Resort Wear Guide: Vacation Style Essentials
Resort vacations call for elevated casual style that balances comfort with sophistication. Whether you are lounging poolside at a five-star property, exploring a coastal town, or enjoying sunset cocktails, the right wardrobe makes every moment feel special. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to look effortlessly chic throughout your resort getaway.
Swimwear as a Foundation
At a resort, swimwear is not just for swimming. It becomes the foundation of your daily outfit, layered under cover-ups, paired with skirts, and transitioned into evening looks. This means investing in swimwear that looks polished enough to double as a top.
Pack 3-4 bikini sets for poolside variety, choosing sophisticated colors and quality fabrics that photograph well and maintain their shape. Add at least one elegant one-piece swimsuit with interesting details like a plunging neckline, cutouts, or belted waist. One-pieces make excellent bodysuits under high-waisted pants for dinner.
Consider high-waisted bikinis for their retro glamour and comfortable coverage. These photograph beautifully and pair well with flowing cover-ups. Do not forget a 3-piece set that includes a coordinating cover-up for instant outfit cohesion.
The Art of the Cover-Up
Cover-ups are the hardest-working pieces in your resort wardrobe. They transform swimwear into restaurant-appropriate outfits and protect sun-kissed skin during midday walks. Pack a variety of styles for different occasions.
A lightweight kimono or kaftan offers elegant coverage and moves beautifully in the breeze. Choose flowing fabrics in prints that complement your swimwear. A sarong is incredibly versatile and can be styled as a skirt, dress, or shawl depending on how you tie it.
For pool-to-lunch transitions, a chic tunic dress in linen or cotton feels polished without being overdressed. White and neutral tones look crisp against tan skin. A crochet or lace cover-up adds texture and visual interest while letting your swimsuit peek through artfully.
Day-to-Evening Transitions
Resort dressing is all about versatility. The best pieces work from morning coffee through sunset dinner. A maxi dress in a breathable fabric serves as a sophisticated cover-up by day and elegant dinner attire with the right accessories.
Wide-leg linen pants dress up a bikini top for beachfront dining. Pair them with strappy sandals and statement earrings for an effortlessly chic look. A silk or satin slip skirt over a sleek one-piece creates unexpected evening glamour.
Pack at least one dramatic piece for special evenings. A bold print caftan, a sleek jumpsuit, or a romantic maxi dress ensures you are prepared for impromptu dinner invitations or special celebrations.
Accessories That Elevate
Accessories transform simple pieces into polished resort looks. A wide-brimmed straw hat protects from sun while adding instant glamour. Invest in quality sunglasses that complement your face shape and feel comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Statement jewelry works overtime at resorts. Bold earrings dress up a simple cover-up, while layered necklaces add interest to low necklines. Choose pieces that can handle humidity and will not tarnish from sunscreen and salt water.
A structured straw tote is essential for poolside days, carrying everything from sunscreen to your current read. For evenings, a small clutch or crossbody in raffia or metallic leather adds sophistication without bulk.
Footwear Essentials
Resort footwear must balance style and practicality. Comfortable flat sandals for daytime exploring should be stylish enough for casual meals. Elevated slides or mules transition from pool deck to lobby lounge.
Pack one pair of dressier sandals with a heel for evening dinners. Block heels or wedges handle uneven resort terrain better than stilettos. Espadrilles are a classic resort choice that pairs with everything from swimwear to sundresses.
Practical Considerations
Choose fabrics that travel well and resist wrinkles. Linen embraces its rumpled nature, while jersey and silk blends pack efficiently. Quick-dry fabrics work overtime in humid climates where multiple outfit changes are common.
Stick to a cohesive color palette so pieces mix and match easily. Neutral bases with pops of color allow maximum outfit combinations from minimal packing. This approach also makes accessorizing simpler.
Build your resort wardrobe starting with quality swimwear from our collection, then layer in versatile cover-ups and accessories for a vacation wardrobe that handles any activity in style.
