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Erin Noël knows Los Angeles style. The Beverly Hills-based celebrity stylist started her career in retail, which she credits with teaching her how to dress all body types. Her first gig with a stylist (Joseph Cassell) was meant to last for two weeks, but it lasted for two years. “I am so thankful for that opportunity, and I used that as my style education,” she says.
In 2018, following a car accident and major surgery, Erin opened her own business and re-entered the fashion world stronger than ever. Since then, she’s worked with Peta Murgatroyd, Madison Beer, Mckenna Grace, Olivia Holt, and more. Earlier this year, she worked on a Travel + Leisure cover shoot with Amanda Kloots and her son, Elvis. “I really loved how the photos turned out and how fashion was displayed in a very real-life setting,” she said of the beachy shoot in Malibu.
In addition to celebrities, her clients include “women in business and women around the country and world,” she told us. “ I offer private styling in person, and virtual services for closet edits (AKA shopping your closet), and curating a beautiful selection for your wardrobe.”
We asked Erin for some expert advice on packing for a trip to her hometown of LA.
How long have you been in LA, and why do you love it?
It’s hard to believe, but I have been here 15 years. Some days it feels like I just arrived, but most days it feels like home. There is something about the creative energy in LA that is exciting to be around, people are working or working toward doing what they love. The fashion is very laid back and luxurious at the same time. Like many big cities, you can cross a few miles and find a totally different element of style, food, and design. What you see on the west side is very different from the east side. The sun is always shining here, and there are always new people to meet and new restaurants to try. Speaking of restaurants, I have Donna’s in Echo Park on my list if anyone wants to meet me there.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is very classic, elegant, and with a touch of trend. I love a pulled-together look with interesting details. My go-to look is a beautiful dress, in black or another solid color, with structural details and a statement piece of jewelry. For every day, I tend to lean into the casual side of LA in Doen pieces, white t-shirts, linen, sweaters, and a great pair of denim. I think one of the biggest challenges when shopping for yourself is picturing yourself in an outfit, we are shown a certain way to wear something, but it often doesn’t come out that way off the rack or at all. Finding a good tailor, choosing pieces you truly love, and learning the shape of your body is the best way to achieve a desired look. If you love what you are wearing, it shows, and it is the best measure of a “good outfit”.
How would you describe LA style?
LA style is very laid back and super diverse; from the east side to the west side, style is varied. Loungewear with diamonds reigns supreme during the day, and at night for dinner people really pull out their best looks. However, you can be dining in a fine restaurant and one person will be in a dress and heels, and the next person will be in their sweatpants.
Is there anything about LA style that might surprise visitors from out of town?
LA is truly so casual, and I think people expect the glamour and are surprised to find us in our workout gear all day.
What’s an LA local trend you're loving right now?
Men are wearing layered necklaces over their tees, and I love seeing this element of style on guys right now. For women, the low-slung maxi skirt is back, and you see it in a variety of ways—everyone is truly putting their own spin on this style, and I love seeing how people play with fashion.
What is one style mistake not to make unless you want to look like a tourist in LA?
I actually love seeing tourists, and it’s easy to spot them, however wearing shorts in the winter is a giveaway that you are from out of town—or being overdressed. We are casual here!
OK. You're packing for a trip to LA. What is the first item you put in your carry-on?
A sweater or cardigan—it is surprisingly cool here, even in the summertime—you will need a layering piece in the morning and at night, no matter the season.
What is your go-to outfit for a long flight?
A cashmere set from White and Warren (see: top, joggers), with a fitted t-shirt, a trench, a pair of fashionable sneakers, and a crossbody bag. In the summertime, I swap this look for a matching linen set and lose the coat. I always bring the W&W cashmere travel wrap to use as a blanket—truly the best travel essential.
Do you have a favorite suitcase or travel bag?
I am really loyal to my Away suitcases. I have all of the sizes, and they are the best for hauling wardrobe for jobs and traveling through airports. I recently picked up the Cuyana travel bag, and it easily slips over the handle of my suitcase and is great to use as a carry-on.
What is the one pair of shoes you wouldn't leave home without?
Right now, my pink Adidas Gazelles. I’ve been wearing a lot of neutrals lately, and they are a fun pop of color. I have arthritis, so my sneaker game is getting stronger by the season.
What are your favorite sunglasses of the moment?
I haven’t taken off my Loewe Flower sunglasses.
What are some of your favorite LA-based boutiques?
I love visiting Just One Eye in Hollywood; they have really cool unique pieces. You can’t come to LA and skip Melrose Place, so many unique and cool boutiques—a true LA shopping experience. ROW in DTLA is one of those hidden gems that I wish more people knew about and visited. I really love visiting Clare V., an LA-based handbag/accessory brand. The price point is great and the concept is very cool—leather bags and totes that can take you from day to night. I recently wore one of their bags all over Europe, and it was the perfect bag to take on a trip.
Stylist Erin Noël’s Top Packing Essentials for a Trip to Los Angeles
Cool jacket or blazer for layering over a dress or tee
Slip dress from day to night
