Arizona Travel Outfits: What I Wore and What I Wish I Packed
Packing for Arizona is a whole different game. The weather swings, the dry heat, the photo ops—I had to plan smart. But even with all the prep, I still found myself saying, “Why didn’t I bring that?”
Here’s what I wore during my Arizona trip—and what I’ll definitely pack next time.
Daytime Desert Explorer Look
Most of Arizona’s must-see spots involve being outdoors under the blazing sun. I stuck with lightweight, breathable fabrics—think cotton tanks, airy linen shirts, and bike shorts. My go-to look was a white tank layered with a flowy button-down, high-waisted shorts, and hiking sandals.
Wish I Packed: A wide-brim hat with a chin strap. The wind at Horseshoe Bend had my hat flying off like a scene from a rom-com. Lesson learned.
Sunrise-to-Sunset Layers for Road Trips
Road tripping through Arizona means hitting multiple climates in one day. Flagstaff? Cool and breezy. Phoenix? Dry and scorching. I wore a comfy tee, joggers, and brought a zip-up hoodie I could toss on or take off.
Wish I Packed: A light puffer jacket. I didn’t expect mornings in Sedona to be so chilly, even in spring.
Golden Hour Vibes for Photos
Arizona is a dream for sunset shots, especially at places like Cathedral Rock or Watson Lake. I wore an earthy-toned maxi dress (flowy and dramatic for photos), paired with flat sandals and dainty jewelry. The golden light made the colors pop beautifully.
Wish I Packed: A backup dress in a bold color. My rust-toned dress looked nice, but a vibrant turquoise or cobalt blue would’ve really stood out against the red rock.
Hiking Fits That Don’t Scream “Tourist”
For places like Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon, I kept it minimal but stylish. Think: athletic leggings, sports bra layered under a cropped tank, and trail runners. I accessorized with a printed bandana to soak up sweat and block dust.
Wish I Packed: Merino wool socks. I forgot how quickly synthetic socks get gross when hiking in desert heat. Blisters = not cute.
Chill Vibes in Town
Exploring downtown Sedona and Phoenix, I leaned into relaxed desert chic: a cotton midi dress, leather sandals, and a crossbody bag. Tossed on a jean jacket at night when temps dipped. Easy, stylish, and super comfortable.
Wish I Packed: Statement sunglasses. I brought cheap ones and instantly regretted not having a solid, stylish pair for all the walking and café-hopping.
Swimwear for Hidden Oasis Moments
Believe it or not, Arizona has swimming spots—and I found one near Page. I wore a high-waisted bikini with a breezy kaftan. Added a sunhat and sandals, and felt poolside glam even in the desert.
Wish I Packed: A quick-dry towel and portable water shoes. The rocky areas near the water were brutal on bare feet.
Shoes I Actually Wore
- Hiking sandals (Teva-style): Perfect for everything—from short hikes to walking around towns.
- Trail runners: Great for the more rugged hikes (and easy to clean).
- Flat leather sandals: Ideal for exploring towns, restaurants, and casual outings.
- White sneakers: Honestly? Only wore them once. They got dusty fast and weren’t great on uneven terrain.
What I Regret Packing: Flip-flops. Unless you’re planning to hang out at a hotel pool, they’re totally unnecessary and just take up space in my bag.
Final Tips for Arizona Outfit Planning
- Colors pop: Rust, olive, mustard, and white looked amazing against the red rock and desert background.
- Layer smart: Morning to night temperature swings are real.
- Go for comfort: Arizona isn’t the place for stiff denim or tight fabrics.
- Hydration pack > trendy bag: Especially on hikes.
Traveling through Arizona was magical, but packing smart made the experience smoother—and way more photogenic. Next time, I’ll be ready with everything I missed.
