What to Wear in Vegas During the Winter

las-vegan-strip

While Vegas is no longer the world’s gambling capital, having lost that crown to Macau over fifteen years ago, it remains the planet’s premium resort city. Before the pandemic hit, the total tourism-related economic output of Sin City was $63.6 billion. Despite flashing lights and gaming floors being the first associations that come to mind when this Mojave Desert destination gets mentioned, many of those that flock to it each year come with no intention of risking their money on games of chance. They do so for a myriad of other business/leisure reasons.

Though New York City reigns supreme as America’s most fashionable spot, recently, Vegas has made headway in this department. In the past, virtually everyone looked at it as a place where kitsch dominated. Likely a perception molded by artists like Liberace and Elvis. However, while those that hold Vegas residencies try to stay true to the tradition forged by the legends before them, overall, Vegas has slowly become quite voguish. The US News Report ranks it as the US city with the most bustling nightlife, with many calling it an adult playground like no other.

Due to its mild winter weather, for those residing in cold states, Vegas is the perfect Christmas-time escape. With temperatures in the 40°F to 60°F range from December throughout February, exploring Las Vegas during the winter can be much more pleasurable than in its summer heat exceeding 100°F. If you are planning a Nevada trip during these frosty months, here are a few pieces of advice you may find handy.

Dressing for Day Time Activities

What you intend to do in the City of Lights will dramatically impact what you need to pack for your Vegas stay.

The Monorail runs four miles across the Strip, passing its most famous attractions. It is the most used means of transportation in the city. Yet, many prefer to walk along its boulevards the first few days they are here. Thus, cozy shoes are a must. That means comfortable sneakers and athletic shoes should be in your bag. Brands like Altra, Hoka One, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS have some of the best slip-on shoes on the market with wider soles that can excellently absorb a person’s weight.

Hiking trips to Mount Charleston, the Valley of Fire, and Red Rock Canyon are highly in-demand activities during sunny winter days. So, if you intend to stroll through nature, buying/packing a well-fitted hoodie and some hiking pants from companies like Prana or Ferrosi is a wise thing to do. These are virtually unrecognizable from casual smart ones and can get worn as you go about the Strip and the downtown area.

Undoubtedly, things will get chilly at some point during the day, especially when the sun starts setting. Moreover, Vegas is surprisingly a super windy city. However, Thankfully, December, January, and February do not rank amongst its windiest months. Still, no one should be without a jacket at any point during a winter visit. Thus, no need to expect many cold breezes during the winter. In 2020 and 2021, many locals have begun wearing spring jackets from Levi’s, Patagonia, Rails Clothing, UGG, ELOQUII, and DANA SCOTT. These brands produce some stylish coverings that work well in a variety of settings. Black faux leather ones also seem to always be in style here. Such jackets can get used for a modish, relaxed look appropriate for slot machine rooms and dance floors.

Appropriate Attire for Night on the Town

All top-end Vegas nightclubs, even obscure locales, enforce a dress code of some sort for women and men. The same applies to classy restaurants and VIP gambling rooms. The rule of thumb for a good time in Vegas is the same as everywhere else. The better you dress, the more likely you are to get in trendy spots. Note that many venues will only accept patrons with dress shoes. That means if you wear designer sneakers, you may get denied access.

Most of the nightclub dress code rules target men, as women can get in with any dress, or only with a nice top, stylish jeans, and heels.

Overall, nighttime Vegas outfits do not differ dramatically from one’s standard in the other three seasons. The expectations are the same inside any establishment. The only thing one has to worry about is packing a nice-looking coat or jacket. Quality mid-range options are available from Zara, Nordstrom, Mango, and Kate Spade. Ones with faux collars are still all the rage. It is also worth mentioning that blazers seem to be making a comeback, as it is now chic to mix them with different colored skirts or dresses.

Despite its reputation for going over-the-top, the best course of action in Vegas is to keep your outfits unpretentious and laid-back pretty much everywhere you go.

About the Author

Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by OUSC. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.