April 14, 2016

Coachella Packing List

The first weekend of Coachella is kicking off tomorrow in Palm Springs, well technically Indio! 200,000 people will be descending on this mid-century desert city. I know some of you are heading out today or driving from LA, or the other half will be leaving next week. I wanted to help you out with packing for this awesome music festival. I’ve come up with a quick Coachella packing list to use a guideline for this festival and just packing for the desert in general. Before you partake in riding the festival’s iconic Ferris wheel or dancing underneath the clear desert sky with stars, take a minute to pack your bag right.

We just returned from Palm Springs earlier this week, went down to scout a wedding venue for next year. I can happily say we were successful! Packing for the desert seems harder than packing for a European trip. I want to pack as many cute desert outfits as possible and also remember the cold desert nights. Even though Coachella is a long weekend (twice!), it will be packed with all kinds of activities, which means multiple outfit changes and a few dress codes to adhere to. You don’t want to be dragging around a suitcase stuffed with more clothing and accessories than you will wear between late Friday and early Monday.

Palm Springs offers a rich backdrop. Full of vibrant colors, mid-century hotel lobbies, vintage cars, drinks with umbrellas and maraschino cherries (I’m looking at your Ace Hotel with your killer Pina Colada!) and leisurely desert drives under blue skies and mountains. It also has an all-over-the-place climate that’s boiling hot in the day and freezing cold at night during the Spring. Having outfits that look good can make you feel good. You will want to bring pieces that will work for on-set business, lounging or exploring. So how would you prepare for so many adventures and Snapchats?

Try to pack just one bag, full of a few cool outfits and a handful of pieces that could make the transitions from the airport/car to photoshoots to poolside. You’re going to want to look fancy at least once. Bring a standout piece that you can wear to dinner or drinks at night.

When packing, do keep in mind Indio’s harsh rays and protect yourself against the area’s winds with a portable hydrating mist. Your skin will thank you! Pack sunscreen and a hat to shield your face. Sunburns are not sexy, trust me. Bring a versatile bag you can wear crossbody during the day and night and don’t forget that jacket! At night the desert becomes chilly and lace crop tops will not keep you warm.

Whether you’re headed to Coachella or simply sporting a floral crown from afar, embrace your inner hippie goddess with these 8 festival-ready must-haves.