Everything I Packed for My 2-Day L.A. Getaway to Palm Springs

Every time I get out of Los Angeles and head to Palm Springs for the weekend, I always wonder why I don't do it more often. It's only a two-hour drive away, and the desert environment feels so inspiring. Of course, the weekend I happened to stay at Life House Palm Springs, the temperature was pushing 110° in the middle of the day, but I didn't let that deter my stay! I might be getting ahead of myself, but now that I survived the hottest weekend I've ever experienced, I feel like I can pack for any kind of climate.
The hotel thankfully had a pool—the main draw for any Palm Springs stay, TBH—so you could dive right in once the sun became too much. (In my case, it was after about five minutes, but I digress.) Although I only stayed for the weekend, packing multiple outfits per day was necessary because you'll shower and change at least three times in 12 hours. Here, I rounded up my must-haves pieces for a Palm Springs trip that would fit the colorful, retro vibes and help you withstand the heat.
Printed Dresses
This lightweight Dôen dress was a real winner on the trip. It didn't stick to my skin thanks to the breezy silhouette, and the buttons at the front made it versatile as a pool cover-up. The true reason why I loved it, though, was the striking print that I felt really fit in with the Palm Springs scenery and my hotel room.
Lightweight Pieces
A (literally) hot destination like this is where linen and sheer pieces come in and save the day. I wore an Em on Holiday camp shirt, my go-to Solid Striped bikini, and a Cou Cou skirt for a relaxing day at Life House's pool and restaurant, Minerva's. A huge tote was absolutely vital to fit my book, towel, and 10 different types of sunscreens that I brought with me.
I like to opt for a swimsuit that I can wear as a top underneath a button-down. This timeless black one definitely fits the bill.
Shop the matching '90s High-Leg Bikini Bottoms ($50).
Versatile Sandals
Even the parking lot is photogenic when there's a convertible that serves as a cactus planter. Though you might not be doing tons of walking when it's over 100°, I brought sandals that worked with everything, from dresses and skirts to shorts and swimsuits. If you are doing a lot of walking in Palm Springs once the weather cools down, comfortable ones are even more necessary.
Shop more Palm Springs approved pieces:
For even more Palm Springs inspired clothing and accessories, keep shopping below for undeniable musts like sunglasses and sunscreen.
If bold colors aren't really your thing, opt for this chocolate crochet top and matching skirt.

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.
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