I recently caught up with my buddy Ty to get some insight on fashion in the LA area.  An aspiring model and actor, Ty moved from Michigan to LA a couple of years ago.  For those that watch the ‘Amazing Race’, you may have seen him.  He sheds some light on fashion, culture and women.

1. Give me one word to describe LA fashion?

Trendy

2. What do you see as a staple in men’s fashion in the Los Angeles area?

Fall and winter are defined by jackets. Not USC’s (Unnecessary Sports Coats) but jackets with the military shoulder straps have become a staple in LA fashion.  Kanye said it best “y’all cats wear blazers cause y’all can’t dress no more.”  LA is a very warm city but at night it can get kinda cold depending on the season.  In the summer, screen print T-shirts have gone out of style, but fitted polo’s, v-neck shirts and thermal Henley’s are typical of what people wear.

3.  Is there any type of shirt or tie pattern that is more popular than others?

As for shirts I wouldn’t say that there is one pattern that is more popular than others.  As for ties, skinny ties are definitely popular here.  They are worn both in the workplace with European cut suits and out at night with modern cut button-up shirts.

4. Coming from the Midwest, what do you think would be the biggest difference in not only fashion, but how men carry and present themselves in the LA area? What about the overall culture?

The biggest difference is that people aren’t as friendly out here.  People act very “Hollywood” and definitely fake it until they make it.  The overall culture is very diverse.  In Michigan, we had whites, blacks and chaldeans for the most part.  In LA you have all of the above and also Mexicans, Indians, Armenians, etc.  LA is a cultural smorgasbord as I love every part of it.

5. What do you like the least about LA fashion?

Skinny Jeans!  I personally have gotten away from baggy clothes (as should the rest of society not on 23 hour lock down).  I love European cut suits but skinny jeans have taken the word “fit” too far. Anytime a man has to wiggle into his jeans there is a problem.

6. What do you like most about living in LA?

Weather, women, and if I smoked, weed (hear great things about it).

7. Describe to me some of the craziest fashion you have seen in LA? Man or woman?

Forgive me for this stereotype but considering the aggregate, the Asian race is best dressed.  Men, women, little boys, little girls are all fly.  I feel like Asians start a lot of trends that they don’t get credit for it. That being said, I saw one asian girl who took this Lady Gaga thing a bit too far.

8. Are the women in LA snobby like they are portrayed in the media?

The women are not THAT snobby.  I think its all in the approach and who is approaching, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say a Range Rover doesn’t help.

Instructions Apparel thanks Ty for his insight!

www.theartofdressingwell.com