62 Essential Style Lessons From California Girl Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad got her start starring on reality dramas Laguna Beach and The Hills, but these days the trendsetter's empire has grown. She has a successful lifestyle blog, a massive social media following, and her own clothing line for Kohl's.

Still, one of our favorite aspects of the LA-based fashion icon, who turns 31 today, is her signature style. The California girl favors a mix of relaxed and feminine pieces, and she isn't afraid of a little sparkle or pop of color. From glamorous red carpet gowns to her laid-back day-to-day looks, read on for a refresher on Lauren's romantic signature style.

— Additional reporting by Brittney Stephens and Mandi Villa

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She wore all white to debut her fashion line at New York Fashion Week in September 2015.

Lesson from Lauren: all white works for any season.

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She put a sophisticated spin on the LBD at an event in 2013.

Lesson from Lauren: you don't need color to stand out from the crowd.

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She paired a pale pink dress with a white blazer in February 2015.

Lesson from Lauren: make a minidress work-appropriate by topping with something structured.

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She wore an eye-catching yellow maxi dress to the 2015 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

Lesson from Lauren: when it comes to a bold dress, simplicity is key.

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She opted for a flirty floral dress at a fashion event in 2013.

Lesson from Lauren: find your print and keep rocking it.

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She paired white jeans with a simple striped tank top.

Lesson from Lauren: choose a structured top for an elevanted spin on jeans and a tee.

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Lauren opted for a floral shirt and printed miniskirt at the 2014 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

Lesson from Lauren: sometimes a skirt and top combo works just as well as a dress.

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Lauren was the picture of sexy sophistication at a Malibu Rum event in May — she wore a black collared dress with two thigh-high slits, which she paired with nude sandals and hot-pink lipstick.

Lesson from Lauren: make your monochrome look standout by incorporating a dash of sex appeal — like the perfectly placed slits in Lauren's maxi skirt.

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Lauren Conrad arrived at Us Weekly's 2007 Hot Hollywood party in a kelly-green-and-orange embellished mini.

Lesson from Lauren: pair green with orange for an eye-catching color combo.

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Conrad sparkled in an embellished silver minidress with matching sandals at the 2007 MTV VMAs in Las Vegas.

Lesson from Lauren: keep your add-ons minimal when wearing a sequined dress.

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At the 2008 MTV VMAs, Lauren owned the red carpet in a plunging dual-texture mini and glittery peep-toe pumps.

Lesson from Lauren: juxtapose a sexy mini with a sweet updo for the perfect party balance.

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At a 2008 Us Weekly party, the blond stunner wowed in a turquoise paillette creation and patent pumps.

Lesson from Lauren: every girl needs a pair of classic black pumps.

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Lauren topped her flirty black minidress with breezy beach waves and a bow headband at the D&G flagship boutique opening in Beverly Hills in 2008.

Lesson from Lauren: turn up the sweetness with a bow accessory.

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In 2008, Lauren went bold in a colorful creation at The Hills season four finale in NYC. Though we love her embellished mini, her faux bob is what really caught our eye.

Lesson from Lauren: instantly freshen up your go-to pieces with an unexpected hairdo.

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Lauren cinched her breezy printed maxidress with a thin leather belt at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.

Lesson from Lauren: a colorful maxi is a welcome change from standard minis.

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LC opted for edgy glamour, topping her sequined dress with a leather bomber jacket at the Late Show With David Letterman in 2009.

Lesson from Lauren: don't be afraid to pair unconventional textures, as they create the coolest combos.

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LC posed in a printed Lela Rose mini while sitting front row at the designer's show during New York Fashion Week in 2009.

Lesson from Lauren: accentuate your dress's embellishments with coordinating nail polish.

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At the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, LC went goth glam in a ruffled rose-print Moschino dress and lace-up leather sandals.

Lesson from Lauren: swap your pretty party style for a punk-chic look — don't forget the dark red lip.

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LC sparkled in this green sequined Alice + Olivia minidress in 2009.

Lesson from Lauren: for an updated party look, swap your basic black sequins for a gem hue.

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LC went for a grown-up look for an Avon event in 2009, wearing a curve-hugging Hervé Léger dress and YSL Tribute pumps.

Lesson from Lauren: a red lip and coordinating nail polish oozes ladylike sophistication.

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Lauren hit the town in polka dots and liquid leather in 2009 — we love the bright blue clutch!

Lesson from Lauren: sometimes it's all about the accessories.

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Lauren looked sweet and business casual at a Lucky event in 2009.

Lesson from Lauren: a crisp blazer will refine any look.

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LC channeled '40s-inspired chic for the VH1 Save the Music Gala in 2010 — she wore a gorgeous, low-cut blue Topshop dress and deep red lipstick.

Lesson from Lauren: it's not only about the dress when channeling Old Hollywood glamour — take it up a notch with a chic chignon.

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While out and about in NYC, Conrad worked a bright yellow coat, complete with ruffle detail.

Lesson from Lauren: never underestimate the power of a statement coat.

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Lauren looked red hot in body-conscious Hervé Léger for her book party in 2010.

Lesson from Lauren: a sexy silhouette in a look-at-me hue always makes a statement.

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She wore a short-sleeved, draped blue BCBG Max Azria dress for a book signing in 2010.

Lesson from Lauren: pairing blue with black is no longer off limits.

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Promoting her book in a psychedelic-print Nanette Lepore dress in 2010.

Lesson from Lauren: balance bold prints with streamlined shoes.

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For the finale party of The Hills in 2010, Lauren wore a long-sleeved, printed Mandalay dress with nude pumps from Aldo.

Lesson from Lauren: give your printed mini a playful touch with a no-fuss ponytail.

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Lovely in a white lace Marchesa dress for a book signing in 2010.

Lesson from Lauren: white lace is always welcome.

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Donning a tan dress cinched with a yellow belt for an NYC event in 2010.

Lesson from Lauren: tan and yellow fuse well together.

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For Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood party in 2010, Lauren sported an olive green Myne blouse tucked into high-waisted black shorts.

Lesson from Lauren: give your minidresses a rest and try a structured blouse and high-waisted shorts.

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Sleek and sophisticated in a blue kimono top and scalloped shorts for an event in 2010.

Lesson from Lauren: play with proportions — a draping top and fitted shorts.

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We're loving Lauren's cool 3.1 Phillip Lim high-waisted shorts.

Lesson from Lauren: cinch your high-waisted shorts to accentuate your fit figure.

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At a 2012 book signing, Lauren posed in a watercolor maxi dress.

Lesson from Lauren: cinch your flowing dresses to create a sexier silhouette.

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For the CoverGirl 50th Anniversary party in 2011, Lauren looked pretty and sophisticated in a nude silk wrap dress and Jimmy Choo heels.

Lesson from Lauren: monochrome is anything but boring.

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For a Hollywood event in 2011, Lauren went edgy-cool in a pair of black leather Current/Elliott pants with a white blazer and drapey top from her Paper Crown collection.

Lesson from Lauren: leather pants inject rock-chic edge to any ensemble.

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Lauren celebrated her 25th birthday in a bronze sequined Farah Khan frock and pretty ballerina bun.

Lesson from Lauren: sequins are a birthday essential.

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Sweet, girlie florals for an Alice + Olivia launch party in 2011.

Lesson from Lauren: you're never too old to play dress-up (check out Lauren's Grecian headband).

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Lauren sported a pretty cream-colored BCBG Max Azria paillette frock for an event in 2011.

Lesson from Lauren: don't be afraid to mix textures.

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For the InStyle Golden Globes afterparty in 2012, LC wore a navy blue Paper Crown dress with strappy Jimmy Choo sandals.

Lesson from Lauren: every girl needs a LND — little navy dress — in her closet.

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Lauren celebrated her 26th birthday in a bold blue sequined Alice + Olivia dress in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: you'll be dance floor ready at any party with a sky-high ponytail.

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Lauren took New York Fashion Week by storm in September 2012 wearing a slew of feminine floral looks — she paired this gorgeous Badgley Mischka dress with a ballet bun and red lipstick.

Lesson from Lauren: a floral sheath, nude pumps, and slick top knot are a winning combo.

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Lauren attended Jenny Packham's Spring 2013 runway show in a flirty dress by the designer, which she paired with nude Christian Louboutin pumps.

Lesson from Lauren: coordinating your bag and shoes is no longer a fashion faux pas.

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Lauren hopped on the leather dress train in a knee-length Johanna Johnson dress in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: a leather fit-and-flare is equal parts edgy and feminine.

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Lauren exited the NBC Studios in an aztec-print Tibi blouse and peach chiffon skirt in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: double-up on pastels for a feminine combo.

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For a ShoeMint event in 2012, Lauren wore a cream-colored lace dress with her beloved nude Christian Louboutins.

Lesson from Lauren: get a double dose of sweetness with a lace mini and bow belt.

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On a 2012 promotional book tour, Lauren chose an orange Harlyn fit-and-flare to greet fans and sign copies in Bal Harbour, FL.

Lesson from Lauren: embrace Summer with an orange fit-n-flare.

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Lauren was all smiles in a mixed-print Rebecca Minkoff maxi for NYFW Spring 2013.

Lesson from Lauren: black, white, and red is a trendy triple threat.

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LC opted for a quirky printed Kate Spade fit-and-flare at the designer's Spring 2013 presentation during NYFW.

Lesson from Lauren: don't be afraid to capitalize on your love of cheeky prints.

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Lauren Conrad got back to basics with a textured floral dress by Lela Rose and nude platform pumps at a book signing in NYC.

Lesson from Lauren: accentuate your gorgeous gams with leg-lengthening pumps.

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Lauren rocked a crisp white-on-white ensemble (and a hot-pink ponytail) for a book signing in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: white on white is crisp, clean, and chic.

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Lauren showed off a sweet, sophisticated Topshop and Paper Crown pairing for a party in Beverly Hills in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: a draping maxi skirt evokes elegance.

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In 2012, Lauren exuded retro glamour in a black and white gown, red lip, and cascading curls, complete with jeweled hair pin, at the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Designs For the Cure Gala.

Lesson from Lauren: colorblocking is always a hit.

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Lauren wore a bright yellow Yoana Baraschi party dress for a book signing at Barnes & Noble in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: no need to over-accessorize a gorgeous dress.

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We love Lauren's fun take on holiday dressing — she wore this Lot78 sweater with leather leggings and pumps in 2012.

Lesson from Lauren: aim to be fashionable and festive.

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Lauren made an LA outing look completely chic in 2012 — she styled a cheetah-print from C. Wonder with black skinny jeans and flats.

Lesson from Lauren: a pop of leopard is paramount.

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Lauren took in a day of errands in 2013, looking cute and enjoying the warm LA weather in a MINKPINK shirtdress and Christian Louboutin heels.

Lesson from Lauren: give structure to a printed shirtdress with a thin belt.

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Lauren looked ravishing in a red cotton minidress and tan wedges for an outdoor Miami event in 2013.

Lesson from Lauren: when in Miami, do as the Miamians do — go for the bold.

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For a Miami runway show in March, Lauren went Old Hollywood. She wore a black halter-style gown from Camilla and Marc, which she paired with red lipstick and '40s-style waves.

Lesson from Lauren: switch your classic LBD for a long black dress.

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Lauren wore a strapless gown from her own Paper Crown collection on the red carpet at the Unbridled Eve Gala ahead of the Kentucky Derby in May.

Lesson from Lauren: bows can be sweet and sophisticated.

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Lauren went all out for the Kentucky Derby in 2013, staying true to the dress code in a tan sheath dress from her Paper Crown collection. She paired the look with nude heels from her LC For Kohl's line, as well as a Derby-appropriate oversize hat.

Lesson from Lauren: embrace the occasion while staying true to your signature style.

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Conrad was high tea ready in a blossoming Paper Crown holiday collection sheath for the launch of her BlueAvocado XO(eco) collection in September 2013.

Lesson from Lauren: lend a playful touch to your sophisticated sheath with a high ponytail.