I'm a California Girl, and This Is How I Do Summer Style

California girls definitely have a distinct take on fashion that you’ll discover if you head out west. It’s all about cool, easy pieces and fun outfits that fit right in with endless bright sunny days and drives down the iconic California coast. And I like to think that we are masters of summer style. After all, we can pretty much wear summer outfits year-round, so we have lots of practice putting them together.

My particular version of California-girl style has been crafted over years of living here. My closet in L.A. is packed with piles of denim, a drawer filled with swimsuits, and half the dress collection from Réalisation Par. And since we don’t get to layer like people in other cities with true seasons, I’ve found that I rely on accessories like earrings and stacked necklaces to fill in that gap. Ahead I’m breaking down the pieces I wear on repeat during the summer in California.

The piece destined to be a summer It item

I just got this leopard-print skirt from Réalisation Par a few weeks ago, but I can already tell you it will be one of the It items for summer. Everything about it says California girl to me, and I think it would look equally cool paired with Vans sneakers for a trip down to the Venice boardwalk.

Get yourself a minidress

A minidress is a perfect piece to throw over a swimsuit or just wear it for a trip to the flea market.

For swimsuits, make them '80s-inspired

In L.A., you can pretty much bet that you’ll find a section in everyone’s closet dedicated to swimsuits. Right now, though, I’m seeing ’80s-inspired versions popping up everywhere, so make sure to try high-cut styles.

Wrap dresses on repeat

Yes, my closet is packed with wrap dresses, and yes, I wear them almost every single weekend. They’re the perfect day-to-night piece that can take me from window shopping on Melrose Place to a dinner out with friends.

Tops with pretty details

When I’m not slipping into dresses, I’m throwing on pretty tops for date nights and evenings out. Bonus points if they have details like boning or ruffles.

Something for the farmers market

On the weekends, you can probably find me at the farmers market. To head there, I’ll always throw on an easy dress like this one from LPA.

Pile on the gold jewelry

In my opinion, the more the better. I wear these hoops almost every single day, and recently, I’ve been adding to my collection of gold necklaces to layer together.

Denim, denim, denim

California girls might be known best for wearing denim, and the stereotype is true. I pretty much live in jeans, and right now, my favorite way to style them is with a cool puffy-sleeve top.

While I’m partial to California fashion, I also love experimenting. See how I gave myself an Italian-style makeover.