Shital Kakkar Mehra on following a dress code while holidaying in luxury resorts
Holidaying in luxury resorts is accompanied by the practice to follow a certain dress code, even while indulging in leisure activities
With the holiday season in full swing, “resort casual” is in vogue. Luxury resorts write it as a dress code and it appears as a byline on their websites and inhouse information too. Don’t let the “casual” mislead you - as a rule, attire in a resort is a notch above regular casual clothes or clothes that you wear to the supermarket or to grab a coffee. A fabric which is appropriate for this sophisticated “look” is linen as its light, breathes easily and keeps you feeling and looking cool! Daytime Resort Casual: When visiting a restaurant for breakfast or lunch, wear dress shorts ( cuffs provide added style) or denims / jeans will suffice. Women can wear shorts, skirts or wrap- around skirts. Light colors, including white and beige are classic while bright linens ( this season’s latest being terracotta / burnt orange) and floral add to the ambience. Although distress denims are in fashion, use your discretion on the ‘ distress’ factor! No bare feet – sandals will suffice, while deck shoes add elegance. Swimwear is perfect by the poolside but must be covered elsewhere in the resort. Resort Evening wear: All resorts have ritzy restaurants, which project a festive yet slightly formal ambience in the evening. Attire for men: Cotton/ linen trousers, sport shirts or t- shirts with collar. Shoes can be semi- formal, matching your trouser style. Smart closed- toe sandals and colored moccasins work well too. In cooler climes, go with a sports jacket and team it with regular/ turtle neck shirt - no tie. Avoid crew neck t- shirts, flip flops or your favorite faded denims. Attire for women: Linen/ formal trousers, skirts, a dressy evening top, a casual dress / sundress or an Indian outfit. Trendy sandals or casual shoes go well with these clothes. Avoid faded jeans, flip flops, camisoles, or very short skirts/ shorts. Carry a stole or “pashmina” for cooler evenings.
Light colors, including white and beige are classic, while bright linens and florals add to the ambience
This attire is also referred to as “Country Club”, “Dressy Casual” or “Casual Chic”, depending on the occasion. It works well in a private/ colonial club, an off- site or a holiday on a cruise. The elements are all well co- coordinated and expensive, at times costing more than your formal wear.