Practical Tips from a Poolside Pro
Whether you’re splashing into a cabana party or making a champagne toast under the desert sun, Vegas dayclubs are where summer fantasies get sun-kissed. But if you’re new to the pool party scene (or just want to avoid rookie mistakes), this guide will help you glide through the velvet rope like the confident queen you are.
Here’s exactly what to bring — and what to leave behind — for your most radiant day under the Vegas sun.
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✅ What to Pack: Poolside Essentials
1. A Swimsuit You Can Dance In
Yes, she should be sexy — but she should also stay put. You want to feel like a goddess, not a gladiator wrestling with wardrobe malfunctions. One-pieces with cutouts are great.
Supportive bikinis are also great. Some women with smaller chests can get away with triangle tops, but I can’t, so I always look for a bikini top that has a real band under the cups.
Bonus if your suit can pass for a bodysuit post-pool.
Don’t be afraid to play with bright colors, go for a bold gradient, or a fun pattern — my favorites are: rocking the tropical prints with flamingos or vintage-inspired florals, channeling the feline with cheetah or leopard, and any kind of iridescent or mermaid vibe.
Solid colors such as black or white are nice and classic, especially when paired with gold jewelry.
Adding to this: accessorizing with body chains, head chains, anklets, bracelets, earrings, statement necklaces will all add a certain pizazz, classiness and personality to your outfit.
✨ Pearl of Wisdom: Try to pack / pick out as much of your outfit ahead of time as you can, so when your alarm rings after exactly 90min of sleep following a big night out, you won’t have to think too much about it. This way you’ll be able to show up shining like a star rather than hating yourself for being peer pressured into “one more shot.” Or maybe you’re the one egging your friends on. Either way, the less brainpower you have to use in the morning, the better. So plan ahead, and then chug a protein shake and some extra water before heading out to the dayclub.
BONUS PRO TIP: if you do end up swimming, you may end up with a wet bathing suit that you’d like to change out of. Bring a change of clothes AND a plastic bag to put your wet suit in. And then don’t forget to rinse it as soon as you get back to your hotel and hang it to dry. It will dry within a few hours with our dry Vegas desert climate. Just do *not* pack it, still wet and in a plastic bag into your suitcase — because it will be gross by the time you get home and unpack.
Where to Shop?
- Vitamin A – Sustainable luxe swim made in California with recycled nylon (EcoLux™).
- Mara Hoffman – High-style, ethical manufacturing, and bold designs made to last.
- Reformation – Uses deadstock fabrics and low-waste practices.
- Wolven – Made from recycled plastic bottles, with funky prints and body-positive sizing.
- Girlfriend Collective – Inclusive sizing, compressive fits, made from recycled materials.
2. A Cover-Up with Personality *and* Breathability
Think sheer sarong, oversized button-up, mesh dress, or a flowy kimono. It’s not just protection from the sun — it’s a whole moment when you strut into the pool deck like your life’s a music video.
✨ Pearl of Wisdom: Beyond looks, think about fabric. Natural fibers like linen, cotton voile, and silk let your skin breathe, wick moisture, and won’t cling when you’re a little dewy from dancing.
Why Natural Fibers?
- They breathe better than synthetics (goodbye, swamp butt)
- They’re gentler on sun-kissed skin
- They’re better for the planet and your poolside photos because they tend to look nicer / more expensive
Where to Shop?
- Thrift – always check local thrift stores, especially right before a season starts
- The RealReal or Poshmark – score second-hand designer silk cover-ups on a budget, sold by other people like you and not newly manufactured from raw materials
- Etsy – handmade silk dusters or upcycled pieces if you want something one-of-a-kind; check shipping rates and speed if you need something quickly and always read reviews
- Whimsy + Row – LA-based brand with breezy linen wraps and kimonos
- Christy Dawn – uses deadstock and regeneratively farmed cotton
- Tonlé – zero-waste fashion made in Cambodia using reclaimed materials
- Eileen Fisher Renew – pre-loved linen and silk pieces from their take-back program
- People Tree – UK brand specializing in ethical, Fair Trade certified fabrics like organic cotton
- Free People – dreamy kimonos and gauzy linen tunics with boho flair
- Revolve – chic, flirty pieces that turn heads (and work as dinner dresses post-pool)
- H&M or Zara – affordable linen blends and pareos with fashion-week vibes; note: these are not made to last, will often fall apart after one season
- Amazon – also fast fashion but dang, it ships fast and returns are easy if something doesn’t fit; it’s the next best thing to try-before-you-buy
- Shein, Temu etc – not recommended as they are cheaply made / not sustainably made, but sure you can get some cool pieces and they are inexpensive; weigh this with the possibility of not being able to return something if it looks worse in person than it did on the site or doesn’t fit correctly
My Favorite Cover Up
I love this style of women’s long flowy lace kimono open beach cover-up. I purchased it in several different variations and colors over the years including black, white, and purple. It is fragile and I’ve had to re-sew some parts such as the seam under the arm after washing. I always wash gentle cycle when I do need to wash but hand-wash would probably be best.
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✨ Pro Tip: A white linen button-down shirt (borrowed-from-the-boys style) can go from brunch to cabana — tied at the waist, or worn open for an easy breezy vibe.
3. Chic, Comfy Footwear
Pool decks = slippery. Dance floors = unpredictable. Skip the stilettos. Go for platform sandals with grip, or flat sandals with some sparkle. Comfort is queen, and no one wants a twisted ankle before 2 p.m.
- TIDAL New York – recyclable flip-flops made with solar power in the USA
- Nomadic State of Mind – upcycled rope sandals with handmade charm
- Third Oak – sandals made from 45% soy and 100% recyclable
- Nisolo – leather sandals made ethically with living wages and carbon offsetting
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4. Head & Hair Protection
Statement Sunglasses. This is your shade and your shield. Go bold — the bigger, the better. Not only do oversized sunglasses protect your eyes, but they also add instant glam. Plus, they’re the ultimate poker face when people-watching.
- Pela Vision – fully compostable frames made from plant-based materials
- Karün – made from recycled ocean plastics, carbon-neutral shipping
- Proof Eyewear – sustainable wood and biodegradable acetate frames
- Zeal Optics – polarized lenses, plant-based frames, and stylish AF
Hat, Hair Scarf, or Turban. Whether it’s a wide-brimmed hat, bucket hat, or a retro silk scarf tied pirate-style — protect that crown. Vegas heat can fry your scalp and fade your color faster than a tequila sunrise disappears. Bonus: It pulls your look together like a pro stylist waved their wand.
- Gigi Pip – offers responsibly made hats with high-quality wool and straw
- Lack of Color – stylish straw options, many made from natural fibers
- Etsy (Search: handmade linen turban / silk hair scarf) – tons of options supporting indie makers
- Sézane – French brand known for eco-conscious materials and timeless pieces
✨ Pro Tip: If you do dip in the water, especially if you get your hair wet, be sure to rinse off if there is a shower available in the restroom. Chlorine can destroy your bright swimsuit, fade your hair color, and dry out your skin. Reapply any sunscreen afterward, especially if there are still hours to go in the day.
5. Refillable Water Bottle (Empty)
Hydration = survival. Bring an empty reusable water bottle — some venues allow you to fill it up inside. (Double-check the dayclub rules first.) If not, sip that $12 water like it’s Dom Pérignon and hydrate between every cocktail.
When it comes to my water bottle, I prefer it on a chain like the one below. That way I’m always reminded to drink it, I never leave it behind even when going on a mission, I will never confuse it for someone else’s, and no one else will have access to it, either — safety!
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6. Mineral Sunscreen (Not Chemical)
Vegas sun does not play. Mineral (aka physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide create a literal shield on your skin — blocking rays from the moment you apply. No wait time, no hormone-disrupting ingredients, and safer for sensitive skin. Choose a tinted version if you want that golden glow without foundation.
- Juice Beauty – Mineral sunscreens with plant-based antioxidants.
- Kinfield – Clean formulas in aluminum tubes, reef-safe, and cute branding.
- Biossance Squalane + Zinc – Mineral protection with skincare perks.
- Raw Elements – Plastic-free tins, zero-waste, and gentle for sensitive skin.
- Badger Balm – Family-owned, fully organic, and packaged in recyclable tins.
Also pack: Lip Balm with SPF. Nothing kills a poolside pout like sunburned lips. Keep one with SPF 30 or higher in your bag and reapply between sips and selfies.
- All Good – SPF 15 & 30 lip balms, reef-safe, and made with organic ingredients
- Ethique – solid lip balms in compostable packaging
- Hurraw! – vegan, raw, and sun-protective with minimal impact packaging
7. Put It All in a Pouch
Waterproof Phone Pouch. Protect your tech with a cute waterproof pouch or floaty case so you can snap that slow-mo hair flip without panic.
[Optional] Spare Battery, Phone Cables.
[Optional] Medium-Sized Beach Bag, ideally with shoulder straps to make it more comfortable to tote around the casino before/after. Try not to bring anything super oversized, keeping in mind that security will need to thoroughly search everything, and that you will be navigating around lots of people all day.
8. A Promoter’s Phone Number
Free cabana, ladies? Find a promoter on the streets of Las Vegas and become text-friends. They will be happy to hook up you and your crew for certain day clubs, especially in off-hours (i.e. arrive early!) or off-peak season.
❌ What Not to Pack: Save Yourself the Hassle
- Food of any kind — even granola bars.
Security will confiscate it. They don’t play. Not even a 100 Calorie Pack of Goldfish. - Advil, Tylenol, or any non-prescription meds.
Yep — even if it’s just “in case.” You can’t bring them in, and you will have to toss the entire bottle. Take your preventative ibuprofen ahead of time. Pack a script version, or leave it at the house / hotel. - Glass containers, perfume bottles, sharp objects.
Most venues restrict breakable items and anything sharp. Travel-size perfume is your friend. - Selfie sticks or “professional” camera gear.
Want to get kicked out? Bring a tripod or selfie stick. Using your phone camera with your friends is fine as long as you are doing it consensually — always ask before filming others.
Empowering Extras (Optional But Fabulous)
- Face mist with aloe or rosewater to freshen up mid-sweat
- Small foldable fan — literal and figurative cool points
- A genuine smile — it’s cliché but true: the most magnetic thing at any party is someone who’s having fun
Final Pearls of Wisdom
You don’t need to be the skinniest, sparkliest, or most expensive-looking girl at the party. You just need to be hydrated, protected, and fully yourself.
Wear what feels playful but powerful. Pack smart, dance freely, and leave anything (and anyone) behind that doesn’t make you feel like your most radiant self.
See you poolside, darling
xx, Pearl