What to Wear on a Resort Vacation
Packing for a tropical vacation can be daunting, even if you live in a warmer climate and are used to wearing light summer clothes. I've seen both sides of that coin, having been born in Canada where mittens and toques are part of your daily. If you live in a colder climate, you might have a few stylish summer clothes. But in a warm city like Houston, your summer stuff is "urban", probably a toned-down version of what you'd wear if your life was a fantasy and more a reflection of the current streetwear zeitgeist.
But a vacation is leisurely, fun, and decadent. It requires comfort, but you might want to get into the vibe with a great selection of vacay-only looks. Luckily, there’s a wardrobe for that and I've built a list of festive pieces I'm sharing with you here.
Stay Organized
Some people reserve a special corner of their closet for vacation clothes, which makes it extra easy to pack: just grab and go. That way, there’s no last-minute panic and stress. Bring shorts, sneakers, and t-shirts for sports, and add a carefully curated selection of resort wear for the rest that's been carefully planned over time, hopefully not just last minute.
The Five-Star Resort
I recently stayed at TRS Turquesa and TRS Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They are both five-star resorts with a huge selection of different styles of restaurants, including a glamorous cabaret, plenty of sports activities, and a pristine white sandy beach. I found it useful to have a selection of clothing that would work for each of this wide array of situations.
TRS Turquesa, a 372-room adult-only property with 24-hour butler service, is actually set on a larger property alongside three other hotels, which makes it feel more like a small village than just a resort. Not only do guests have access to the four exclusive restaurants on-site, but also 14 other restaurants at the sister properties. Helios is one of the nicer beachfront lunch eateries, and a great place to wear those flowy maxi dresses you can never find an occasion for or a cool coverup.
In the evening, there is a smorgasbord of options but Kusco, serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion fare, is where you can pull off some more formal options. Think statement earrings and an off-the-shoulder dress with a pair of low-heeled sandals. This will take you from dinner to dancing at one of the many bars. Hemingways is one of my favorites. There’s a band early in the evening and a DJ later on, plus they serve premium drinks. It’s definitely a hub and you’ll want to feel your best with the right outfit. The exhilarating show at Chic is where you can really go beyond the status quo. Dinner and a cabaret, inspired by a more glamorous era is all about glitz and glamour, so don’t be shy. Shiny details, plunging necklines, and chandelier earrings are just the ticket.
TRS Cap Cana is a smaller boutique property about forty minutes away that exudes Santorini vibes, with its all-white three-story buildings. Each of the 115 rooms offers either a sea view or a view of the marina, where fishermen’s boats are docked. During the day, you’ll want to wear versatile coverups or light maxi dresses. Dinner at one of their evening spots like El Gaucho, an Argentinian steak house, provides an opportunity to get inspired by the theme. What feels like Argentina?
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, going on a trip with a group of friends, or planning a destination wedding, you’ll be well-served at either of those two properties. TRS came from the brand's original name 'The Royal Suites', so you can imagine that any TRS property (there are two more TRS properties in Mexico and one in Ibiza) will aim to please, with attentive service and an ambitious level of food and entertainment. Here are some tips for optimizing your resort-style and standing out from the crowd.
For the ultimate beach babe look, consider donning a ridiculously oversized sun hat that provides shade for an entire village. Pair it with bold, sporty visors or sunglasses so huge they double as a reflective mirror, just in case you need to check your beachy waves. And don't forget the flowy, vibrant cover-up that's so long, you could trip over it and still maintain your air of effortless elegance. Or, opt for a sheer or crochet layer that takes the cover out of the cover-up.
If you're aiming for a regal appearance, why not channel your inner resort royalty? Rock a robe-like caftan that's so opulent and embellished it could double as a chandelier. Maxi dresses in colorful prints and creative details also convey a sense of unbridled, cinematic opulence. Embrace your extravagant side and rule the resort with your majestic presence.
The “Starlet Off Duty” Eveningwear
Opt for a stylish cocktail dress, or go for a sophisticated jumpsuit paired with statement accessories. Don't be afraid to add a touch of glamour with elegant heels and a clutch. For a more casual affair, choose tailored trousers with a chic blouse or a solid, long dress in white or a jewel tone. Remember, confidence is key, so wear what makes you feel fabulous and ready to savor a delightful evening.
Embrace your inner fashionista and rock your resort wardrobe with confidence, laughter, and a touch of eccentricity. Be sure to check back to my ModeSens closet page. I will be sharing my favorite swimsuits in my next blog.
