What to Pack for 1960s Palm Springs

For Women

Daywear (Poolside & Resort Glam):

  • Bold printed caftans or Pucci-inspired cover-ups

  • High-waisted bikini or structured one-piece (with a cinched belt or ruching)

  • Cat-eye sunglasses or oversized round frames

  • Wicker handbag or lucite clutch

  • Wide-brim straw hat or bouffant-ready scarf

  • Slide sandals or kitten-heel mules

  • Bangles and oversized hoop earrings

Eveningwear (Cocktail & Supper Club Chic):

  • Shift dress or A-line mini in pastel or metallic brocade

  • Sleeveless column gown with mod embellishments

  • Opera coat or cropped faux fur jacket

  • Pointed-toe pumps or slingbacks

  • Dramatic eyeliner, nude lips, and a beehive or flip hairstyle

Lounging & Travel:

  • Matching printed loungewear set or palazzo pants with a halter top

  • Short robe with feather or fringe trim

  • Silk pajama set with piping details

  • Martini glass in hand

Accessories & Essentials

  • Instant camera or film SLR

  • Travel bar kit or vintage cocktail shaker

  • Vinyl records or portable radio (Dean Martin, Nancy Sinatra, Herb Alpert)

  • Monogrammed towels or pool float in fun shapes

  • Sun-tan lotion (banana-scented if you’re staying true to era)

  • Mid-century style luggage or hat box

  • Books by Joan Didion or Truman Capote

For Men

Daywear (Desert Cool + Poolside Swagger):

  • Short-sleeve button-ups in tropical or geometric prints

  • Slim chinos or crisp tailored shorts

  • Terry cloth polo or knit camp collar shirt

  • Classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers or aviators

  • Leather sandals or loafers with no socks

  • Fedora or Panama hat

  • Cigarette case or flask (Rat Pack essentials)

Eveningwear (Mad Men in the Desert):

  • Slim-cut suit in pale or pastel tones (beige, light blue, tan)

  • White dinner jacket or shawl collar tuxedo (Sinatra-style)

  • Skinny tie or ascot

  • Patent leather dress shoes

  • Slicked-back hair with a side part and a splash of cologne (Old Spice or Brut)

Lounge Looks:

  • Robe or smoking jacket over matching pajama set

  • Slippers and a cocktail

  • Vintage deck of cards or copy of Esquire

1960s Palm Springs was the ultimate desert escape for Hollywood’s elite—a glamorous mix of mid-century modern elegance, Mod fashion, poolside cocktails and a touch of Rat Pack swagger. Whether you're channeling Slim Aarons-style resort living or vintage Mad Men cool, this packing list captures the stylish essence of the era.