A full recap of my Las Vegas travel wardrobe
Welcome to all of my new subscribers! Pull up a chair and make yourselves at home.
Over the years, I’ve found it very helpful to write a review of my travel wardrobe soon after arriving home, while it’s still fresh in my mind. I’ve often referred back to these recaps when packing for the next trip to a similar destination or climate.
duster | necklace | top | pants | shoes (similar)
A travel wardrobe for a Las Vegas road trip
When I originally began planning this travel wardrobe, I’d assumed “normal” weather in Las Vegas for this time of year: sunny, and hot (temperatures in the mid-to-high 90’sF). I had to do a quick pivot after checking the forecast a couple of days before we left, as it showed a dip in temperatures. Here’s what I ultimately packed.
By the time we arrived, the forecasted temperatures had dropped by another several degrees. It was cloudy, chilly, and windy for a good part of our stay. Between the weather outside and the air-conditioning blasting inside, I was mostly cold all weekend.
Most of our venues were casual to smart casual. I decided to just bring one bag that could go from day to dinner. I figured (rightly so) that I wouldn’t want to be bothered switching bags. Some women were a bit more dressed up, though I wondered how they weren’t freezing in the skimpy dresses. 🥶
I’m REALLY glad I added more jackets. I did wear almost all of the pieces at least once (though did not get photos of all the combinations).
MVP’s
The denim jacket (similar) and off-white barrel leg jeans. I wore some version of this combo (varying the tops) just about every day. I could pop the collar on the jacket to keep the drafts off my neck, and the jeans lightened up the look.
Pinch hitter
The sequin duster, of course. 😉 I wore it for our tour at The Neon Museum (and received lots of compliments from the staff there). It was also one of the warmer pieces I packed, so I wore it one night when we played some casino games. (I’m not much of a gambler, but can amuse myself at the quarter poker machines.)
Benched
The kimono (similar) and linen blend pants. They just weren’t warm enough for the freakishly cool weather. And we never made it to the pool, so didn’t use the swimsuit.
Wish I’d brought…
A couple of smaller scarves. Not only to keep my neck warm, but to add some color and pattern to outfits.
Texturizing hair spray. The dry air makes my hair go completely limp and flat (cue the sad trombone). A little spray would have added some volume and lift.
All in all, I’d give this wardrobe a 7/10.
What it’s like to visit Las Vegas now…
Several people have asked me about masks and other Covid restrictions. During our visit, there were signs everywhere saying that “per CDC guidelines,” masks were NOT required for fully-vaccinated people. Probably 1/3 to 1/2 of the people we saw were wearing masks in the hotels, casinos, and shopping malls. A small number of casino tables still had plexiglass barriers up, but most were without them. Almost all employees and staff were still masked.
Individual stores still had mask requirements. They were also still operating on very reduced hours, and limiting occupancy. Some requested that you use hand sanitizer upon entry.
I think staffing is still an issue for many restaurants. We were glad we’d made dinner reservations in advance, as most places were not accepting walk-ins. Many were operating on a reduced schedule, and no buffets were open. The room service menu was quite pared down too.
Everything in the hotel room that couldn’t be laundered or disinfected had been removed. So no pens, notepads, magazines, or even mini-bar items. Towels and small shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion. That was it.
One person who lives there told us that the city’s goal is to have everything fully “back to normal” by June 1. So some of this may change in the next few days.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
As someone who over packs, I always carry some sort of warm cardigan, sweater or sweatshirt. For the most part I’ve never regretted it. On a trip to Savannah, Georgia the projected weather was warm and sunny. As we were driving the forecast changed. The first part of the trip was cold and rainy. I’ve never appreciate a raincoat, umbrella and warm cardigan more.
Hi Susan
Such good advice. I love your travel posts. Your tips are always so helpful!
I hate being cold so top of my list would be a cardigan to take. Even hotel rooms and especially if you are with someone in the same room, you can be cold. You can wear the same jeans and tee shirts but a jacket is more recognizable so I’ll pack more third layer pieces than basics. I thought your original choices were good but you just can’t anticipate some things. Love spending a virtual vacation with you. Let’s do it again soon.
This is great advice, so helpful. I love seeing what you really wore. I traveled recently for a short trip that involved being indoors and had forgotten how cold the A/C often is in restaurants and offices. A year of work from home did that. Next time, sweaters and a warmer jacket or blazer. Your comments on the lack of workers is interesting and consistent with our experience. With so many of us longing to travel, I hope the workers will be back soon.
The style blogs, LIKE YOURS!, which post outfits are so helpful to me and your blog is my favorite. I love seeing what you packed and your outfits posted + the follow-up . Did you wear the NeroGiardini sneakers? I just made that purchase and look forward to wearing them.
Hi Holly, thanks! Yes I did wear them on a couple of days, and did plenty of walking in them without any discomfort!
My husband and I were also in Las Vegas this weekend for the big boxing match. The drop in temperatures thrilled me since the heat is what I personally dislike about Vegas. When traveling I stick to a color palette (navy ) for this trip and do layers and always taking my leather jacket and golden goose footwear. I find that I am neither to dressy or to casual for anything we attended. We only worn a mask in airport and Uber rides the entire weekend, but that has been the rules this whole year when traveling. Unlike my other trips this year having maid service and being able to go in and out of buildings without putting a mask on was such a freeing feeling! Thank you for your informative blog !
Thank you for including the sizes you buy which I find very helpful since I started FWTFL on your recommendation. I know that I can buy smaller sizes now and am finding it hard to figure out what size I am now. May I ask how tall you are? I am 5 feet tall and now weigh 122 lbs and am still losing weight.
I enjoy the videos with Brian too. Thank you.
Hi Lynn, if that question is for me, I’m 5’1″ and a size 4-6 in most clothing (depending on the brand and cut) and a 27 or 28 in jeans.
That duster is beautiful…but, it seems a little overwhelming. It could be the angle of the photos. As a petite myself, I would wear a longer pant or a higher heel to balance the length.
I thought the exact same thing….the duster seemed to be too big and too long. But again, perhaps it was the angle of the photos.
I agree. The duster is lovely, but seems a bit overwhelming.
Yes I agree, the duster appeared too large and like a robe.
Thank you for the Las Vegas update. I appreciate it. The Neon Museum is one I want to visit.
Hi Susan,
I really enjoyed your trip to Las Vegas vicariously! The recap is very helpful! Would you consider styling the duster with jeans?
Love your post -travel posts. It’s so helpful to see what worked and what didn’t and why. You look great. And I’m with your other readers, even though I run warm I take a sweater every where I go because of the a/c or unforeseen change in weather.
What fun is this?? Travel without the hassle. How about that cute white “jacket” on the right side of the photo. Looks like an easy piece, just enough to keep the chill off. Thank You for the visit to the Neon Museum.
Hi Susan,
Love your blog and have gotten so many great ideas and buys from your site but sorry, this question is totally unrelated to this post but wondering if you would verify that you like the super goop sunscreen and would recommend it? Thank you so much.
Hi Elizabeth, I switched from Supergoop when they discontinued the mineral formula I liked. The new one they have has a lower SPF than I prefer. I’ve been using a few different ones since: Elta MD, Colleen Rothschild, and Skinceuticals.
I’m amused that your MVPs were the denim jacket and off-white jeans, but you didn’t include a single photo of that outfit!
I second the remarks on how helpful these travel packing posts are, by the way. I find I’m much more likely to regret leaving something home (usually a warm but thin sweater) than overpacking, but then we’re usually traveling by car or staying in one place for several days, so less schlepping than if you’re on the one city a day kind of tour. Your collections always make me think of things I wouldn’t think of otherwise.
Hi Pam, I posted that outfit here: Denim jacket, white jeans I didn’t want to bore anyone with too much repetition. 😉
Yeah, probably a good decision! I did like your outfits, especially that red jacket.
Hi Susan! This is the first travel recap I’ve read and I love it. I like that you include what you would bench the next time. Thanks so much!
Must pack for me at any time of year is a plain silk scarf and a very lightweight, cashmere topper (poncho) that can also be styled as a scarf. Esperance (an Australian brand) do some gorgeous colours and the weight is perfect.
I have a couple light cashmere ponchos/wraps that are great for air conditioning or whenever a light topper is required. My sister in law gifted one to me and I am hooked. They look like an oblong scarf but have pearl buttons so it can be converted to a little poncho or shrug. My SIL ties hers around her purse handle ( she has several she co ordinates with her outfits) or folds up and puts in her purse. She took two to Ireland, England and France a few years ago and says they went from cool mornings to air conditioned theatres and were useful on the plane for warmth. These are a lighter weight than most cashmere wraps so don’t look silly with summer clothing.
Susan, I really like the kimono outfit with the sandals so very pretty. Not sure I am sold on the sequin duster and might have considered a different shoe style because of the duster’s length.
Where does one get this cashmere ponco/wrap?
Hi Mary,
My SIL purchases hers from her pro shop at her golf and country club but I have seen similar on Amazon. It’s the buttons that make it so convertible. It’s not as large, heavy or cumbersome as a cashmere wrap that you might use in cold weather.. So great when warmer weather turns cool. Check Lemonwood.ca Peony button poncho. They ship to the US.
You are the best weekend packer so for you to not have everything you need with you, is quite a surprise.
It seems cold everywhere. We are hoping to get warmth and sunshine back this Friday ending about the worst spring ever.
Greetje
I always pack something warmer: i would second the cashmere wrap/shawl. The Garnet Hill catalog has them year round. Since you were driving, there is no reason not to throw a jacket into the trunk, since even in warmer weather, Las Vegas is a desert city and cool nights in the desert are pretty common. My highly dependable, well traveled feather weight down jacket from Athleta goes on nearly every trip I take. It rolls into a little roll the size of a water bottle (just keep stuffing the jacket into a sleeve until it can’t go anymore.)
I don’t know if you actually explored much of the real Las Vegas while you were here because this isn’t a true representation of how it actually is. There are multiple buffets open, a lot of stores have lifted the mask mandates for vaccinated people, and pretty much everywhere I go at least 2/3 of the people aren’t wearing masks. I live in Las Vegas and am out and about on a daily basis for ten hours or more a day.
It was a short visit, and we didn’t go too far afield. Thanks for the update!
Oh Susan — that red jacket! What a keystone piece that would be in a wardrobe! (MY wardrobe, ok? I meant to say “my”!). Lust!