10 So-Cal Fashion Staples

This list below is  based on my own personal observations after having lived in Southern California for a year and a half. Much of this segment applies to a certain age group or sector of the population, such as college students.

Sweater/Cardigan

http://kellygolightly.com/cute-fall-sweaters/5

If you have spent any time in Southern California you know that the weather typically ranges from moderate to hot. In comparison to other parts of the US, So-Cal has very few cold days. However, it does occasionally cool down, especially along the coast, close to the beach. That is where sweaters and cardigans come in. Everyone and their mother has an array of fashionable sweaters/cardigans, or what I like to call makeshift jackets/coats. In Southern California most people don't own coats, let alone wear them. So when you get chilly you throw on a cute sweater or cardigan and you keep it moving with your shorts and sandals on.

Boots

http://everythingexclusivemag.com/2013/10/07/fall-is-here-2/

From my personal experience, people who don't necessarily need winter fashion, LOVE winter fashion. Many days of the year, you can get away with wearing sandals or lightweight shoes in Southern California. Yet and still, many Southern Californians have impressive Boot collections, collections that rival my own, as a Michigander. In other parts of the country you wear boots to keep the cold and wet out. Here, Boots are a fashion statement. People rejoice when the temperature drops below 75 degrees so that they comfortably wear their boots. But then again 60 degrees is cold here in Southern California.

Scarves

http://wheretoget.it/look/202786

 When some people think of scarves, they think of the big heavy duty things that beat back the freezing air that attempts to creep between the gap in the collar of your coat and your neck. Covering much skin as possible is the objective of this game. However, many Southern Californians have impressive scarf collections. However, these scarves tend to be very pretty, lightweight, and colorful. They don't provide warmth, they are an embellishment that complements your ensemble.
 
Brightly Colored Denim

http://www.be-mod.com/tag/denim/

Californian's are known for their laid back relaxed style. California is home of the Boho Chic and the hipsters. Thus, this often doesn't include too many bright colors. However, you can find every color of the rainbow in a Southern Californian's closet if you are looking at their denim. 

Prints/Patterns
 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/floral-shirts/

You can definitely say that So-Cal has it's own unique style. This included some very wild and interesting prints and patterns. These prints and patterns can make a bold statement and they definitely give you a whole new perspective of print/pattern usage. It also seems that Southern Californians are not afraid to step outside the box and mix things up, especially when it comes to mixing and matching patterns and prints.

Leather/Vegan Leather

sweatshirtdressshirt.blogspot.com

I have seen an abundance of Leather/Vegan Leather since moving to Southern California. Whether it is full leather ensembles, full leather pieces, to leather accents on various parts of a piece such as the shoulders, elbows, pockets, or knees. Before moving here I didn't think that I was a leather kind of gal. However,  So-Cal has given me a change of heart. Also, please note that it is "Vegan Leather", not "Pleather".

Chuck Taylors

http://slamxhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/converse-2013-spring-summer-chuck-taylor-all-star-specialty-camo-pack-2.jpg

Whether you call them "Chuck Taylors", "Chucks", or "Converses", these shoes are definitely a So-Cal fashion staple. It is my firm belief that everyone who lives in Southern California has to own at least one pair of Chuck Taylors. I personally love "Chucks", so So-Cal is a blessing to me because they have such a wide variety of styles and colors. I currently have my eye on the all-black high-top leather "Chucks." My birthday is coming up so...

Muted Colors 
 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/503277327078540432/

Along the vein of showcasing a laid back style, Southern Californians like to rock muted colors. Bright flashy colors tend to be reserved for denim and pattern accents. In So-Cal, you are going to see a lot more of burnt orange as opposed to plain orange.

"Cool Kid" Backpacks

http://www.dqmnewyork.com/news/entry/herschel_supply_co/

Southern Californians are the quintessential cool beach skater kids. Anyone ever seen Rocket Power? So of course, if you are skate-boarding or just generally being cool, you can't carry your books in a regular old backpack. Nope, a "cool" backpack is the only option. The Herschel "Little America"  packs are really popular as of late.

Skin

http://tallahasseescene.com/2014/06/why-frat-bros-shouldnt-dictate-what-you-wear/

Of course, what would So-Cal fashion be without skin. When it is sunny and 75 degrees plus, skin is a must. It is nothing to see booty shorts in the middle of "Winter", and to see bare midriffs all year around. In Southern California, skin is in!!!

Southern Californians: What do you think of my Observations? Was I spot on? Or way off? Did I about sum it up? Or did I miss a few things? 

Leave a comment, start a conversation?