How to Dress L.A. Casual

Get the look they'll want to know better. You don't need to live the 90210 life to sport some So Cal style.

Things You'll Need

• Men's Casual Pants
• Men's Casual Tops
• Men's Sandals
• Men's Shorts
• Sun Hats
• Sunglasses
• Women's Casual Tops
• Women's Causal Pants
• Women's Sandals
• Women's Shorts

Instructions

1. Put the light color on the bottom. In most parts of the world, dark goes on the bottom (think of jeans, trousers, black skirts) and white goes on top (classic white shirts, T-shirts). For the L.A. look, flip it: white cotton pants with a black shirt.

2. Buy it one size smaller. This applies to everything except shoes.

3. Wear flip-flops (a.k.a. zoris, flo-jos, thongs) when you can. Try to broaden your acceptance of flip-flops and thongs as a complete answer to footwear. They can be dressy if they're platform and business if they're leather.

4. Read a surf magazine. Even if you don't buy or wear any of the surf togs, the attitude adjustment should help a little.

5. Wear sunglasses.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the movie "Clueless" to set the mood.

• Girls: Do your nails, including the tootsies. Add a cute accessory, such as appliqués to your nails, teeny earrings, tiny hair clips, a temporary tattoo, or a faux diamond necklace strung on airy clear plastic thread.

• Boys: You're in luck. So Cal business chic has not changed much in the past decade. Almost any suit can go L.A. just by wearing a black silk T-shirt instead of a shirt and tie.

• Ladies: Go for the G. You will be wearing tight white slacks or capris, so you will need minimal treatment in the undergarment department.

• Especially for business, be sure everyone is on board before you launch your new So Cal look. Misplaced L.A. chic can jar the sensibilities of locals in some regions, occasionally even making them hostile.