Packing for L.A. has always felt like a personality test I’m not sure I pass. Leaving New York in the spring means stepping out in layers and bracing for unpredictable wind tunnels and the occasional gray morning, but landing in Los Angeles is a whole different equation. Suddenly, it’s sun soaked and slower and somehow demands outfits that feel as effortless as they are intentional. For the longest time, I tried to strike a balance between the two, hedging my bets with “just in case” pieces that never quite matched either mood. During this last trip, though, I decided to lean all the way into a West Coast style ethos.
My suitcase became less about practicality and more about stepping into a version of my style that felt distinctly L.A.—light, easy, and a little indulgent. I found myself reaching for airy white poplin dresses perfect for morning Erewhon smoothie runs with the Who What Wear team (I ordered the Hailey Bieber strawberry one, duh) and packing pieces that could take me from a Malibu hike in my favorite size-inclusive activewear to the Community Goods line for a matcha einspänner latte in an It girl–coded outfit. It was less about overthinking and more about curating a vibe.
Below, browse everything I threw into my suitcase for my week in L.A.
Everything to Pack for a Week in L.A.
My Travel Outfit
Putting on a comfortable travel outfit without looking like you just spent 10 hours studying for your college biochemistry final is a tricky balance. What I’ve relied on over the years, especially for long-haul flights, is a comfortable tank, leggings, and a cozy hoodie. There are different accessories I might switch up (baseball cap versus a beanie or furry ankle slides versus lifestyle sneakers), but the core remains the same.
Anine Bing
Sport Harvey Sweatshirt
This is my go-to hoodie for when I want to feel comfortable but also look like I spent more than two seconds debating my outfit.
Lululemon
Align High-Rise Pant
My Align leggings don’t ever see the light of day at a yoga studio. I exclusively travel in these buttery-soft leggings instead of working out in them.
Tna
Best-Ever Ankle Sock 5-Pack
The Aritzia socks that line the drawers of my apartment dresser and the crevices of my carry-on.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chino Cap
I just picked these up in black and silver, and I’ve been loving styling them.
Rimowa
Essential Cabin Luggage
I invest in my carry-on luggage. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens from different brands and, admittedly, given almost all of them away to friends and family, but I keep my favorite colorful Rimowa cabin-size carry-on with me at all times. My colorway was a limited-edition baby pink, but I’m so tempted to upgrade to this newer spring 2026 magenta that the brand just released.
My L.A. Outfits
For me, the name of the game is always to pack items that are easy, rewearable, and still effortlessly chic. I prioritize linen, leather, and lightweight cotton, especially when I’m traveling to a warmer climate.
L.A. style versus New York style is so fascinating to me—partly because I rarely go to the West Coast. For this trip, I decided to fully lean in, adding simple sundresses, activewear, and plain T-shirts and jeans into my outfit rotation. The bonus part is that all of these items fit into a carry-on (no checked-luggage fees!) and can be reworn over and over in different outfits.
Wilfred
Technique Poplin Dress
After I tried on this Aritzia dress shortly before my trip, I knew I had to have it. The lightweight poplin was perfect for strolling down Melrose in.
I paired the Aritzia white dress with my favorite Margaux woven sandals the brand released for spring 2026. The best part is that the lived-in leather molded to my feet, meaning I was able to wear flip-flops nonstop for eight hours and even wore them during an excursion to Santa Monica beach.
Steph Mazuera
Celeste 4 Prong Diamond Studs
I don’t leave my house without my classic diamond earrings. Pro tip: If you’re nervous to travel in diamond studs, opt for a screw-back option so they’ll stay secure in your ear, whether you’re running, biking, walking, swimming, or anything else active.
4SI3NNA
Sleeveless Fringe Top
This, by far, was my most complimented piece. It’s such a statement, so I really wanted to make sure I could make several outfits out of this one top. I paired it with black satin pants (a spring staple women in L.A. love) and simple straight-leg jeans so I could get some versatility out of it.
Reformation
Gale High Waist Satin Pants
The little black satin pants that could, these travel with me everywhere.
Margaux
The Pascale in Espresso Suede
Here’s another pair of Margaux flats I love. They’re perfect to transition from day to night, which I did several times in different outfits throughout my trip.
Dragon Diffusion
Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote
This is my favorite no-fuss workhorse bag if I’m going on a work trip because it’s elevated enough to wear out with a chic outfit without feeling like I’m lugging around a laptop bag everywhere.
Women in L.A. are known for their commitment to activewear, so it’s no surprise I had the same mindset when it came to my hike in Malibu with my dear friend. I practically lived in this Form activewear set during the entire trip when I was just lounging around. Plus, it comes in extended sizing, which means it’s comfortable, breathable, and incredible for anyone at any size.
I obviously had to get the matching biker shorts too.
ALO’s new performance sneakers, the brand’s take on hiking shoes, were so intriguing to me. I swear by my ALO running shoes I wear during my marathon training, and this pair of sneakers is no different. While I don’t hike too much outside of Los Angeles, I know I’ll still reach for these even if I’m leaving the house to grab a matcha down the street in NYC.
Ray-Ban
Khal Bio-Based Sunglasses
Verafied
Black Lizard Café Mini Bag
Everyone needs a little black bag when they’re traveling, and this one from Verafied is perfect for packing.
Chanel
Interlocking CC Logo Sunglasses
These Chanel sunglasses are practically attached to my being every time I leave the house. Plus, a classic Wayfarer style looks good on everybody.
Madewell
The Longline Straight Jean
These Madewell jeans practically live in my carry-on and checked luggage. They’re beyond comfortable and go well with anything.
Skip the boring white baby tees this spring and try out a colorful cotton T-shirt instead. I love mixing and matching my satin pants and jeans with red, royal-purple, and butter-yellow T-shirts.
Soma
Bold Floral Lace Pajama Cami
These breathable pajamas from Soma are all I sleep in while traveling.
Soma
Bold Floral Lace Pajama Shorts
You can’t forget the matching bottoms.
Shop More Spring Travel Essentials
Biodance
Collagen Real Deep Mask for Pore Minimizing & Firming Care
These hydrating masks are perfect to throw on for a long flight.
I’m loyal to Shokz. I’ve been using the brand’s headphones to train for my upcoming marathon, but I was unfamiliar with its smaller, sleeker headphone model. Like the OpenRun Pro running headphones, you can actually hear what’s happening around you when you’e wearing them, so no need to pull them out of your ear awkwardly when you’re in the TSA line and someone asks you a question.
Abbode
Jet Setter Waffle Pouch
A fitting pouch for your personal essentials—hand cream, allergy pills, headphones, and a granola bar.
Chanel
N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm
I rarely wear makeup while in airports, but if I’m going somewhere special or with someone I have to be photographed with, this Chanel cheek and lip balm is perfect to chuck into a bag for a quick flush of color on your cheeks when you’re in the plane bathroom.
Saie
The Large Vanity Case
This is the only makeup case I travel with.
Alex Mill
The Perfect Weekday Tote
Okay, I’ve spotted these personalized canvas totes in L.A. and NYC airports recently, which means I need one of my own now.
Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Mask
Another skincare product every stylish person keeps on them while traveling.
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