July and August are prime months for taking a vacation. Kids are out of school, teachers are off, cruise ships and vacation resorts are filled to capacity. Most cruises and resorts state that dress code is “resortwear,” but what is resortwear? And how does it compare to casual wear or dinner formal wear? What is defined as resortwear, which was once a genre reserved for only the most affluent, is now expanding and becoming a more cross-cultural style that spans the entire year. More recently resortwear is being marketed as “year round” since there are so many climates that remain warm through most of the year.
Resortwear is a style of clothing that has gained popularity of the masses because of its comfort and ease for one, but for those who desire a style other than the cargo shorts and baseball caps that are typically worn in summer months and on vacation. Resortwear allows you to keep your sense of style and taste in fashion all while serving the purpose of keeping you cool and comfortable in very warm temperatures. It’s range and function is wide and can be worn differently for breakfast, lunch and dinners on vacation- as well as meals or meetings on business trips in warm climates.
Resortwear influences come from places like Hawaii, with its bright colors, flowers and beach scenes; South America- in shades of light blue, yellow and minty green as well as the pure white from The Mediterranean and French Riviera. Nautical themes remain navy blue, white with gold accents and lots of stripes and knotted bits. The fabrics consist of cotton and silk, microfiber, brushed denim and linen- all prints that are easy to care for, and are breathable. Many major fashion houses have been expanding their collections to meet the needs of the vacationer that wants to celebrate life, to be glamorous and sexy while being understated, casual while being luxurious and flirty. It represents the spirit and elegance that is no longer reserved only for the Jet Setters!
During the day the styles to look for are walking shorts, beaded kaftans, embroidered tunics, glitzy metallic bikini's, tropical prints in serene shades of ocean life and/or floral prints. Wedges are in fashion now, and can be worn night and day. They even look great with a swimsuit and elongate the legs without giving the appearance of “clubbing.” Nude or beige sandals can be paired with anything as well. I always like to buy a sarong with the local prints when I travel. They are souvenirs, handy for going to lunch and cultural pieces as well. Wide brimmed or canvas hats are in order paired with bright colorful sunglasses that might not work on the daily subway commute, but will definitely brighten all of your vacation days.
Evening wear includes linen pants, chinos, button down polo shirts and light dinner jackets for men and bold, sassy dresses for women. This is my favorite part of the day! I love to couple these great prints with gallant bracelets or earrings that I might not get away with at a business meeting but that really speak up on vacation! Men may wear dressy sandals and for women jewel encrusted sandals dress up anything. Wedges also work with evening attire so long as they aren’t tweed or linen. Don’t forget your jewelry! Today’s pieces are big and chunky and can really compliment any outfit. Don’t forget a glamorous pashmina for those cool breezy nights. Use your vacation attire to play out your dreams and duplicate the outrageous styles you see in the magazines!
So drag out those suitcases and get ready for that next trip. Resortwear clothing is now fun and easily accessible. Try designers like Tommy Bahamma, Lilly Pulitzer, Chanel, Michael Kors, Anna Sui and my favorite- Blanc du Nil. We are fortunate in Houston to get to wear most of these things year round anyway. So give yourself the gift of feeling like every day is a vacation! Happy Vacationing!
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