Everything to Pack to Go to L.A. in the Spring

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.