Get Out of Town: Los Angeles

Every destination has different requirements in terms of what to pack. There’s just no one-size-fits-all approach to packing because what you need for one destination won’t be exactly what you need for another.

I’ve been visiting Los Angeles a lot lately and this is one destination for which I’ve got my packing routine down pat. Having been so often, now I know what my must-haves are and what I can leave at home. Here’s a round-up of things to make sure you throw in your suitcase before you leave home:

1 Hampton fit textured crop | $89.50 | Banana Republic
I’ve found that the smartest way to pack for Los Angeles is to pack items that can work double duty. A fantastic pair of ankle-skimming pants like these can be worn causally with a pair of flats or flip flops but can be equally dressy when paired with heels if you’re having dinner at, say, The Ivy.

2 Twisted Vines Sheath | $206 | Anthropologie
Ditto for this dress. It’s got double duty written all over it. Dress it down with a great pair of thong sandals or dress it up with a strappy pair of heels.

3 Classic denim jacket | $34.95 | Gap
I’ve found that Los Angeles can be a lot more casual than you might think. This is especially true for the surrounding beach towns, which are super casual. So I tend to leave the dressy stuff at home and opt for a casual chic look instead.

4 Flamingo Printed Flip Flop | $50 | Neiman Marcus
Flip flops are a must, especially if you’re planning to head to the beach. But even if you’re not, throw them on when you head out sightseeing and shopping and you don’t need to worry about blisters.

5 Ralph by Ralph Lauren Plastic Oval Sunglasses | $155 | The Bay
Unless you’re visiting during a particularly bad stretch of May Gray or June Gloom, you’re not going to want to leave your sunglasses at home!

6 Center Stripe Mini Ella Tote | $195 | Tory Burch
A great tote like this one is perfect for shopping days or for heading down to the beach. And I love the bright, sunny colour. At home in Toronto, I often opt for black accessories during the fall and winter months so I’ve got a lot of dark bags. Ditch the black and opt for a punchy colour like this for California.

7 Marc by Marc Jacobs Drew Blossom Scarf | $158 | Revolve Clothing
Despite moderate daytime temperatures, I always find it gets chilly in the evenings. I never leave home without a scarf. It’s not only handy for cool nights but is an airplane essential, too. (Why is the air conditioning always up so high on planes?!)

8 Queen Victoria Sapphire Drops | $28 | Bauble Bar
Small and so easy to pack, a fancy pair of earrings can help elevate a somewhat casual outfit into something more nighttime appropriate. A pair of jeans, shirt and blazer can become a sizzling evening look with the simple addition of a great pair of earrings and a pair of heels.