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I can't speak for the US west coast, but it seems to me a good start is to actually know how to wear a suit. It absolutely has to fit correctly and be the right size. Unbutton your jacket when you sit. Tie your tie correctly and tighten and straighten it, top button of your shirt buttoned - OR loose it completely, opening the top button - there is no middle ground.

If you are able to, you might be able to pull of a "dishevelled Tom Waits" look. Very hard to do without looking homeless or hungover though.

I think the hack is jeans + (t-)shirt + blazer look. I haven't had the context to try it, but it's supposed to be a bit more "trendy" than a suit.