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 [1] like Coachella [2] 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 [3], 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 [4] to coastal cowgirl [5]. 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 [6] 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 [7], 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 colour, 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 colour 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 [8] that can seat up to seven people, and weather desert conditions with ease.
Plenty of your favourite 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.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs: Casa Cody
For a stay at a chic, intimate hotel in Palm Springs, look no further than Casa Cody [10]. The quaint bed-and-breakfast, named after pioneer Harriet Cody, has a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains, perfect for gazing at while lounging in the hot tub or at one of its dual pools. Casa Cody also boasts a must-visit cafe with coffee, natural wine, and poolside bites — but the real draw is the edible onsite garden with trees you can pick fresh fruit from as you walk around the property.
Straw Hat
Sunday Afternoons Havana Hat [11] ($25, originally $34)
Lying out by the pool at a hotel like Casa Cody? Shield yourself from the sun in style with a straw hat with a chic black band. This style is UPF 50+ resistant and even includes an interior wicking sweatband to keep perspiration at bay.
Printed Minidress
Farm Rio Mixed Ombre Chita Scarf Viscose Mini Dress [12] ($200)
Enjoy some natural wine and fresh fruit by the pool wearing a playful scarf minidress from Farm Rio. Bonus? You can add a pair of heels and go straight to dinner.
Where to Spa in Palm Springs: Miramonte Resort's Well Spa
The Palm Springs desert embodies peace and serenity, so it's the perfect place for a spa visit. Head over to the Miramonte Resort's award-winning Well Spa [13] for a day of relaxation, from a sun-stone massage to a skin-care treatment. After, unwind in one of its eucalyptus-infused steam rooms or luxuriate in the outdoor bath; the options are endless.
Cutout Swimsuit
Brandon Blackwood Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit [14] ($75)
Spend a day relaxing at the Miramonte Spa wearing a cutout one-piece swimsuit. This style, from a celebrity-favourite Black-owned brand, boasts UPF 30 sun-protective fabric and the label's signature Bamboo B hoop detail.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs: Miramonte Resort
With its two-story villas and suites, the Miramonte Resort [15] is the perfect option to stay at in Palm Springs, especially if you have a larger group or are hosting a big event. From the delicious food and creative cocktails at Citrus & Palm restaurant to the heated whirlpool flanked by a mountain view, every luxury you could dream of is right within your reach.
Birkenstock Sandals
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals [16] ($140)
Whether you're headed to the Miramonte Resort's Well Spa for a massage or just poolside to lounge in the sun and stare at a mountain view, some easy flats will come in handy. This fashionable silver pair has a soft-contoured cord footbed and pronuounced arch support so it's the epitome of comfort.
Corset Dress
PatBO Bustier Dress [17] ($875)
For a dinner at a restaurant, choose a stylish look like this bustier dress that's on trend without trying too hard. This dress will ensure all eyes remain on you, from its ribbed corset to its romantic sheer sleeves to its alluring low-cut neckline.
Cropped T-Shirt
Free People 'We the Free You Rock' T-Shirt [18] ($38)
Palm Springs is all about easy, breezy style, and nothing fits the bill more than a relaxed, cropped T-shirt. The style goes with anything from your bikini bottoms to your favourite pair of jeans.
Denim Shorts
Old Navy High-Waist Denim Shorts [19] ($15, originally $35)
Denim shorts are a must for any warm-weather travel destination. Grab a high-waist pair from Old Navy that you can style with your swimsuit, a crop top, or even a flowing printed duster.
Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 [20] ($38)
You've heard the skin-care tip to never go a day without sunscreen, and that advice is especially true in Palm Springs's desert landscape. With SPF 40, Supergoop's famed Unseen sunscreen is invisible, weightless, and full of skin-care benefits.
One-Shoulder Blouse
Fe Noel Cloud Top [21] ($528)
If you need a polished look for an event like, say, a bridal shower, Fe Noel strikes the perfect balance of refined and effortless style. The brand's gorgeous cloud top is a standout for its neutral hue and dramatic puff sleeve.
Wide-Leg Pants
Fe Noel Spice Gradient Rooted Slouched Pant [22] ($298, originally $628)
Fe Noel is known for its wide-leg pants, and this pair is one of our favourites. From the linen fabric to the hand-dyed, gradient colour, it's one of those pieces that garners compliments as soon as you step outside.
Designer Sunglasses
Loewe Wave Mask Sunglasses [23] ($520)
Loewe's popular wave mask sunglasses will do double duty in the desert: accessorise your outfit to perfection and block your eyes from the sun (and sand). Available in various colorways like shiny black, earth yellow, and khaki green (pictured), the shades are already trending all over TikTok.