Resort wear dress code: what it means and what to wear
Holiday elegance: light, loose pieces in natural fabrics that go from the pool to dinner.
- When
- Any time
- Trousers for women
- Yes
- Tie
- No
- Jeans
- Depends
- Sneakers
- Depends
On the invitation: „Resort wear“, „Resort chic“, „Vacation“
When it's worn
Warm-weather holidays, cruises, resort restaurants.
Colours
White, sand, light colours.
Fabrics that work
For women
A linen dress or trousers + top + sandals + hat.
- Linen trousers and shirts
- Kaftans, maxi dresses
Shoes: Sandals, espadrilles.
Example – poolside: A kaftan over a swimsuit, a straw hat and sandals.
Full guide: for women →For men
A linen shirt + light trousers or tailored shorts + loafers.
- Linen or Cuban-collar shirts
Shoes: Loafers, espadrilles.
Example – poolside: Swim shorts, a linen shirt and sandals.
Full guide: for men →In summer
Natural fabrics, loose cuts, sun protection.
In winter
For a winter trip somewhere warm: layers for the flight, light clothes on arrival.
Where it comes from
Fashion houses began making 'resort' collections in the early 20th century for wealthy clients wintering in warm places. Today it's both a style and a season on the fashion calendar.
Common mistakes
- Synthetics in the heat
- Sportswear at dinner
Dressy casual
A notch above smart casual: a dress or dressy trousers, a collared shirt, no tie.
Casual
Everyday comfortable clothes: jeans, tees, sneakers – clean and right for the place.
All dress codes
Frequently asked
01What does Resort wear mean?
Holiday elegance: light, loose pieces in natural fabrics that go from the pool to dinner.
02What is resort wear?
Light holiday clothes for warm climates; also the name of fashion houses' between-season collections.
03Resort wear: can women wear trousers?
Yes – elegant trousers or a trouser suit are perfectly fine.
04Resort wear: is a tie required?
No – a tie isn't needed and would often look too formal.
05Resort wear: are jeans OK?
It depends on the place: dark jeans with a blazer are sometimes accepted, but trousers are the safer choice.
06Resort wear: are sneakers OK?
Only minimalist leather sneakers without logos, and only in relaxed settings; running shoes, no.