Summer has officially begun: Hemlines will be getting shorter, more skin will be exposed, etc. Besides sunscreen, the second-most essential item for the warm climate is comfortable, stylish threads for every occasion—whether lounging poolside or embarking on an epic road trip. Luckily, there are plenty of local boutiques to keep the hipsters and hippie chicks and everyone in between looking good while braving the heat.
THE SHOP. From adorable, creative bikinis to flowy maxi dresses, this Laguna Beach-based boutique’s wheelhouse is boho-chic attire, harkening back to 1970s Laguna style with peasant dresses and bell-bottom pants, which have officially made a comeback after years of being shunned while skinny jeans ruled. You’ll find plenty of modern, semi-formal dresses for nighttime wear, too! 1020 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; theshoplaguna.com.
COSTA CABANA. This Costa Mesa-based store supplies plenty of relaxed hippie style with a bit of a rustic, vintage feel. Western-style belts, chokers, bolo ties and finely stitched leather wallets, plus low-heeled boots and non-basic flat sandals, are among the many cool accessories Costa Cabana keeps in stock. 1686 Tustin Ave., Costa Mesa; www.instagram.com/costa_cabana.
LOST GENERATION. For the grungy, black lipstick-wearing set, Lost Generation features babydoll dresses and Gothy, black-velvet gowns, as well as lacy bralettes and bandeau bras, among its styles. There’s also a wide array of punky pins and patches for fun flair and plenty of rock-band shirts. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo; shoplostgeneration.com.
PRISM BOUTIQUE. This Long Beach-based retro-clothing boutique has its cropped game on lock, offering a variety from relaxed to sexy, off-the-shoulder tops. Clever designer swimwear, high-rise shorts, flares and culottes round out the vintage aesthetic, suitable for festival attire or walking down the boardwalk on a hot afternoon. 406 Termino Ave., Long Beach; www.prismboutique.com.
