West Coast Fashion Style: A Guide to Casual Chic

west coast fashion style

 1. West Coast fashion style

It’s a way of life. (In the most significant, best sense.) This coastal-casual style has long embodied an urban sense of cool casual with a relaxed, timeworn feeling. The West Coast — whether you are a surfer hitting the waves or in tech-sophisticated Silicon Valley. Everyone has something in fashion for them.

2. What 100 years of California style looks like

West Coast fashion has evolved over the years. These trends have always been associated with West Coast culture, from the bohemian trend in the ’60s to grunge-influenced fashion seen throughout the early ’90s. These days, it fuses the two to create a diverse wardrobe that can transition from a swim in the ocean to a conference hour at work.

The 1960s: The Birth of Boho

Bohemian-style clothing became popular during the 1960s. by citronsqueezed【CC-SA-3. It marked the beginning of an adventurous era known for its flowy dresses, boho-chic vibe and all that fringe, which paved the way to what today we know as our “relaxed West Coast style”.

Surf and Grunge in the 1980s/90s

Quiksilver and Billabong were the leading brands for surf culture throughout the 80s. The grunge movement of the 1990s (of Nirvana from Seattle) would also be seen in other aspects of 90s music and fashion (check Flannel shirts, check ripped jeans), again promoting it as a chain to West Coast style.

3. CULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The West Coast has a varied culture and climate, so a lot of elements influence the coastal fashion here. With so much glorious sunshine, beach culture, and vibrant cities is only natural that Australians boast a style which is relaxed, practical and oh-so-cool.

Cultural Melting Pot

The West Coast is a multicultural hub of fusion with Asian, Latin American and other influences. This melting pot manifests itself in the clothing, eclectic combinations of patterns, textures and styles intertwine for an individual look.

Environmental Awareness

The West Coast has been influenced by living in close proximity to nature. Sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion is also emphasised, as several brands feature natural materials and ethical production.

4. West Coast Fashion Essentials

So, what actually is West Coast fashion? What follows is a good look at the components which make this style so easy to recognise.

Laid-Back and Casual

West Coast Comfort[sense of fashion] And by summer clothes, I mean relaxed fits and breathable fabrics that let everyone know you’re so ready to hit the beach at a moment’s notice.

Athleisure

Athleisure, the marrying of athletic wear to pure leisure clothing initially reached back west of here. It has been a trend that you can commonly see in wardrobes because brands like Lululemon and Athleta made it mainstream.

Denim

West Coast style quintessential Denim. A pair of frayed jeans or a reliable denim jacket and this piece is necessary, plain and simple.

5. East Coast vs. West Coast Fashion

The East Coast timelessly represents a very particular sort of style, reserved for the stereotypical businessman in his head-to-toe Brooks Brothers or boot-cuffed horse-loving society wife; I don’t know.

Casual vs. Formal

East Coast fashion is more polished and formal in comparison to West Coast style which is notoriously casual. It is due to the way of life and climatic conditions in these two regions…

Color Palette

The West Coast style is light and slightly more neutral, with lots of whites, beiges & pastels. In contrast, on the East Coast, they tend to be a little more subdued, often featuring very dark jewel or rainbow-like hues.

6. West Coast Fashion: Streetwear

Of course, streetwear remained a distinguishing factor of West Coast fashion. Streetwear is born out of the skate and surf cultures in which casual comfort is vital but so too a permissible rebelliousness.

Skate Culture Influence

Skate culture, especially in SoCal is a significant influence on streetwear. There’s something unmistakable about these streets, a signature style and gravitas that brands including Vans and Süssy first found here.

Hip-Hop Influence

In addition to NYC, the West Coast has contributed its fair share (see: oversized hoodies and graphic tees with sneakers), so you could argue that new wave streetwear’s original incarnation is no monolith.

7. West Coast Sustainable Fashion

The West Coast is not only talking about sustainability on its own. It’s a lifestyle. With our environment increasingly under threat, environmentally responsible fashion is really coming into its own.

Eco-Friendly

The Pacesetters: Brands In the sustainable fashion movement, brands like Patagonia and Reformation are considered Category Leaders. They concentrate on recycling, minimising their footprint and fair trade labour.

Thrifting and Upcycling

On the West Coast, thrifting and upcycling are also popular. This created an entirely new way for fashion lovers to re-purpose the old and create something original while being environmentally conscious.

8. How do they have seasons on the west coast?!

While the weather is mild on the West Coast, seasons still play a role when it comes to fashion.

Spring and Summer

Weather: Spring and summer on the West Coast are about all things light (clothes) +++ a few notes! This means sundresses, shorts, and sandals are the ideal frolicked-in in warm weather outfits.

Fall and Winter

Although the weather cools with fall and winter, nothing changes in fashion. Everything is still accessible, if not more straightforward, and back-to-school is excellent. Layering rules and warm sweaters, flannel shirts and lightweight jackets are front and centre.

9. 15 Iconic West Coast Clothing Brands

Over the years, a number of fashion brands have been tied to the West Coast aesthetic. These brands encompass everything that is South and hold their own as icons.

Patagonia

A West Coast favourite, Patagonia is a brand with one of the best commitments to sustainability. Not only does the collection cater to people who take their next adventure seriously with functional pieces, but also to those fashion-forward folks.

Levi’s

It’s from California, the state that is known for jeans — Levi Strauss & Co. The brand’s distinctly classic jeans are a West Coast staple with timeless appeal.

10. In order to Enjoy West Coast Style

Are you seeking to find the best of West Coast fashion? Here are a few tips to get the look just right.

Start with the Basics

It Starts with the Basics — A good pair of jeans, a simple tee shirt, and a versatile jacket—your West Coast-inspired wardrobe building blocks.

Mix and Match

Feel free to incorporate different styles and patterns. It’s just the West Coast style of Diablo; make it your own and have fun!

Accessorize

Accessories are the cherry on an outfit sundae. Another way of adding sass is by the use of accessories, good sunglasses, a nice hat or even just one!

11. A WEST COAST STAPLE // CASUAL/CHIC

What is a crucial trait of West Coast dressing — to create an easy live-in/eat-out look? These combined create a practical and stylish appearance.

Casual Staples

Sophisticated counterparts to casual staples like denim and sneakers could be a blazer or a trendy blouse. The two together help you fix an excellent look for the West Coast, laid-back attitude.

Chic Elements

Adding some stylish details with a fine handbag or trendy sunglasses will make any outfit appear effortlessly chic, giving you an elegant and relaxed style.

12. West Coast Fashion in the Limelight – Celebrity Style

Celebrity is constantly influencing when it comes to fashion trends, even the ones on the West Coast. The Hollywood — and now Silicon Valley’s take on celebrity style is the benchmark to what is considered “in.

Hollywood Glamour

Hollywood has always given fashion goals. If celebrities put it, clothes manufacturers can subtly update the same model of sneakers that they wore. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber often create new trends through effortless, relaxed street style where high fashion merges with everyday wear.

Tech Innovators

Over in the tech world, some of its most famous faces are best described as fashion icons. Remember Mark Zuckerberg’s trademark hoodies or Steve Jobs’ classic black turtlenecks—the looks, while essential, make a statement about the West Coast fashion ethos.

13. What The West Coast Will Be Wearing Next

So, as the landscape of fashion changes indefinitely with time… California continues to be a breeding ground for discovery and creation. What could West Coast fashion look like on the day after tomorrow?

Technology and Fashion

Technology and fashion integration have started to take a solid hold on the West Coast. Wearable tech, innovative fabrics and virtual fashion are all going to be big | Image Credit: Inside Science

Sustainability

We can expect more sustainable practices throughout another year as brands opt for friendlier options while consumers continue to think about the environment when making purchasing decisions.

Conclusion 

West Coast fashion is an original reflection of the unique culture, nature and lifestyle of the regions above. It is comfy and charismatic and, therefore, easily achievable. Whether you prefer the relaxed and laid-back vibes of Southern California or the velvet breezes of fast Seattle, you will absolutely find your gems in the West Coast wardrobe. Even though the trends are always on the move, the diversity and dynamic will always remain a business card feature of the West Coast.

14. FAQs

What are the themes of West Coast fashion?

West Coast fashion is airier and more laid back — achieving the perfect balance of comfort with an added layer of style. It usually contains denim, athleisure and streetwear items that take inspiration from the cultural influences of the area.

How is West Coast fashion different from East Coast fashion? 

As previously stated, West Coast fashion is looser and more relaxed in contrast to East Coast’s buttoned-up and professional clothing choices. Additionally, the West Coast prefers more natural hues compared to the East’s more classic ones. 

What are some of the best examples of West Coast fashion brands? 

Patagonia, Levi’s, Vans and Stüssyare among some of the most iconic West Coast fashion brands.

How to adopt West Coast fashion into my daily style?

To incorporate West Coast fashion in your style, choose simple and essential items such as jeans and a simple shirt and combine a more polished piece with a casual one. Wear sunglasses, a hat, or any accessories you want to complete the look. 

What does the future of West Coast fashion entail? 

The future of West Coast fashion looks promising, with a sustainable approach being one of the top priorities, alongside new technological advancements. This side of the fashion game has already proven to be innovative and creative, which is why it is likely to remain that way. 

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