California: land of sun, surf, and some of the most eyebrow-raising trends to ever sweep a population. From fashion fads that defy the seasons to culinary concoctions that challenge the palate, the Golden State is never short on creativity. Have you ever found yourself sipping kombucha at a yoga retreat, wearing shorts in December because you can? Then you’ve tasted the unique flavor of Californian trendsetting. Let’s take a wander through 21 trends that could only have sprung from the soil of California.
1. Avocado on Everything
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Once just a humble fruit, now a staple from toast to ice cream. California made it a luxury item.
2. Tech Start-Up T-Shirts as High Fashion
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In Silicon Valley, the latest start-up tee is a status symbol. Who needs haute couture when you’ve got pre-IPO equity?
3. Outdoor Yoga Classes
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Because why meditate indoors when the sun is shining? Beach and park yoga sessions are a testament to California’s eternal summer mindset.
4. Juice Cleanses
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Detoxing on $10 bottles of cold-pressed juice. Only in California is starvation considered enlightenment.
5. Surfing Before Work
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Catching waves at dawn is the ultimate flex. It says, “Yes, I do have a life beyond my 9-to-5.”
6. Veganism as a Competitive Sport
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It’s not just about animal rights—it’s about who can concoct the most convincingly meat-like tempeh burger.
7. Boutique Fitness Classes
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Paying a small fortune to sweat in a room full of strangers. Spin, Pilates, and “hot” everything classes are the norm.
8. Designer Dogs
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The more obscure the breed, the better. Bonus points if it fits in a handbag.
9. Thrift Shopping as a Treasure Hunt
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Vintage is king, and finding that one Chanel jacket in a sea of fast fashion discards is a true Californian quest.
10. Organic Everything
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If it’s not certified organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO, is it even worth eating?
11. Start-Up Speak
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Throwing around terms like “disrupt” and “scale” in casual conversation. Because every idea is the next big thing.
12. Sourdough Baking
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The pandemic hobby that stuck. Now, everyone’s a critic of crust and crumb.
13. Celebrity Sightings
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Bragging about seeing a celebrity at the grocery store is a humblebrag staple.
14. Hiking for the ‘Gram
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It’s less about the hike, more about the summit selfie. If it didn’t get likes, did it even happen?
15. Electric Scooters Everywhere
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The sidewalk menace that nobody asked for but everyone uses. Because walking is so last century.
16. Quinoa in Desserts
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Turning a healthy grain into a questionable dessert ingredient. Only in California would this be considered a good idea.
17. Festival Fashion Year-Round
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Flower crowns in fall? Fringe in winter? Festival fashion knows no season in California.
18. Pretentious Coffee Orders
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A simple coffee will never suffice. It must be single-origin, hand-picked, and described with at least three adjectives.
19. The Rise of the “Influencer”
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Where being Instagram-famous can pay the rent. It’s all about the brand deals and follower count.
20. CBD Everything
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From lattes to lotions, if it doesn’t have CBD in it, it’s not on trend.
21. Tiny Home Living
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Sacrificing square footage for simplicity… and because the rent is too darn high.
So, Only in California, Right?
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From the whimsically wonderful to the downright wacky, California’s trends set the pace for the nation, if not the world. Whether you’re here for the innovation or the avocados, there’s no denying the Golden State’s knack for the new, the novel, and the occasionally nonsensical. Have you caught yourself indulging in any of these quintessentially Californian trends?
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
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Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
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American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
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Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wangkun Jia.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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