From my home base in Los Angeles, I’ve been making the soul-cleansing pilgrimage to Palm Springs and its environs multiple times a year for 25 years. Over time, I’ve seen it change in many ways with new restaurants, hotels, shops, and an ever-evolving cachet. But, it’s always remained true to the essence that made me (and so many other devotees) fall in love with it decades ago. There’s the midcentury vintage flair, healing desert air, convivial dining scene, exuberant colors, and whimsical prints — not to mention the poolside culture.  

Whether I visit with my husband, kids, or group of girlfriends, or am just taking a solo trip for work, I always try to pack a bag that reflects the joie de vivre the desert brings out in me while accounting for practical considerations (like intense sun and heat). Getting ready for your own fabulous desert trip? These are my favorite style finds to round out a Palm Springs packing list, including sunglasses, bathing suits, stunning kaftans, swim cover-ups, and more starting at $13.

Everlane The Must-have Shirt in Linen

Linen is a great asset in the sun and heat thanks to its breathable and moisture-wicking feel. I love this linen shirt for a Palm Springs trip because it’s equally great in the summer heat (worn open over a swimsuit with cutoffs, for instance) as it is for the cooler months when long sleeves help keep away the chill at alfresco dinners. 

Vionic Ankle-strapped Heeled Sandals

The midcentury influence is strong in Palm Springs, and I love dressing with a nod to the city’s ’50s and ’60s heyday when Hollywood stars were coming in hot and the architecture was breaking boundaries. These vintage-inspired heeled sandals nod to that nostalgia while being super versatile and wearable. Memory foam padding makes them comfy for strolling around Palm Canyon Drive, and the rubber sole is practical for traction and stability. 

Furtalk UPF 80 Sun Hat

With the intense sun the desert is known for, a hat is a sound and stylish choice. Foldable and packable, this wide-brim hat comes with an adjustable chin strap, so it stays secure on your head even on windy days. This one comes in eight colorways and two sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for all your getaway looks.

Quince Organic Cotton Maxi Dress

When it gets really hot in Palm Springs — it gets well into the triple digits mid-summer — the name of the game is ultra-lightweight and breezy clothing with no oppressive hardware or tailoring. This 100 percent organic cotton gauze maxi dress fits the bill, with lightweight construction and a simple, drapey silhouette. Adjustable straps and functional pockets seal the deal.

Anrabess Crochet Cover-up

Despite its budget-friendly price, this crochet cover-up is so chic. It’s also easy to wear, machine washable and it comes in a whopping 29 colorways. Bonus? It provides enough coverage that you can easily wear it over shorts and a bathing suit top on grocery store runs for daiquiri ingredients.  

La Blanca Shirred-side One-piece Swimsuit

I’ve been known to wildly overpack swimsuits. Two per day should do it, right? I just like to have the right style on hand for every mood. But picking up one (or two) of these super-versatile suits is a much more efficient packing plan. The shirred one-piece in a timeless spaghetti strap silhouette goes with everything and will never go out of style. It comes in a wide variety of 35 solid colors.

Sojos Retro Sunglasses

Oversized sunnies are a must for Palm Springs — both for eye protection in the blazing sun, and also for retro-tinged style. I love the rich caramel brown shade of this statement-making (yet timeless) pair. Thin and light, the lenses are made with an anti-glare finish so you can read your romance novel (or whatever floats your boat) by the pool in clarity and comfort.

Kkxiu Convertible Crossbody Clutch

I love packing a convertible bag when traveling. This genius vegan leather version comes in Palm Springs-festive gold and four other colors with a removable crossbody strap. The envelope-style bag has a cool gold chain you can loop around your wrist (to keep your hands free for a martini, say).

Havaianas Square-toe Diamond Flip-flop

When I’m in Palm Springs, I fully embrace the area’s more-is-more aesthetic. Flip-flops are a poolside essential, of course, but why not zhush up the look with some extra sparkle? A chunky gem bedecks the straps of these slim sandals, which come in black or white.

Quince Featherweight Cashmere Wrap

It can occasionally get breezy and a bit chilly in the evenings — even after a warm, sunny day. I always come prepared with an extra layer that covers my shoulders without overpowering my look. This cashmere wrap is as light and compact as can be, so it packs easily in a suitcase or purse. 

Bsubseach Kaftan

This kaftan is the signature Palm Springs look. It’s as much a lifestyle as a style statement and wardrobe staple. This one comes in 23 lively prints, including my favorite animal prints, in an easy-to-wear, one-size-fits-all silhouette. The decorative V-neck detailing adds some shape to the otherwise free-flowing form.

Zesica Strapless Ruched Dress

On some desert trips, I might stay in my swimsuit and cover-up most of the time. But other times, I head to Palm Springs for a special occasion like a wedding or a work event, which requires packing festive attire. For me, that means something airy, colorful, and flirty, with more than a whiff of nostalgia, like this high-low strapless dress with three-dimensional ruched detailing from One33 Social or this bodycon shired cocktail dress from Amazon-loved brand Zesica.

Anthropologie Rainbow Stone Necklace

Statement accessories are so Palm Springs. The bigger, bolder, and more colorful, the better. I love how this version employs a mix of glass and semi-precious beads for an overall cheery rainbow effect. It’s so perfect for the sunny climes of the famously LGBTQIA+-friendly destination.

Kate Spade Espresso Martini Stud Earrings

When I’m driving out to the desert, I almost always try to go to Kate Spade’s store at the outlet mall in nearby Cabazon. A shopper’s nirvana, I’ve gathered many of the brand’s statement jewelry pieces over the years. They impart the kind of whimsy that perfectly matches the Palm Springs style. These earrings pay homage to the iconic martini — but with an on-trend espresso twist.

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