IT BY SARAH G. SCHMIDT

View Original

Pool Style in Las Vegas

Credits: Photo - Anonymous, Styling - Sarah G. Schmidt, Location - GO Pool at Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas


Las Vegas is great (and terrible) for many reasons. Leaving the terrible things in Las Vegas, I'll chat about one of the great things, aside from shopping, of course. I love to people watching. 

Each time I go, I stay at a new hotel. So far I have nine Vegas hotels and resorts under my belt. That's nine different rooms to study the closets; nine different casinos to marvel at the interior design, decor and gamblers outfits; and nine different pools. At all those pools there are many different people form all over enjoying the dessert sun and heat. Over the years, I have started to see some themes pop up. I decided not to focus so much on the pool behaviour. I was more interested in the pool attire.

I study swimwear, footwear and sun accessories trends as closely as I do the other fashion trends. I saw many trends in the flesh: high waisted bottoms for ladies and higher hemline for mens' trunks; round shades with mirrored, faded transitions, or blackout lenses; and platform sandals instead of the former favourite flip flops. All of that is well and good. I love to see how individuals interpret trends and wear them. But I saw something else this time.

Like I said above, I started to see themes emerge poolside. Here's six that I have gathered.

Don't Care 
These free spirited water fowl don't care if their swimsuit is worn out, dated or fits properly. They're too busy swimming, as shocking as that may sound, to care about their pool attire. Really I can't fault them as they are vehemently throwing their hands in the air like they just don't care.
If you want to be a part of this pack, good for you, anything goes swimwear wise. You'll be in the water the whole time anyway to care about anything else, right?

On Parade
In the opposite camp are the folks that are there simply to soak up the rays, relax and pose. You'll be able to spot these few by a couple striking features. These creatures know their best angles in every lounging to strutting pose with ease. They know how to tense, tuck and flex as they walk to and fro their spot. They are accessorized and their footwear is likely more suitable for the club. They likely will not get into the water but they sure look good not doing it.
If you want to be a part of this pack, hire a stylist, because if you don't have it yet on your own, hire a professional and be sure

Unknowingly, On Shame Row
These are everything in the above except for the "look good not doing it." Sadly these folks have all of the try and not much of the payoff. Their suits likely don't fit or flatter. They may think we see them lounging cooly but we can tell they are not relaxing. It's a mess. 
If you want to be a part of this pack, don't. See "On Parade" above.

Pranksters
You've seen this endangered species. She may come to the pool dressed as Elvis. Or he may take off shorts to reveal a speedo underneath. Or she may show herself by donning a swim cap and goggles as if ready for a swim meet. The harmless folks are here for a laugh so critiquing their pool attire choices is totally missing the point.
If you want to be a part of this pack, bring along (or purchase) a costume and get your inner joker out poolside.

Reluctant Non-Participants
These select few most definitely did not want to come for a swim. There's no ifs, ands or buts here. Why do I know this? Because they are fully clothed, sitting near the edge of their group reading a book or listening to music with a scowl on their face. They just can't even.
If you want to be a part of this pack, stay away from the pool. No one likes a Debbie Downer. 

Out of Place Family
These pups decided that they would do Las Vegas as a family. Take their young kids along for the ride. Why not, right? This crew naturally rolls in packs and is needy, noisy and busy. Certainly they are the rose among drunk, unruly and sometimes sexed up thorns. Why one would ever choose to expose impressionable minors to Vegas is beyond me? But hey, I'm not a child psychologist or a parent so I'll stop my yap there. 
If you want to be a part of this crew, come on down to the pool with your water wings and Gold Fish treats. Just don't get upset when there's a vodka fuelled wardrobe malfunction a few chaise chairs over.

Kidding aside, the pools of Las Vegas are just one ecosystem of many one can peruse while in Sin City. Each resort is a bit different so plan ahead to get the right one. Be sure to dress your part. Just remember the best accessory is sunscreen.