Brilliant sunsets and weatherbeaten lifeguard towers conjure images of the sun-drenched Californian coast. Combine that with a vibrant history of street, surf and skate tribes, and the results are a distinctive approach to casual summer dressing with an edge. While the Kardashians offer their own brand of body-conscious LA glamour via suburban Calabasas, it's that other Hollywood celebrity, Nicole Richie, who has taken the fussy boho look popularised in the mid-noughties and re-worked it with some street cred for now. Stroll along the boardwalks of Venice Beach and you'll find that hybrid of surf and street fashion, from skater girls in boardshorts and mules to surfers in Hawaiian shirts and washed-out denim jeans.
The maxi dress is another LA wardrobe staple making a return in various colours this season, and Tanya Carlsons's aptly named "Tequila Sunrise" maxi dress (#6) is the perfect choice for formal occasions, working just as well with a pair of sandals for the weekend.
For something tongue-and-cheek, you can't look past the "Yuppie Scum" T-shirt by Stolen Girlfriends Club (#4). It's a unique blend of LA youth subculture, pop culture and the kind of offbeat glamour that Californian cool kids wear particularly well.
1 Kimberley wears C&M T-shirt, $99. Camilla & Marc slip dress, $430. Mr W and Me shoes, $135.
2 Ngaru wears Barkers surfboard print T-shirt, $50. Topman swim shorts, $70, from The Department Store. Havaianas espadrilles, $60.
3 Kimberley wears Rollas chambray shirt, $119. Country Road pencil skirt, $149. Stolen Girlfriends Club bomber jacket (tied around waist), $329. Stuart Weitzman heels, $590, from Runway.
4 Ngaru wears Huffer linen blazer, $259 and linen trousers, $149. Stolen Girlfriends Club "Yuppie Scum" print T-shirt, $129. Witchery sandals, $149.90.
5 Kimberley wears Huffer striped singlet, $89. Country Road vest, $279. C&M jeans, $270. Mi Piaci chain bracelet, $120. Deadly Ponies holographic drawstring bag, $495. Stuart Weitzman heels, $590, from Runway.
6 Kimberley wears Carlson maxi dress, $599. Vans slip-on shoes, $99.
7 Ngaru wears Barkers short-sleeve shirt, $90 and chinos, $100. Adidas slides, $55.
