A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It.

A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It.

      As a resident of Los Angeles, I begin planning my next desert getaway at the start of each year. Over time, I've experienced just about every desert adventure that California has to offer—traveling with friends to music festivals in Indio, making day trips to Palm Springs for vintage furniture shopping, and reserving boutique hotel stays in La Quinta with my husband. The desert is truly one of my favorite places. However, figuring out what to wear for it is an entirely different challenge. If you've visited the desert, you understand that the heat can be intense, and if you're attending a music festival, your outfit must be both functional and stylish enough for photos. Enter Michaela Bushkin, the fashion director at Who What Wear and a native of Arizona, who has mastered the art of dressing for the desert. "I love a Western theme," she shares. "Whether I'm in the Southwest, at a festival, or dressing for après-ski, I always embrace a Western aesthetic. I adore cowboy hats, boots, bolero necklaces, and even the stitching on tops or jeans—I love it all." This year, Michaela is opting for new lightweight styles from Levi's®, including items from their Linen+ Denim collection, which is revolutionary for those wanting to keep wearing denim during the heat. The breathable linen and linen-blend pieces help you stay cool and stylish. "When temperatures soar, keep your layers light and airy," Michaela advises. "I also suggest swapping cowboy boots for sandals and styling your hair in a top knot." Below, you can check out the outfits Michaela is working with this season. Take my word for it—they're bound to earn you compliments both in real life and online.

      "I'm from Arizona, so I have a good grasp on how to dress for the desert or any hot, dry climate. Lightweight fabrics are essential, so consider that if you're planning a road trip out West or heading to a music festival. I'm a fan of matching sets, so this outfit was an easy choice. It makes getting dressed a breeze, and I don't have to worry about looking put together. This set features a built-in belt, but I removed it and added my own, which I prefer. I adore the deep brown color of this set; it reminds me of the earthy tones found in the desert mountains. I styled it with black cowboy boots and a hat to emphasize the Western theme, but I'll also pair it with slides and a shoulder bag when I'm out in the city on weekends." — Michaela Bushkin, fashion director

      "I’m not typically one for jean shorts because I often find them too short or uncomfortable, but the length of these is just right for spring and summer, plus the material is much softer than any pair I own. I styled them with cool two-tone cowboy boots and a cropped denim shirt from Levi's®, which features stitching and button details for a subtle Western flair. You can expect to see me in this outfit during my trip to Montana this summer; it's giving 'this is not my first rodeo.' These shorts are incredibly versatile. Their length works perfectly with tall boots. Will I pack these for beach vacations to wear with sandals and a bikini? Definitely. Will I wear them around the city with loafers and a T-shirt? Absolutely. The options are limitless." — Bushkin

A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It. A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It.

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A Desert Getaway Is Inviting—Here’s How We Plan to Dress for It.

Our fashion director, Michaela Bushkin, discusses two outfits she'll be sporting on her upcoming journeys to the desert and festivals.