If you’ve lived in both NYC and Los Angeles, you know how different styles are on the opposite coasts.
While I’m a personal stylist in Los Angeles, I lived in NYC for over a decade and know how both coasts work when it comes to style.
With the move, I had the opportunity to apply the same personal styling system I use as a women’s virtual personal stylist to my own closet.
Keep reading for my tips to transition your closet to LA style.
1. Clean Out Your Closet
Before your move, take some time to clean out your closet.
Not only will this make unpacking easier later, but it also means you can start fresh once you arrive in Los Angeles.
You can donate any items you no longer or use resale platforms like The Real Real.
What items should you get rid of?
As a Los Angeles personal stylist, I recommend getting rid of:
– Anything that no longer fits
– Clothing that is damaged (rips or stains that won’t come out)
– Clothing you haven’t worn in the last 3 months
Also, consider getting rid of anything that won’t fit your new life on the West Coast.
You probably don’t need multiple heavy sweaters, winter jackets, and snow boots anymore. You probably just need one formal dress, not 5. You also probably don’t need 10 black sweaters too (people in California actually wear color more often)
This can also apply to your office attire.
For example, many of my clients have a more casual dress code in Los Angeles which means they no longer need a ton of suits.
Instead, my female clients need more clothing better suited to warm weather, like blouses.
One more tip:
After your closet cleanout, pack everything according to category.
This will make unpacking so much easier and faster.
2. Organize Your Closet
Set aside time to organize your closet as soon as you can.
You don’t want to put it off too long. Updating your style will help you settle into your new life in Los Angeles.
(Plus, it’ll also help you save time–nothing is worse than wasting time searching boxes for that one top you just can’t find).
When I work with clients as a personal wardrobe stylist in Los Angeles, I use the following strategy to organize their closets:
1. Organize your clothing according to category.
Your t-shirts should be with t-shirts, jackets with jackets, and pants with pants
If you already packed your clothing by category this should be easy.
2. Within each category, arrange your clothes by color
I usually organize them from light to dark.
3. Hang as much as you can
Not only is hanging easier, but it also keeps all of your clothing easy to see and find.
If you can’t see it, you won’t wear it.
(This is a key strategy I use as a personal stylist in Los Angeles when I’m organizing client closets.)
Finally, put clothing that you rarely wear in an extra closet or storage. For example, dresses that you only wear for special occasions can go in a different closet.
If all of this sounds overwhelming–consider hiring a personal wardrobe stylist Los Angeles.
3. Create A Style Vision and Shopping List
Photo Credit: Equipment
Dressing in Los Angeles can feel like a challenge. Not only is the weather different, but the styles are different too.
You’ll likely see more prints and colors in LA. Plus a lot of lighter, more breathable fabrics.
Before you start your shopping list, spend some time researching LA style for women. (Hint: Pinterest is a great tool for this.)
This is another area where a personal wardrobe stylist in Los Angeles can help streamline the process.
You should also spend some time looking through your closet to see what is missing.
When it comes to basics (like t-shirts), check to see if you have them in core colors, like navy, white, gray, and black.
Other essential pieces for women’s Los Angeles wardrobes include light jackets, casual pants, and a variety of short sleeve shirts in lighter tones.
If you’re not sure where to start or just want to make sure it’s done the right way the first time, apply for our women’s virtual personal stylist service.
