California has finally reopened, which means almost everyone is dreaming about their next travel destination or the staycation that awaits them not too far from home. If you’re a resident of Southern California, chances are you’re looking forward to getting back out there and experiencing all that our region has to offer. Wondering what to do and wear, though, since it’s been a(n extremely long) while? Not to fret, Fresh Clean Tees has you covered with some SoCal suggestions and a guide to dressing accordingly.
Seeking Out Theme Park Thrills
This state is full of amusement park fun — catching the stars at Universal Studios Hollywood, a family trip to Disneyland or Legoland, or screaming on the coasters at Knott’s Berry Farm or Six Flags Magic Mountain.
An outfit I often spot guys in at theme parks is a tank top with shorts, whether they be chino and cargo. For the recently opened Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, guys can recreate an off-duty Steve Rogers look by pairing a heather grey crew t-shirt with a bomber jacket and aviator glasses. All you need after that is to find Captain America in the park for a picture. A typical amusement park look for ladies is a crew t-shirt tucked into high-waisted jean shorts with sneakers. Maybe don’t wear white because, hey, splash rides.
Speaking of, by mid-day, beneath that warring summer sun, you’ll probably have the intention to get soaked on Disneyland’s Splash Mountain or Universal Studio Hollywood’s Jurassic Park River Adventure. Packing a couple of extra post-splash t-shirts for the late afternoon or evening will likely save you from catching a cold, and you can avoid buying expensive in-park tees and instead spend that money on in-park treats. Keep in mind, it may be ridiculously hot during the day, but don’t forget to bring your hoodie for nighttime festivities.
Exploring an Urban Hub for Hikes
If you’re in or around Los Angeles, the hiking hot spot everyone suggests is Runyon Canyon, since it comes with sweeping views of the surrounding city and the Hollywood sign. Of course, you could always actually hike to the Hollywood sign via the Mount Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, or the Cahuenga Peak Trail.
Although people tend to suggest “a short hike before brunch,” everyone has a different idea of “short,” so prepare yourself! Wear something light. The higher and longer you hike, you’ll be sweating (and maybe swearing) while feeling the burn of your legs.
A good call for guys on these lighter urbanish hikes is a simple crew neck t-shirt with gym shorts and tennis shoes. For the ladies, go with a nice v-neck t-shirt or tank top, which can be your usual fit or a looser one; either way, they pair well with black yoga pants.
Want to upgrade your workout look to something a bit more fashionable? Make the switch to a long sleeve crew neck with a choice of khaki shorts and hiking boots. Personally, I think French burgundy or navy go best with khaki. Accessorize those long sleeves with a bandana and a hat, and you’re king of the mountain (hill, really).
Meanwhile, women can channel a look inspired by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Wild by rocking a white crew neck t-shirt with a blue flannel tied around black shorts. Also, hiking boots look great and classic with grey crew socks.
Tanning (or Lightly Toasting) on the Beach
When it comes to life in SoCal, the beach tends to be the go-to place for fun in the sun, from Malibu to La Jolla. Lounging on your towel, taking strolls along the water, and catching the beautiful rolling waves of the Pacific before and/or after work is what life’s about in these parts. There's no need to worry about choosing which shoes would match your outfit, since it’s all about rocking flip-flops or going barefoot.
Men can style a variety of t-shirts, neck preference be damned, with any number of bottoms, from rolled-up dark blue jeans or comfy joggers to cargo or chino shorts (or your swimming trunks, of course). For women, you can cut up a tee and make it a crop top. If you’re going for a swim, a white tank top or a wedgewood split hem longline make for an easy-breezy and beachy top. Pair with a nice pair of sunglasses and a straw hat, and you’re golden.
At night, when everyone’s sitting around the bonfire and roasting marshmallows for s’mores (while sneakily drinking booze in red cups), you can keep yourself warm and cozy with a maroon pullover hoodie. This thing is a secret weapon for when your significant other gets chilly, since it feels as plush as a fleece blanket without feeling like a gravity blanket. Your beach bae will totally assume you were thinking of her when you brought it.
Life in Southern California means being constantly reminded that there’s plenty to do, from coastline to mountain range. Given our collective laid-back demeanor in, it might take us a while to check off our to-do lists. But if you’re trying to keep your polo shirts clean for the office, you’re good to go, because a simple plain t-shirt is the way to go this summer with all of us enjoying the hell out of the sunny weather and being more outgoing than we’ve ever been. We deserve it.
— Katherine Abando
