What to Wear in Palm Springs: Packing List Dos and Don’ts

What to Wear in Palm Springs in the Winter

In the winter, you’ll need more variety in your clothing. Pack a dress, but also pack items to keep you warm.

What to Wear in Palm Springs in the Spring and Fall

For the shoulder seasons, definitely pack layers. It might be unseasonably hot, but it also might be chilly.

Try to pack both your swimsuit and a coat because it’s a bit of a toss-up!

What to Wear in Palm Springs: Dos

Technically, it’s my belief that there aren’t ANY real “dos” and “don’ts” to fashion, period.

Just wear what you feel good in. However, when it comes to packing for a certain destination like Palm Springs, I’m going to share a few tips that can help you style a unique and interesting outfit.

Do: Wear Bright Pops of Color

Traditionally, you’ll see many men and women alike wearing colorful outfits when they come to visit Palm Springs. It makes sense because many of the homes here are painted white, and standing against a white background with a beautiful pop of pink looks fantastic. 

That said, you don’t necessarily have to wear all colors all day if that’s not your thing.

The style in Palm Springs tends to lean toward fun and flirty, so you could wear an all-white outfit with a big, bold, red earring – the perfect item to add to your suitcase if you’re wondering what to wear in Palm Springs.

Do: Pack Sunglasses and a Hat

As I mentioned earlier, it gets really sunny in Palm Springs. Even in the winter, a 60-degree day can feel hot because the sun’s beating down on you.

Especially if many of your activities involve the outdoors, it’s wise to bring at least one stylish pair of sunglasses and a hat.

I just bought these sunglasses on Amazon – and they’re such a steal at just $14.99!

They come in a ton of colors. I loved the classic look of the black ones. These are SO perfect for a Palm Springs trip. The adorable yellow case is a nice touch, too.

As for hats? I’m always a big fan of baseball caps because I think they’re cute and very on-trend in Los Angeles. It’s also very easy to pack.

A big, wide-rimmed hat sets the mood for a classic Palm Springs aesthetic, so pack one if you love that glamorous look.

I recently purchased this packable, wide-brim UV UPF 50+ hat for trips to Palm Springs.

I really love how this hat has sun protection while also being stylish. It packs down into my duffle bag or suitcase really well, too, without showing signs of wear even after getting smushed.

Do: Infuse Mid-Century Modern Flair

I’m sure you know by now that Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern influences. As it happens, interior design and fashion play off each other quite a lot.

Don’t be afraid to get retro with your outfit. You could totally rock a 1950s glam, polka dot dress. Or go for a 1960s look and get playful with hippie sunglasses and wide-leg paisley pants. 

Do: Bring Linen

Linen is such a versatile fabric in warm weather. It’s fabulous if you’re looking for something breathable. It actually has a cooling effect because it has very low heat conductivity.

Linen is very in style in areas that have high temperatures like Palm Springs.

The European Linen Pants by Quince are my favorite. I own them in the Driftwood color.

If bold color isn’t your thing, you could go with white linen pants and a beige top. Pair it with turquoise jewelry, and you’ve got yourself a magical outfit that oozes creative spirit. 

Do: Have Fun with It

Definitely bring your favorite bold statement pieces! Having fun while you’re traveling is my motto in general, but especially in Palm Springs, you can have a lot of fun with your style. If there’s a crazy color or pattern combination you’re thinking of trying out, go for it!

What to Wear in Palm Springs: Don’ts

A few things you might want to avoid packing on your trip to Palm Springs.

Don’t: Bring Your Coachella Outfit When It’s Not Coachella

This may be somewhat controversial or touchy. Hopefully, you aren’t offended… but I think Coachella fashion has become so cliché.

There it is. I said it. Crochet is gorgeous, but save it for your only festival weekend. Sorry, I’m not sorry!

Don’t: Leave Your Hiking Attire at Home

What can you wear to hike in Palm Springs? Usually, shorts and a tank top will do. A t-shirt covering your shoulders would also be advisable, since the sun can get very strong.

For shoes, you can just use your standard tennis shoe as long as it has tread on the bottom. Avoid a flat sneaker with little to no grip, because the pebbles can make you slide.

Also, I highly recommend chemical-free sunscreen. I like this sunscreen by EltaMD because it’s not greasy but still very lightweight.

I recently discovered I have rosacea, so I purchased this one because it helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and discoloration.

I’m using it daily now and it works so well.

Don’t: Bring Just One Bathing Suit

This is a big no-no. How could you come to Palm Springs with only one swimsuit option? It’s impossible!

Be bold! Go with a fun color like this deep orange swimsuit.

I love this one because I feel so confident wearing it – it really defines my shape. I ordered it in a size 10. If you prefer a less snug fit, go one size up.

My go-to swimsuit is the black one pictured above. The Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit is a really comfortable, classic, and also flatters my tummy.

I feel really comfortable and sexy in this one-piece, but I also wear it around the family since it’s not too revealing.

Don’t: Forget to Bring a Wrap, Shawl, and Cover-Up

Echoing what I mentioned earlier in this post, it can often get breezy unexpectedly in Palm Springs, which makes it a bit chilly even in the summer evenings. If you only take one suggestion on this list, make it this one!

A black cardigan is a staple for me because it goes with anything and everything. You could also bring a beige or sand-color shawl, which can really round out an entire outfit. I also absolutely LOVE dusters paired with boots.

You could even get a bathing suit coverup that doubles as a shall, like the one pictured above. This piece can easily go from poolside to dinner.

Don’t: Stress Too Much About Your Outfit

All that said, don’t stress too much about your style! Have fun and enjoy Palm Springs while you’re in town. You’ll certainly get fashion inspiration while you’re there, so save room in your suitcase to shop some local boutiques, too! 

What to Wear in Palm Springs: Four Outfit Ideas

And now, drumroll please, FOUR outfit ideas for Palm Springs – one for every season! 

1. Summer Outfit Idea for Palm Springs

A crop top and linen pants make a great outfit for Palm Springs! Everyone is rocking the 1990s crop top trend right now, so getting a linen pant and a solid-color crop top to match is perfect for Palm Springs in the summer. Lighter colors and breathable fabrics like linen tend to be better in the hot summer desert.

I love these European Linen Pants by Quince because they have an elastic waistband with belt loops – so convenient. I own them in the Driftwood color.

The sandals are by Birkenstock and the white top is by Madewell.

Turquoise is often great in a desert aesthetic. Add it in with a bold statement necklace.

2. Fall Outfit Idea for Palm Springs

For fall in Palm Springs, jeans are a must. These are the Curvy Perfect Vintage Straight Jean by Madewell.

A cowboy boot is also such a hot look for the desert in the fall. I’m currently SO obsessed with the Ramson Western Boot by Dolce Vita. They seriously kick up the style factor on an otherwise simple outfit.

The purse I’m wearing is my favorite of the moment. I am so in love with black leather, cross-body purses! Pair your outfit with a cotton turtleneck in a dark color, and you’re all set for fall in Palm Springs.

3. Winter Outfit Idea for Palm Springs

A sweater dress and a bootie are perfect for winter in Palm Springs! Wear it with black tights. A sweater dress gives you comfort, warmth, and style all in one.

It can seriously get cold at night here, so wearing a warm sweater dress like this one will keep you nice and toasty. You might not even need a coat if you’re wearing this outfit, but pack one just in case.

I’m wearing the sweater dress with the Chelsea Boot by Nisolo.

4. Spring Outfit Idea for Palm Springs

For spring, I suggest going with something fun and flirty. A statement outfit like this one, with a bunch of happy, bright florals, is perfect for the Palm Springs aesthetic. I’m wearing the Midsummer Crop Tank Top & Wide Leg Pants by Yellow the Label. Show a little midriff and have fun with it!

This is a great outfit if you’re headed out to brunch in Palm Springs.

You’ll be walking up and down Palm Canyon Blvd in no time and sipping down a drink by the pool.

Girl, be fabulous and strut your stuff!

What’s the weather like in Palm Springs?

If you’re figuring out what to pack, you should definitely consider the weather in Palm Springs!

You might imagine a place like Palm Springs is sunny and warm year round – but actually, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

In the winter, nights can get as cold as 45 degrees. You might get breezy days – Palm Springs has been windier than ever before lately – so keep that in mind.

By the way, if you’re also visiting Los Angeles, check out my guide on what to wear in LA. Or, if you’re heading to NorCal, check out my guide on what to wear in San Francisco.

Having trouble deciding what to pack for Palm Springs?

If you’re on a budget or can’t decide what to wear in Palm Springs, I highly recommend renting clothes for your trip through Nuuly.

Nuuly is my favorite clothing rental subscription service because it has pieces from my favorite brands, Anthropologie, Levi’s, Free People and more, that are actually currently sold in stores.

At $98/mo, you get six pieces of clothing, which is such a deal considering most pieces that you can rent cost upwards of $150 each. Check out Nuuly here.

Being able to rent these items means I get to try on the look and fit and constantly keep my wardrobe fresh. I actually rented the white dress (pictured above).

Nuuly is PERFECT for vacations because I always take a ton of photographs and want to keep my look fresh in each shot. 

Questions? Leave me a comment – I’ll get back to you!