The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Wear in Las Vegas

I'm going to Las Vegas in August and I was wondering if you can give me some outfit ideas for walking the Strip during the day and then some ideas for outfits when I go out at night, especially for clubs or dinner. I definitely want all these outfits to be on a budget because I am a college student working part time. —Sara

I've never been to Las Vegas but I've learned a lot from friends and readers about what to wear when you're in Sin City. Rule one: It's really really hot, like heat exhaustion hot, so drink plenty of water, don't go overboard with the alcohol and wear plenty of sunscreen. Rule number two: Just because you're in Vegas doesn't mean you have to dress like a showgirl. Just pick cute outfits that you'd normally wear in your hometown, and maybe turn it up a notch for fun (I can't help it, I love to dress a little differently when I travel to suit the scenery).

With that in mind, here are a couple totally affordable outfit ideas to help you travel in style on your Las Vegas vacay (click on any item for shopping details):

What to Wear: On the Plane
A jersey maxi dress paired with flat metallic sandals is a comfortable option for the plane that makes a great day-to-night outfit, too. Wear it while shopping, then add glam jewelry for dinner and a show.


What to Wear: On the Strip
You can't go wrong with denim shorts and a graphic tee for shopping and sightseeing. A straw hat shades you from the sun, flat sandals keep you comfy and a leather-look belt bag keeps hands free (which keeps you cooler, too, forget the big bulky bag at home.)


What to Wear: By the Pool
Relax by the pool with a cool swimsuit and other essentials like sunscreen, shades, a floppy hat and flip-flops. Toss all your gear in a stylish straw tote. The ruffle-detail bikini shown here is from Aldo and costs just $25 for the set.


What to Wear: In the Club
I've been loving the colorblock trend this season, so I put together this simple yet fun look that combines a bright pink dress with an equally bold blue purse. Neutral wedges ground the look and keep feet happy (although you'll probably want to stash some foldable flats in your bag, just in case).



For more ideas on what to wear in Las Vegas, check out this post - and be sure to read the comments, loads of great advice!

xoBB

Comments
The casinos are all air conditioned. If you're planning on a show or a fancy resturant be sure to take a sweater with you as it can be chilly.

If you get to playing the games you'll appreciate a small cross-body bag so you don't have to worry about where your purse is.
#1 GingerR on 2011-07-11 17:59 (Reply)
Good style advice. A lot of the women visiting Las Vegas honestly look like prostitutes. Please, dont fall into that trap and class it up! You will attract better male attention than they will.
#2 Traci on 2011-07-11 18:03 (Reply)
We got back from a trip to Vegas on Friday so let me tell you that it is hot, hot, hot on the strip. But cold inside every casino, shop, and restaurant. Sometimes you even walk past blowers on the street, so watch out for that hat.

I totally second the recommendation of a cross-body bag at all times.

And remember that you will see every level of personal hygiene and fashion when you are there. If you care at all about fashion, it will probably repulse you how many people walk up and down the strip wearing just a swimsuit and cover up.

Wear comfortable shoes. Always.
#3 Brianne on 2011-07-11 18:29 (Reply)
As someone who's been to Las Vegas more than she can count, I agree with what you said. Don't dress like a prostitute, and keep your class. Wear something you won't mind ending up on facebook or in front of your mom and dad. Short dresses are great for clubbing, but always keep things in moderation. That goes for skin exposure and drinking. You're going to be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes. For clubbing, go with wedges, no pumps! Cross-body bags are great for daytime and wristlets are great for night time.

As for the heat, it's not that bad in August. It actually cools down by then. But then again, this is coming from someone who lives in the area, so heat doesn't bother me. If it does bother you, all casinos are air conditioned.
#4 Jo-Anne on 2011-07-12 05:19 (Reply)
COMFY SHOES!!

You will do so much more walking than you think you will! I thought I brought comfy shoes and I still got blisters on my feet!
#5 Terrie (Homepage) on 2011-07-12 09:10 (Reply)
I have been living in Las Vegas for many years now. And I can tell you that the weather from June to September will be 100 degrees or higher each day. And still around 100 at night as well. Sunscreen is essential as well as a hat and water.
You may want to save your walks on the strip until night. Some of the casinos are connected to each other and air conditioned to make things easier to get around. My uniform for summer -Sundresses, breezy maxi's, and comfy sandals. Have a awesome trip!
#6 Bubs on 2011-07-12 10:17 (Reply)
I concur with BB's post and all of the comments. I just got back from my first Vegas trip last week. The daytime heat can be nausea inducing, so really do balance out your alcohol intake with water.

In the daytime I wore rompers and short halter neck sundresses. I did wear a maxi dress one day, but felt like the heat from the sidewalk got trapped under there while I was walking. With all the walking your feet (and legs) are going to hurt anyway, no matter how comfy the shoe, just be prepared or take the Deuce. Sunscreen is a MUST during the day, I recommend Hawaiian Tropics Shimmer Effect with a high SPF.

But I enjoyed my trip, you'll have a great time!
#7 The Dazzling Diva (Homepage) on 2011-07-12 10:57 (Reply)
Comfy shoes are a MUST. You will likely walk a lot, I wore some newish shoes out one night. Ended up going barefoot (SO gross) for a chunk of the night. But it was impossible to walk in the shoes for that distance with blisters. And if your feet sweat much definitely take some foot powder &/or plan on changing your shoes mid-day so they can dry out.
#8 Guest on 2011-07-12 11:58 (Reply)
The first outfit you posted is exactly what I wear when I am travelling! Great minds think alike :-)
#9 Jo from Canada (Homepage) on 2011-07-13 17:50 (Reply)
What to wear on the strip: Definitely not that outfit. Or, at least not the bag. I'm from Vegas, and there's nothing we hate more than toursists, especially ones that are that easy to spot. If you're on the strip, wear what you would normally wear if you were walking around your own town.
#10 nobody on 2011-08-02 08:15 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.