What Is Resort Wear? A Women's Guide to Resort Casual
Resort wear is the wardrobe you pack for somewhere warm: lightweight, polished and easy to wear from a morning swim to a late dinner. Here is what "resort casual" actually means, the pieces every woman's resort wardrobe needs, and how to put them together.
What is resort wear?
Resort wear started as the collections luxury houses designed for clients who wintered somewhere sunny. Today it simply means clothing for warm-weather travel: swimwear, cover-ups, linen and cotton separates, sundresses and easy evening dresses. The best resort wear looks considered rather than casual, and packs without creasing into a mess.
What does "resort casual" mean?
Resort casual is the dress code most hotels, clubs and destination events use for warm climates. It sits between beachwear and cocktail attire. For women, that means a sundress, a maxi or midi skirt with a blouse, tailored linen trousers with a silk or cotton top, or a jumpsuit, worn with flat sandals or wedges. Swimwear and cover-ups are not resort casual on their own, and neither are athletic clothes.
- Yes: linen trousers, midi and maxi dresses, printed skirts, crochet sets, silk shirts, kaftans worn as dresses.
- Usually no: swimwear alone, sheer cover-ups without a layer, gym wear, flip-flops at dinner.
The resort wear essentials
1. Two swimsuits
One bikini and one one-piece covers every situation, from the pool to a boat day. Luxury Brazilian labels like Adriana Degreas and Água de Coco design suits that work as tops under skirts or trousers, which doubles your outfits.
2. A cover-up that works as a dress
A kaftan, a crochet dress or a linen shirt-dress takes you from the beach to lunch without changing. AMMI's hand-made crochet is the statement version.
3. A day dress
A printed midi or maxi dress in cotton or viscose is the easiest resort casual outfit there is. Browse our vacation dresses, maxi dresses and the full resort wear edit.
4. Linen separates
Wide-leg linen trousers, a matching shirt and a skirt can be worn together or apart all week. See trousers and skirts.
5. One evening look
Most resorts have one night that calls for more. A fluid gown or a sculpted midi from our eveningwear edit covers it.
6. Hat, bag and sandals
A wide-brim straw hat, a woven or beaded bag and two pairs of sandals finish every look. See hats and bags.
A five-day resort packing list
- 2 swimsuits and 1 cover-up dress
- 2 day dresses
- 1 pair linen trousers and 2 tops
- 1 skirt
- 1 evening dress
- 1 straw hat, 1 day bag, 1 evening clutch
- Flat sandals and one dressier pair
What is resort wear for women?
Resort wear for women is clothing designed for warm-weather travel: swimwear, cover-ups, sundresses, linen and cotton separates and easy evening dresses that are lightweight, polished and simple to pack.
What is resort casual attire for women?
Resort casual for women means a sundress, a midi or maxi skirt with a blouse, linen trousers with a silk or cotton top, or a jumpsuit, paired with sandals or wedges. It is dressier than beachwear but more relaxed than cocktail attire.
Can you wear jeans for resort casual?
Dark, well-fitting jeans are sometimes accepted for resort casual in the evening, but linen trousers or a dress are a safer choice in hot climates and at most resort restaurants.
What fabrics are best for resort wear?
Linen, cotton, viscose, silk and crochet are the best fabrics for resort wear. They breathe in the heat, dry quickly and look polished even after a day of travel.