48 Hours in L.A. Was All It Took to Convince Me These 6 Trends Are It

After moving to NYC, I thought I had fully embraced the city’s polished, put-together style, but just 48 hours in Los Angeles reminded me why I’ll always have a soft spot for the West Coast. L.A. girls have a knack for dressing that’s hard to beat—it’s not just that they’re masters of layering (a must when temperatures swing 15 degrees in a day); they somehow know how to take such uncomplicated pieces and pull them together in unexpected ways that scream "fashion person."

On my most recent trip, I started noticing details I’d once overlooked: a surprising pop of color here, a playful texture there, or a subtle twist in how an outfit was styled. Throughout my stay, I couldn’t stop snapping photos and filling my notes app with trends I had to remember. I left inspired by these six trends—and I’m certain they’re about to be big.

Graphic Tees

I was so pleasantly surprised to see the fashion set in L.A. leaning into graphic tees. While they have always been a staple in my own wardrobe, it felt like they’re having a major moment on the West Coast. Whether it’s a vintage band tee, a cheeky phrase or slogan, or an art-inspired print, they’re the perfect way to instantly inject personality into a look. Their versatility is what really does it for me—tuck them into a tailored pair of trousers, wear them under a blazer, or throw them on with your favorite pair of jeans. They’re always going to look good and—in the best case scenario—start a fun conversation.

Statement Belts

Another way to instantly elevate any outfit: throw on a statement belt. What I loved about the L.A. crowd was how many directions people took with this accessory. I kept spotting Western-inspired belts over the simplest looks—turning even a tank-top and-jean outfit into something noteworthy. The more unexpected, the better, too. This season, I have my eye on bold buckles, fun finishes, colors and prints, and embellishments to add extra layers of interest to an otherwise simple outfit.

Low-Profile Sneakers

The low-profile sneaker craze is officially in full swing in L.A. Chunky kicks were nowhere to be found. Instead, cool girls traded them in this season for sleeker, flatter silhouettes. What stood out to me the most was that many of the sneakers were seemingly unbranded, which really made the shoes themselves pop. Instead of focusing on logos, I was intrigued by the fun and vintage-inspired pops of color or the materials of the shoes.

Funky Eyewear

Why settle for boring frames when you can make a statement? That seemed to be the unspoken motto of the L.A. fashion crowd, where simple silhouettes had been traded in for bold, chunky, head-turning frames à la Morgan Stewart. I’ll admit, frames that I once would’ve brushed off as borderline-eccentric now feel fresh and intriguing. I’m a fan!

Pops of Red

The unexpected red theory is not new, but boy, were the L.A. girls taking it to a new level. This season, red is practically being treated as a neutral, with pops of it sprinkled all over town. Whether it was a cherry-red knit tied around someone’s shoulders or a punchy necklace, the color felt like an unmistakable mainstay across town.

Flip-Flops

I will always be a lover of flip-flops, and it truly made my heart happy seeing all of the unique interpretations across town. From unexpected colors to playful materials, every pair was inspiring. They were being styled with practically any outfit—even in moments when I might have questioned wearing them myself. Somehow, they always add the perfect casual touch.