Welcome back to the Gentleman's Gazette!
In today's video we discuss the dress codes, resort attire, resort casual and resort evening
so you look your best if you're lounging in a tropical resort.
Resort attire or resort wear is a dress code that is established around the globe.
It's even the basis for an annual collection of couture fashion designers who focus just
on this segment because a lot of people want to look stylish even when they relax.
You'll most likely find it in the country clubs or nice resorts or hotels that want
to make sure that guests don't show up in board shorts for dinner.
Sometimes the dress code resort wear can be ambiguous because different hotels or resorts
define it differently.
As a rule of thumb keep in mind the more posh or upscale an establishment is the more formal
the dress code is likely going to be.
So what exactly is resort wear or resort attire?
It indicates that a certain degree of formality is required even though you're in a warmer
climate.
At the same time it means that a dark suit or tuxedo would be inappropriate because it
would be over-the-top.
So before I approach you with some ideas of what to wear when the dress code is resort casual
first let's discuss what not to wear.
Athletic attire of any kind is always inappropriate.
Your gym shorts, your t-shirts are not appropriate.
That also means no track pants, no sweat pants, no joggers and no workout shorts.
Avoid wearing t-shirts or tank tops and always make sure your shirts have some kind of a
collar such as a polo shirt would be fine with short sleeves or long sleeves or a dress
shirt.
It also means don't wear shower slides, flip-flops or sandals unless you're specifically at the
beach or by the pool area.
In other area especially in the evening those would be considered inappropriate.
You definitely want to avoid any type of tennis shoes or trainers.
When it comes to sneakers and they're nice leather sneakers in brown for example but
always be cautious and rather err in the side of formality.
Meaning a nice leather dress shoe in tan maybe some suede in colors such as green, even dark
brown.
Definitely stay clear of black because that would be too formal.
In some establishment golf khakis or slacks with polo shirt are acceptable in a clubhouse.
In others they aren't so it pays to specifically ask or figure out what the proper dress code
at your venue is.
It goes without saying that your clothing shouldn't have any holes or tears and also
stay clear of any type of shorts for evening activities.
I would skip vests or any other heavy layers.
Cufflinks are maybe a little over the top.
A simple barrel cuff will do just fine.
So what should you wear when it comes to resort casual during the day?
The first thing that probably comes to mind is the Hawaiian shirt.
I've been to Hawaii recently and I hardly saw anybody wearing Hawaiian shirts.
So they're out there, they exist.
They can be appropriate if you're in the mood for it, go for it, but it's definitely not
something you have to have and sometimes it can also look a bit cheesy.
So in terms of slacks, you can go with linen pants or cotton pants.
Things like seersucker is totally fine and you can also go with shorts as long as they
are longer and made of cotton or linen or other interesting materials.
At the same time skip any kind of swim trunks or board shorts because that would be too
informal.
Try to keep with a shirt unless you're at the pool or at the beach.
A polo shirt is just fine during the day, a tshirt maybe a little too informal but if
you're at the beach or in the vicinity that's okay too.
I say jackets are over-the-top and if you're at a resort during offseason you may want
to have a thin sweater or something that keeps you at the ideal temperature.
If you wear a lot of solid polo shirts it can be interesting to mix it up a bit with
patterned shorts.
You could go with stripes maybe dots or classic patterns such as seersucker, checks or Madras.
Sometimes also known as Madras it's a checked fabric with rich colors that originates in
India and you can check out all details about this wonderful fabric in our guide here.
During the day definitely stay clear of any form of jacket that would be over the top.
In terms of shoes you can wear driving mocs, maybe boat shoes.
If you're at the beach and you go from your room to the pool flip-flops are just fine.
Otherwise if you're at the lobby or the restaurant flip flops would not quite be appropriate.
Also wearing ties or bow ties is over-the-top so leave them in your room and save them for
evening.
So what is resort evening wear mean?
It means typically long sleeves, long pants, no more tailored shorts.
It also requires closed toed shoes which can be your general derbies or oxfords in brown
tones or tans.
You can also be a little more playful maybe if you wanna go with pair of spectators or maybe
some white shoes.
Something that is more summery and more associated with tropics.
Stay clear of black shoes even in the evening because it's not quite suited to the tropics.
A jacket is not mandatory but definitely a good idea.
Personally I always like it because in the evening and can get a little cooler and it's
also much more elegant and stylish.
A navy blazer is very versatile and you can wear it even though I think a cotton jacket
such as the one I'm wearing here right now with a slight check, maybe a fresco jacket
in a lighter color is preferable.
If you want to you can wear a seersucker suit but in general I'd stay clear of suits and
rather go with combinations.
I suggest you match your belt with your shoes and if you want to you can go with bolder
colors in certain elements of your outfit because the resort is fun, it's casual and
it's not business.
When it comes to accessories you can be a little more playful as well.
You can have madras patterns, maybe grenadine, maybe knit, something with a little more texture.
Maybe you go with a bow tie just something that is unusual and not necessarily something
you would wear with a three-piece business suit.
Of course if you prefer you don't have to wear neck wear at all but if you wear a jacket
I suggest you go at least with a pocket square because it just elevates the look and makes
you more stylish.
If you don't want to wear over the calf socks consider no-show socks.
They prevent your feet from sweating in your shoes and it'll also help to prevent any kind
of blisters.
For shirts, you can opt for dress shirts with an open weave or alternatively if you like
it more casual you can go with long sleeves polo shirts just make sure they have a nice
color and not those typical flimsy ones.
In today's video, I'm wearing a long sleeve polo shirt with a collar and I decided to
mix it with a tie just to show you the full range.
I could have just done without a tie and would have been just fine.
My jacket is similar to a seersucker but it has checks which is quite nice.
It's a small pattern but it's very different from the classic business suit.
The tie I'm wearing is red and blue shantung that picks up the blue tones of my jacket
and my pocket square which has hand rolled edges and x stitches.
If you're interested in these accessories please check out our shop here.
I went with a bold red pants which are similar to a Nantucket red just a shade darker.
They're made of 100% cotton.
They're lightweight and good for warmer climates.
In line with my white shirt and the white elements in my jacket I went with white buckskin
shoes that have red shoe laces so it ties the outfit together with the pants.
That being said it's obviously a very loud combination and if you're not comfortable
with that I could have just worn this outfit without a tie and maybe medium brown oxfords
and the whole look feels entirely different and less dramatic even though I wear red pants.
For the socks, I'm wearing red and blue shadow stripe socks from Fort Belvedere which tie
together the red and blue tones of the outfit.
Of course during the day sunglasses are always a good idea so definitely don't forget them.
And if the sun gets too hot you can also bring a Panama hat which is very stylish and keeps the sun out of your face.