Vegas.
It screams sparkles, stilettos, and body-con dresses.
But I’m not really a sparkles, stilettos, or body-con dress kind of girl.
So what to do?
Rather than feeling the need to invest in a ton of fancy clothes, I took it as a challenge to do Vegas in an Unfancy way — to bring my style to Vegas, instead of the other way around.
I packed mix and matchable basics that I wear in my everyday life, in a simple color palette of black and white.
Keep scrolling to see my plane outfit, my sightseeing outfit, my night out outfit, and my poolside outfit.
Plane Outfit
Creating a good plane outfit is an art form, you guys. This outfit has to pull it’s weight, so all the elements — comfort, functionality, and style — need to combine in just the right way.
For this trip, I wore my black skinny jeans (similar), a comfortable tee, and a pair of cool sneakers on the plane. I also brought along my faux leather jacket (similar) for the inevitable plane chill.
I always carry this tote when I travel. It makes a great regular purse, but it really shines as a travel bag — makes sense, because it’s technically a camera bag. It zips completely closed, has compartments to keep everything organized, and can fit just about anything inside — jackets, warm socks, a computer, or even suitcase overflow.
That does mean it gets heavy, but it’s a trade off I’m willing to make.
Daytime Sightseeing Outfit
I wore my black skinny jeans (similar), a loose silk camisole (with this no-show bra underneath), and a pair of cute yet comfortable sandals (similar). I also carried my lightweight little purse (similar).
Now, these sandals are actually quite comfortable for lots of walking. First of all, they’re completely broken in to my foot, but that low heel and those secure straps also make all the difference.
Comfy walking shoes are always important, but they’re especially vital in Vegas, where a simple walk from your hotel room to the lobby might be 1.5 miles. Moment of silence for those blisters from trips past.
And even still, I always stash a pair of plain ol’ flip flops in my bag just in case my feet need a switch up — it’s a tight fit, but they can somehow fit into that little bag.
Night Out
On Saturday night, we went to see a Cirque du Soleil show. Insert squeals here, because it was AMAZING. I wore a timeless pair of heels (similar) with this one shoulder dress and brought my faux leather jacket (similar), just in case the theatre was chilly.
Worth noting: I also wore Kat Von D eyeliner. This stuff only comes out on special occasions, because it’s so intense, but it makes a killer wing and it stays put like nothing else.
Back to this dress. Want to know my favorite thing about it? (I mean, besides the pockets, the fabric that doesn’t show wrinkles, and the fact that I don’t even have to wear a bra with it?)
It’s not body-con.
You can breathe a sigh of relief. No tugging. No holding it in. No nothing.
It’s loose as a bag, but since it’s short (I had mine hemmed one inch), it’s still plenty sexy.
I’ve worn this outfit for just about every fancy event this year. And you know what? It works. So why mess with a good thing?
Pool Outfit
On Sunday morning, we spent a relaxing few hours out at the pool. I wore my plain ol’ flip flops with this swimsuit top and bottom, my cutoff shorts (similar), sunnies and a black drapey tank (similar) tied at the waist.
When it came time to head to the airport later that afternoon, I swapped the swimsuit for regular underthings, traded the shorts for a pair of yoga leggings, and was happily on my way.
• • •
So how about you? Do you ever feel the need to buy new clothes to “match” your destination? What do you usually do when you feel that way?
xo,
How fun that you got to go to Vegas! I’m definitely not a body-con or glitter type of girl either! Seeing this outfits were super helpful, since I love your style. I love seeing your bts IG stories. It’s always fun to see how other bloggers take their pics :)
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
I never get there in time to read them. :/ Kinda sad.
I won’t be travelling any time soon, but when I FINALLY get to I’ll remember that being myself is better when travelling, too!
I love this so much! My style doesn’t scream “Vegas” either and I’m so glad that we can make other styles work here, too.
http://www.madsmuses.com
Thanks so much for sharing all the outfits you wore in Vegas, Caroline! I love how didn’t compromise your personal style to “fit” in Vegas. This can definitely apply to personality too! ;)
Hi! I love your MBMJ bag and was considering getting one myself for both day and going out (including an upcoming Vegas trip). How does it work as a “night-out” bag? Does it feel too big/bulky? Thanks, love your blog/instagram/style!
Hi B! It works like a charm! I think there are several sizes of that particular bag, but I got the smallest one — the “mini” I believe. I like having enough room to bring a few things (like an extra pair of flip flops if needed), but it’s small enough to not be in the way. I also like having the long strap so that I can go hands free (instead of having to keep up with a clutch). I think you’d love it. xo, Caroline
Loved seeing the outfits you wore! They definitely have that cool edge, but seem perfectly your style!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
Perfect timing! I’m heading off to NYC in a few days and feeling the pressure that I don’t have “cool” enough pieces. I think what I have will work just fine, and I have to keep reminding myself that I don’t have to match my destination – I can bring my own style :)
Super curious how that dress fits. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, but it’s final sale which makes me hesitate the online size gamble! Do you mind disclosing what your typical size in Madewell (or the Jcrew tank) and the size of your dress? That would be so awesome!
Hi Kelly! I got a 00 which is my usual size in Madewell dresses. It fits great. It’s straight and loose — doesn’t cling or define the waist in any way, but I love that about it. My JCrew cami is also a 00. Hope that helps! :) xo, Caroline
Love your style and seeing your behind the scenes yesterday on Instagram :) I am the exact same way when it comes to packing!
Those are the outfits I would look for if I had a trip to a place like Vegas – the dress is lovely, I’m thinking that I could wear it for several different occasions :)
Thank you for these beautiful inspirations and for keeping true to your style!
xo
http://www.simpleness.com.br
Your style was perfect for LV and I’ll bet you looked fancier and more stylish than 98% of the others around you.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
I love that faux leather jacket!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
Hi,
so helpful! I always pack way more than I need for a weekend trip and end up lugging a huge bag around unnecessarily. Ugh! Much smarter to use a color palette.
I know you did a post a LONG time ago about special-occasion outfits. Do you still have those dresses too? Have you adapted that section of your wardrobe at all? Just curious :)
Hi Anna! I was just thinking that I need to do an update on that post! Sadly, two of those dresses (the striped one and the fringe one) are now too small for me. :( So this black, one-shoulder dress was my attempt at getting a dress that could work for just about any occasion. Right now my special occasion wardrobe consists of that dress and the lace fit-and-flare dress from that old post — and so far they are covering every occasion perfectly! :) xo, Caroline
Lovely outfits! I love the colours!
x Annabelle
travelsandtea.com
hi Caroline! love the more often outfit posts – definitely helps seeing all the ways that you style everything! i would love if you would do a post about your BRYR clogs! from what you’ve posted, i love the look of them, but I’m wary spending $200+ on shoes that i don’t know how comfy they are or how many ways to style them.
thanks!
Hey Carly! Clogs typically have a slight break in period, but I think you’d be happy with the comfort level. For something with a heel, they are very walkable. I also think if you get them in a neutral, you’ll find they go with just about anything! :) xo, Caroline
Love this. It’s seems like common sense, but a lot of people just don’t get it!
I travel for work (literally my job is to travel- I’m a flight attendant) and every new layover is a chance to challenge myself. I always find a way to make my personal style work for that location. It would be impossible to keep buying new items for each trip!
Love the idea of “bringing my style to vegas”. Sometimes, you just gotta bring it. I like to apply that attitude to what I wear in the office, too :) Luckily my office allows denim!
How great that you kept true to your style. It can be tricky in more fancier or formal situations!
I have a similar faux leather jacket – so useful.
LOVE this post! I am totally not a “skin tight dress” kinda girl, and Vegas always throws me off because I feel like I dress totally different there haha. Great collection of outfits here babe <3
http://www.skinnybelle.com
Just love this outfits! <3
So simple, but so chic! And confortable! This is totaly my way to go in a trip like vegas too!
I often feel like I don’t have the exact right clothes for a certain destination, event or even social group. I’m sensitive to social pressure ;). I used to try and make the best of my existing wardrobe and occasionally buy additions to fit in with what I thought I should look like… Only to have so many hardly worn solo items in my wardrobe. Now when I feel like I don’t have the perfect items for something, I remind myself that I’m good enough the way I am and that frankly, no one (of any importance to me) will care one bit if I wear blocked heels where stilettos would be more appropriate (or any such foolish notion) :).
Love your vegas outfits! I have definitely felt the pressure to dress to the location. The first time I went to Vegas I bought a sequin bodycon mini-dress. The dress scratched my arms all night, I don’t understand how people actually wear sequins. I’m actually still trying to sell that dress, because it is obviously an odd thing to donate.
It’s interesting to hear other opinions on what is “comfortable”. Like for me, I would much rather wear a body-con dress than a strapless bra, if I were choosing between the two. I recently went to Vegas and wore a midi length bodycon dress to a club/lounge. For me, I could wear a regular bra and it was long enough that I didn’t have to pull on it every time I sat down or stood up.
It’s so true that just getting from your room to the lobby in Vegas can be a hike! I’ve almost stopped bringing really high heels on vacation. If I have brought another option I always end up not wearing them.
Arg, we were in Vegas at the same time and I wish I had gotten to read this first. Vegas packing was so hard for me because I am not stilettos and sequins either, but I still wanted to feel dressed for fun. All your outfits look great, inspiration for next time.
Goodness no, you don’t need sparkles or stilettos in Vegas…. Crazy that people have that impression of a city that is (on the strip anyway) mostly tourists. People there dress like….tourists, which means, whatever they want. Perhaps too much Hollywood. Vegas is far from my favorite city – perhaps my least favorite if I’m being honest, but I spent over a month living/working on the strip producing a major event there, and it never crossed my mind to have to dress like that.
Oops, that posted before I was done writing. Was about to say I love your selections and I’m sure you were one of the most well-dressed people in town! I remember there being people of all stripes all over – just be yourself, no matter where you are!
Hi Caroline,
Your blog is amazing and I’ve been following it now for a couple of years.
In Sept 2019 my husband and I will visit the US. We will travel to San Fran, Vegas and Arizona over the course of 2.5 – 3 weeks.
So as you can imagine I need quite a versatile travel wardrobe – flying from Europe, city, nature and road tripping! Which of your travel guides will be most helpful to me as I would love to travel light?
Thank you for any tips!
I can’t believe I just found your blog!
Love all the no-nonsense but also aesthetically pleasing outfits you put together <3 Did you end up needing your jacket for the cirque du solei show? I'm currently trying to put together a capsule wardrobe for a 5 day trip and hoping to do carryon only.
xoxo,
A fellow not really a sparkles, stilettos, or body-con dress kind of girl.