Always Check Your Resort's Dress Code When Packing For Your Trip. Here's Why

Imagine this: you're walking to a restaurant at a stunning resort. After an active afternoon on the beach, you're looking forward to a relaxing dinner. Clad in a T-shirt, exercise shorts, and flip flops, you can't wait to indulge in the resort's celebrated seafood. Yet, as you approach the restaurant, something feels off. All around you, guests are decked out in collared shirts, khakis, and dresses. "Did I miss something?" you ask yourself. As it turns out, the restaurant has strict wardrobe requirements. Lesson learned: always check the resort's dress code when packing!

It's true; many resorts have very particular guidelines about what travelers should and shouldn't wear. The Greenbrier, a luxury resort in West Virginia, specifies appropriate attire on its website. Through the dress code, guests (including children over 10 years old) will be able to embody The Greenbrier's renowned sophistication. While items like baseball hats and tank tops are listed as no-go's, some of the standards sound quite vague. The dress code includes "casual" and "formal" attire without providing much detail. So, what should you actually wear? Let's unpack typical wardrobe standards at resorts.

If a resort vacation is in your future, it's important to be prepared with proper clothing. "Resort casual," "resort formal," and "resort elegant" are common terms used to describe dress codes, especially for restaurants. Unsurprisingly, "resort casual" attire is the least formal of this trio. But that doesn't mean you should opt for sweatpants. When dining out and partaking in on-site activities, select classic garments like polo shirts, capris or Bermuda shorts, sundresses, rompers, tennis shoes, and sandals (some resorts do allow flip flops).

"Resort elegant" attire is a tad more dressy than "resort casual" clothing. The former category consists of collared shirts, nice pants like khakis, dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, and stylish shoes. In general, you'll want to ditch your shorts and sneakers. "Resort formal" attire, on the other hand, includes button-down shirts, cocktail dresses, full-length gowns, pantsuits, and dress shoes. Think cocktail party.

While these types of clothes are what's typically expected with resort dress codes, standards may differ from one establishment to another. To confirm you're bringing appropriate clothing, reach out to the resort and ask any questions you may have about certain garments. A wardrobe snafu is the last thing you need on your dreamy getaway.