Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles!

8 LA Outfit Packing Essentials

Carolyn Arentson
Posted by Carolyn Arentson April 10, 2019
Last Updated:April 9, 2019

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Pajamas? Check. Toothbrush? Check. You’ve got the “boring” essentials, but what else do you need for your trip to LA or any other vacation spot? Here’s a list of 8 LA outfit packing essentials I was so glad I brought along on my trip with me that will hopefully help you too!

8 LA Outfit Packing Essentials

1. sneakers
I’ll admit that I usually go for style over comfort, but you do not want your trip ruined over something like aching feet! I usually pack one pair of sneakers that are not only comfortable but go great with any outfit. You still want to look cute and not like you’re going to hit the gym…enter a pair of white canvas sneakers!

Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi skirt and white sneaker outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi skirt and white sneaker outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi skirt and white sneaker outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!
bodysuit (similar)
skirt (h&m, old)
sneakers (target, similar)

2. a couple of longer bottom options such as a maxi skirt or cropped pants
Even if you’re going at a good time weather-wise, it can still be a bit chilly in the morning and at night. To stay warm and not sacrifice style, make sure you bring a couple of options for bottoms that are longer!

I loved having my cropped high waisted culottes with me. The white still screams spring/summer while the length is perfect for staying warm, but also letting in a little breeze!

Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles!
pants (levi’s, similar)
top (thrifted, similar)
slides (Rue21, similar)
necklace
scrunchie

I also loved having my maxi skirt! It kept my legs covered on a cloudy day, but when the sun came out it was still flowy and easy!

Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi skirt outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits! waterfall fountain at Millennium Biltmore Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi skirt outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi skirt outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!
bodysuit (similar)
skirt (h&m, old)
slides (rue21, similar)

3&4. strappy sundress + espadrilles
In LA, all styles go, but they are known for being pretty casual. For your night out look, go for a strappy sundress paired with espadrilles. You’ll still be dressed up without looking too fancy!

Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi summer dress and espadrille outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi summer dress and espadrille outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits! Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi summer dress and espadrille outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi summer dress and espadrille outfit would be perfect to add to your summer outfits!
dress (Forever21, similar)
espadrilles (Payless, similar)

5. small backpack or larger purse
Though I have tons of adorable small straw bags that I wanted to use, it just wasn’t as practical for the amount of stuff I needed to tote around. Especially if you go shopping or want to carry an extra layer and don’t want to make trips back and forth to the hotel.

It ended up being so nice to have my hands free though! Avoid the college/hiking style and go for something that is small yet fashionable. This can double as airport luggage too!

Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi dress outfit would be perfect to add to your LA outfits! Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! This maxi dress outfit would be perfect to add to your LA outfits!
backpack (similar)
skirt (h&m, old)
sneakers (target, similar)
chambray (tjmaxx, similar)

6. multifunctional swimsuit
Of course, no suitcase is complete without a swimsuit! This particular swimsuit top can be worn either as a halter top or bandeau style.

I’d almost say this type of swimsuit is an essential because you can take the strap out so you don’t have any weird tan lines when laying out, or leave it in to provide extra support when walking on the beach!

Also, if you’re feeling a bit more laid back you could wear the swimsuit top under a button-down with a couple of buttons undone as a makeshift bralette!

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swimsuit top
swimsuit bottoms (kortni jeane, similar)

7. light outerwear such as a button down
Along with needing some longer bottoms, you’ll want a light outerwear option as well! I found having a relaxed fit button down came in handy way more than I thought.

It can work as a swimsuit coverup or part of your regular outfit. It can be stuffed easily in a bag and worn different ways whether you knot it over a dress or tie it on your waist!

Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! No suitcase is complete without an outfit for the beach Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! No suitcase is complete without an outfit for the beach Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! No suitcase is complete without an outfit for the beach Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! No suitcase is complete without an outfit for the beach
button down
pants (levi’s, similar)

8. sunglasses
Such a small item that sometimes gets overlooked! Not only are they practical and protect your eyes, but they definitely complete your look and give those laid back LA vibes!

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sunglasses (Francescas, similar)
pants (Tjmaxx, similar)
slides (Rue21, similar)
bodysuit (similar)

Planning my next vacation the minute I get back from my last one…does that sound like you too? Hehe

Pin this packing list to save it for your next trip to LA or any other vacation! And check out my LA guide for things to do that would be perfect for a girls trip!

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Planning a trip to LA and need to know what to wear? This post has the LA packing essentials that you need for a trip to Los Angeles! These palazzo pants and bodysuit would be perfect for summer!

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Carolyn Arentson
Carolyn Arentson
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Carolyn is the founder and creator behind My Chic Obsession. When she's not dreaming up new content, you can find her watching a funny tv show with her husband, raising her two boys, or planning her next trip to Paris.
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