Have you ever received an invitation with the dress code “resort casual” and wondered what exactly it means? Maybe you have a vacation coming up, or a destination wedding at a resort, but you’re not sure what clothes to bring. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help answer the question “what does resort casual mean?” helping you navigate this dress code with style and confidence.
Decoding this Dress Code
When thinking of resort casual, the vibe you want to give off is one of relaxed elegance. It’s a delightful blend of resort wear’s carefree spirit and smart casual’s polished appeal. Good resort casual attire allows you get to channel your personal style while exuding an effortless sophistication that sets you apart from the crowd.
Essential Elements of Resort Casual
To truly master the resort casual look, pay attention to the following key elements:
- Shirts: Opt for lightweight fabrics like breezy linen or lighter cotton weaves. Whether it’s short sleeves or long sleeves, choose shirts that strike the right balance between comfort and refinement. With fit, find the sweet spot between too tight (which will restrict movement and cause you to overheat) and too baggy (which is unflattering as it doesn’t give your body any shape). Go for lighter colors like white, off-white, light blue, aqua, sage, tan, coral, or pale yellow. Shirts with prints or patterns should have a lighter tone base.
- Bottoms: Embrace tailored shorts, refined chinos, or linen pants. Again, go with lighter colors like white, beige/khaki, light/medium blue, and light grey. These choices exude an air of relaxed sophistication, steering clear of denim or athletic wear, which may lean towards a more casual vibe. Keep the fit relaxed but not baggy – you want your legs to breathe, while still giving your legs some shape so you can lengthen your frame.
- Footwear: Let your feet do the talking with leather or suede loafers, classic boat shoes, leather sandals, or espadrilles. Even plain white canvas sneakers will work. These stylish options effortlessly blend comfort and panache.
- Accessories: Keep it tastefully understated. Consider a woven belt, a sleek casual watch to punctuate your ensemble, and perhaps a wider brimmed hat or sleek sunglasses to protect you from the sun, depending on the occasion. For dressier occasions, consider a linen pocket square instead of a tie.
- Grooming: To keep cool, trim your beard closely or go with a clean shaven look. Try to get a fresh haircut before your trip. Cut your toenails (especially if you plan to wear sandals). Wear a natural deodorant to avoid staining your shirts. And remember to drink plenty of water.
Do’s and Don’ts of Resort Casual
Now, let’s review the dos and don’ts of resort casual to refine your understanding:
Do’s:
- Embrace lightweight and breathable fabrics suitable for warm climates.
- Let your vibrant personality shine through with playful colors, resort-inspired patterns, or tasteful prints.
- For a touch of refined elegance, layer your outfit with a lightweight blazer.
Don’ts:
- Avoid overly formal or business-related attire like suits, dress shirts, or ties, as they’re too formal for the relaxed resort ambiance.
- Keep your athletic wear tucked away. Leave gym shorts, tank tops, and sport sneakers for your workout sessions.
Resort Casual Styling Examples
To ignite your style inspiration, here are two resort casual looks worth emulating:
Look 1: Go with a pair of tailored shorts in a neutral lighter hue, paired with a crisp, lightweight button-down shirt with a subtle pattern. Pair with some nice shades. Finish off the look with canvas espadrilles or leather sandals.
Look 2: Keep it casual but gentlemanly with tailored linen trousers and a lightweight polo shirt. Complete the ensemble with loafers or leather sandals (like the gentleman below) and a cool pair of shades.
Look 3: Dress it up but stay cool and relaxed with a linen suit. Opt for a lighter color like tan, light grey, or light/medium blue. These suits tend to lean bold, so keep everything else understated. A plain white shirt in a lighter cotton or cotton/linen blend, a simple pocket square, and suede or leather loafers will give you a killer look for beach weddings or other dressier vacation situations.
Conclusion
Gentlemen, you’re now armed with the knowledge to conquer any resort casual occasion with a gentlemanly sophistication. Remember, resort casual is all about striking the perfect balance between comfort and style, tailored to the specific setting and event. Embrace the resort casual code and enjoy your effortlessly dapper style.
