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Just two and a half hours outside of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a desert oasis that attracts visitors from around the globe. Not only is it home to major festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach, but it’s also frequented for its picturesque desert landscape and spectacular mountain views. Whether you’re glamping underneath the stars in Joshua Tree or luxuriating at the spa at Miramonte Resort, there’s so much to do in the popular travel destination. The city also has its own dress code of sorts, so that’s important to keep in mind when figuring out what to wear in Palm Springs.
Though it’s not a beach town, coastal fashion trends work really well in Palm Springs, from coastal grandma to coastal cowgirl. Think easy, breezy vacationwear that feels refined but effortless. Sweeping maxi dresses, vibrant printed minis, straw hats, flowing dusters, wide-leg pants, cutout jumpsuits, and crop tops all fit the bill. There’s also a strong affinity for quiet luxury in Palm Springs: go for designer sunglasses and luxe handbags or totes that feel sophisticated without trying too hard.
If you’re staying at a chic, intimate hotel like Casa Cody, pack a printed mini with a straw hat and sunglasses to relax on the lounge chairs all day. For an outing at a fancy restaurant, you want to look a bit more polished, so slip in a structured, corset dress in a bright color, teamed with block heels and an understated clutch. Taking a group trip to Joshua Tree with your closest friends? Choose an easy activewear set in a pretty color that’s functional and fashionable. It’ll be comfortable for the drive — and it’ll look stylish when you hop out to hit the trail. Bonus, drive a car like the Land Rover Defender 101 that can seat up to seven people, and weather desert conditions with ease.
Plenty of your favorite retailers have options that are perfect for your trip to the desert: Nordstrom, Revolve, Shopbop, and more. Keep scrolling for a guide on what to wear in Palm Springs, plus suggestions on what to do and where to stay in the resort city.
