needed something comfy but cute, since we’d be in different neighborhoods and even indoors for the Warner tour.
In the morning, I wore a pair of casual denim shorts paired with a soft knit top in baby blue. For footwear, I chose my red Melissa sandals, which were stylish and comfortable for short walks, though not ideal for longer distances. As the day went on, and after walking quite a bit along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I started to feel some discomfort from the sandals.
So, before heading to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in the afternoon, I swapped them out for white sneakers. It turned out to be the best decision—my feet were much more comfortable, especially since the tour lasted almost two hours.
Outfit for LA on Day 4: Back to Universal + Evening Out
We returned to Universal Studios in the morning to take more photos, meet a few characters we had missed, and enjoy the park one last time. For this day, I kept things simple and practical by re-wearing the same denim shorts from Day 3, paired with a classic Levi’s t-shirt. I completed the look with my red All Star sneakers, which are both stylish and comfortable for a day of walking. To keep my essentials close without carrying too much, I opted for a mini backpack—perfect for a light and easy park day. This outfit was casual, laid-back, and ideal for a second theme park visit without the need to overpack.
Later that evening, my husband and I went out for a Brazilian-style dinner at Fogo de Chão in Santa Monica. Since there was a cool breeze by the beach, I wanted something that felt both stylish and cozy. I wore a red and white printed dress from H&M, paired with red sandals that added a fun pop of color. To stay warm, I layered with a white jacket, which complemented the outfit perfectly while keeping me comfortable throughout the night.
Outfit for LA on the Last Day 5: City Walk + Travel Back Home
On our final day in Los Angeles, I wanted to be comfortable for both a bit of morning sightseeing and the flight home. I decided to rewear the olive green cargo pants from Day 1—still just as comfy and practical. This time, I paired them with a black and white striped tank top and the same lightweight denim jacket that had come in handy several times throughout the trip. For footwear, I chose a different pair of comfortable sneakers, perfect for walking and spending hours at the airport.
We took advantage of the sunny morning to walk a little more around the city and enjoy a few last moments before heading to LAX. Once at the airport, we had lunch and waited for our flight, feeling tired but happy with everything we experienced in just a few days.
Things I’d Do Differently Next Time
Every trip teaches you something. Here’s what I’d adjust:
- I packed workout clothes planning to hit the hotel gym. It never happened. Between the time difference and busy days, I was too tired.
- I packed an extra dress for a second dinner night, but we skipped it due to exhaustion. Still, I don’t regret bringing it—it’s better to have one backup.
- Next time, I’d bring more pieces with pockets. I missed having them when carrying just a crossbody bag.
My Favorite Outfit of the Trip
Without a doubt, my favorite outfit for LA was the one I wore to Universal Studios on Day 2. The shorts and graphic tee felt light, playful, and comfy. The only downside? No pockets! I missed having a place to slip in my phone.
This look was:
- Easy to move in
- Perfect for photos
- Layered just enough to handle indoor AC
How I Packed: Planning Each Outfit for LA by Activity
One of my best packing strategies is to organize outfits by activity. I used a simple travel planning checklist (you can get yours here) and broke each day down by:
- Expected weather
- Type of activity
- Amount of walking
- Indoor vs. outdoor
For example:
| Day | Location | Activity | Outfit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Monica | Beach walk | Cargo pants + tank |
| 2 | Universal | Theme park | Shorts + tee + sneakers |
| 3 | Hollywood | Sightseeing + tour | Shorts + sandals → sneakers |
| 4 | Universal AM / Dinner PM | Light walk + dinner | Shorts + tee / Dress + sandals |
This helped me avoid overpacking and made getting dressed each morning stress-free.
Final Thoughts: Dressing for the LA Vibe
Creating the perfect outfit for LA is all about balance. You want to look stylish and feel confident, but also stay comfortable in the sun, crowds, and sometimes long days.
What I loved most was how each outfit became part of the story of the day—whether it was a breezy walk at the beach or an exciting ride at Super Nintendo World.
If you’re planning your own LA trip, remember:
- Plan outfits by activity
- Prioritize comfort for theme parks
- Add layers for breezy evenings
- Accessorize! Sunglasses, hats, and small bags go a long way
📸 And of course, take tons of photos. Your outfits deserve their moment too.
