What to Wear in Los Angeles: Downtown (DTLA)

DTLA is a cross between an underground art scene, a cultural mecca, and business centers. There’s the Arts District, Fashion District, Financial District, Historic Core, Little Tokyo, South Park, and Bunker Hill. This is the area of the city where you can be anyone you want, which means you can dress however you feel like.

This time, I went with the oversized blazer to match my sassy city mood.

In January, the average high in LA is 68°F, but it’s also much cooler at night. Which means it’s the perfect weather for an 'Oversized Blazer' - which in my opinion, is the perfect balance between bossy and laid back. And one of the best items to transform any outfit into something instantly chic and stylish.

Oversized blazers, a.k.a boyfriend jackets, are meant to be oversized to create the look that you just borrowed it from your boyfriend. Oversized doesn't necessarily mean baggy, but more soft and slouchy so it has a relaxed look and feel. They are light enough to not have us break into a sweat, while also keeping us warm during LA's chilly nights.

The oversized blazer styling is actually easier than you think. The most common method of styling an oversized blazer is layering it over a tank top or t-shirt. A pair of jeans is the typical companion of choice.

Gray Oversized Jacket + White Bra Top + A Pair of Jeans. Easy, huh?
I just added a few funky accessories : a leopard beret, metallic shoulder bag & sock boots.

Here’s what we did in DTLA from the afternoon to evening.

1/ Pipilotti Rist’s exhibition at MOCA

This exhibition was the most controversial, vulgar and kinda creepy (which I liked) immersive art show I’ve been to. I really liked the crazy graphics, lights and sounds. And I admired her usage of contrast of colors and sizes which made her art world infinitely expandable.

If you’re bored of other immersive exhibitions, I highly recommend you check this one out. Click the image below for more information.

2/ Dover Street Market LA

Dover Street Market is a retail space and concept store that I visited in Tokyo a few years ago. They sell designer brands including Comme des Garçons, Gucci, Jacquemus, Balenciaga, Moncler, Maison Margiela, Marine Serre and also streetwear including Brain Dead, Palace, & Undercover. The setup is almost like an art gallery. A lot of the clothes look like actual art pieces.

If you want to find high-end statement pieces, please don’t go to Beverly Hills, go to Dover Street. Click below image to get their instagram.

3/ Yangban Society

A brand new Korean-American restaurant & deli in the Arts District.

I love this blue accent which gives the interior an edgy, but casual vibe.

If you want to try some Korean-fusion dishes or a place for a casual lunch or a late night snack in the Arts District, definitely check this place out. Check their Instagram for more information. You can also read more about it in this Eater article.

4/ Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt is a newish cocktail bar in Echo Park, just outside of DTLA. It was named ‘One to Watch’ in the World’s 50 Best Bars of 2021.

Click to go to their Instagram.

You can also read more about it in the world’s 50 best bars article. Click the image.

Here are some easy steps to make your city style.

1/ Go get a classic tailored jacket from any 'boys' closet - Boyfriend, Husband, maybe even your Dad’s!

Do you know how I got this oversized jacket? It’s actually my husband’s which he had made at a tailor in Hong Kong ten years ago. But as time went by, the fit became a little too tight for my husband and I almost donated it. But as they say, one man’s trash is another man's treasure. Don’t underestimate the value of a classic jacket. Now, this jacket is one of my favorite items.

If this is your first oversized blazer, try a neutral color - Gray, Beige, or Brown. White is a bit hard to maintain and Black can be too formal.

2/ Mix with other items depending on the occasion.

One oversized blazer with ALL-DAY city outfits.

3/ Upgrade your classic style with some bold accessories.

Pins, necklaces, earrings and hats. Anything is possible.

If you can’t find any good jackets, check out the below items I found online that are perfect for a day & night out in DTLA. Look and feel your best without trying too hard!