5 PIECES YOU NEED TO EMBRACE THE L.A. STYLE
What I love most about LA style is its focus on quality basics/timeless pieces that everyone should have in their wardrobe. To truly capture the essence of Californian style, there are a few essential pieces that everyone in the city seems to have. Here are the top five :
1. Nike Cortez : The LA Sneakers
If there’s one sneaker that screams Los Angeles, it’s the Nike Cortez. This iconic shoe is a staple in LA, worn by everyone from streetwear enthusiasts to athletes. Its sleek design and versatility make it a perfect fit for the laid-back, yet edgy, vibe of the city. Originally released in the 1970s, the Cortez has become synonymous with LA culture, deeply tied to West Coast hip-hop and the Chicano community. Whether you're cruising down Venice Beach or hanging in East LA, this shoe is your go-to for repping LA street style.
2. Raw Denim : A Nod to California Workwear
When it comes to jeans, you can’t go wrong with raw denim. It embodies the rugged, hardworking ethos of California's history, rooted in the state’s mining and workwear traditions. LA’s fashion scene often blends this durable fabric into everyday wear, and the raw, untreated nature of the denim allows it to mold to your body over time, giving it a personalized, unique look. Paired with a white tee or plaid shirt, this staple is an easy way to tap into the timeless California cool that’s both functional and stylish.
Here's the perfect combo : raw denim paired with a white t-shirt.
3. The Proclub White T-shirt : LA's Uniform
If there’s one item that everyone in Los Angeles owns, it’s the Pro Club white t-shirt. From gangsters and rappers to the average citizen, this blank tee is a unifying piece in the city’s diverse fashion landscape. Known for its thick fabric and boxy fit, it’s durable enough for everyday wear and has become iconic in its own right. This simple, clean look has been embraced across the board, making it a must-have if you want to channel that effortlessly cool LA vibe.
In the streets of Los Angeles, everyone wears the Pro Club white t-shirt.
4. Work pants : A Chicano Style Staple
Work pants are another piece deeply rooted in Los Angeles culture, especially within the Chicano community. Brands like Dickies and FB County have long been favorites, offering durable, relaxed-fit work pants that are both practical and stylish. Often worn with Nike Cortez or Converse All Star, these pants have evolved from functional workwear to a streetwear essential. LA rappers like The Game frequently sport them, keeping the tradition alive. Their simplicity and toughness make them a perfect match for LA's street style, where heritage meets modern fashion.
5. Plaid shirt :
Plaid shirts are synonymous with LA style, particularly within the Chicano and lowrider culture. Often worn buttoned up to the top or left open over a Pro Club tee, the plaid shirt adds a layer of West Coast flair to any outfit. It's a piece that’s both functional and expressive, allowing for individual style while remaining rooted in LA's cultural history. This shirt isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of the city’s diverse influences and how they come together in the streets of LA.
You can't get more Chicano than that.