Resort Casual Dress Code Guide
Resort casual (also called country club casual or resort wear) is a relaxed but polished dress code often found at vacation resorts, beach clubs, and upscale casual venues. It combines the ease of vacation wear with enough polish for nice restaurants and resort activities.
When to Wear Resort Casual
Resort Casual for Women
Essential Pieces
- Sundresses
- Linen pants or shorts
- Flowy maxi dresses
- Nice shorts with blouse
- Kaftans or cover-ups
- Capri pants with nice top
Recommended Shoes
- Dressy sandals
- Wedges
- Espadrilles
- Nice flip flops
- Ballet flats
Accessories
- Sun hat
- Statement sunglasses
- Beach tote
- Colorful jewelry
- Light scarf
Avoid
- Swimsuit as clothing (cover up)
- Athletic wear
- Very short shorts
- Revealing tops at restaurants
- Worn-out beach wear
Resort Casual for Men
Essential Pieces
- Linen pants
- Nice shorts (not board shorts)
- Polo shirts
- Linen button-downs
- Light sweater for evening
- Chinos
Recommended Shoes
- Loafers
- Boat shoes
- Leather sandals
- Clean canvas sneakers
- Espadrilles
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Watch
- Panama hat
- Woven belt
Avoid
- Tank tops at restaurants
- Board shorts for dinner
- Athletic wear
- Baseball caps at nice venues
- Flip flops at dinner
Pro Tips for Resort Casual
- Linen is your best friend for resort wear
- Pack versatile pieces that work day to night
- Cover up when leaving pool/beach areas
- Check if the restaurant has a dress code
- Bring nice sandals that aren't flip flops
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing swimwear to restaurants
- Dressing too casually for resort dining
- Forgetting to pack nice shoes
- Wearing athletic clothes to non-athletic activities
- Not bringing layers for air-conditioned spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
What is resort casual dress code?
Resort casual is a relaxed but polished dress code for vacation settings. It includes sundresses, linen pants, nice shorts, and polo shirts. The key is looking put-together while staying comfortable in warm weather. Cover-ups and clean, stylish pieces are essential.
Can I wear flip flops for resort casual?
Nice flip flops are usually fine during the day at pools or beaches. For resort restaurants and evening activities, opt for dressier sandals, loafers, or espadrilles. Check if the venue has specific footwear rules.
Is resort casual the same as beach casual?
They're similar but resort casual is slightly more polished. Beach casual might include board shorts and swimwear cover-ups, while resort casual expects more refined pieces suitable for nice restaurants and venues. Think elegant vacation wear rather than pure beach clothes.