Resort Wear: The Art of Looking Good on Vacation

Every year I ask myself the same question when packing my suitcase: What do I wear when I'm neither in the office nor at home, but somewhere in between – by the pool, at dinner by the harbor, or at a market in a foreign city? For me, resort wear is precisely that: clothing for this in-between state. And it deserves more attention than it usually gets.

Far too often, vacation fashion is mistaken for sloppiness. But the opposite is true. The best resort looks appear effortless because they are well thought out.

What Resort Wear Really Means

Resort wear isn't a specific garment, but an attitude. It describes everything that works between the beach and dinner, without needing to change in between. Light fabrics, clean cuts, colors that can handle southern sunlight, and enough substance to impress in the evening.

The Three Pillars of Good Vacation Clothing

Material. Natural fibers are not a matter of style on vacation, but a necessity. Linen, light cotton, and silk blends breathe with the skin and age elegantly in folds rather than looking creased.

Silhouette. Flowing cuts that allow freedom of movement without appearing shapeless. A well-cut dress doesn't need a defined waist to show off its figure.

Versatility. Every piece should live at least two lives. As a beach dress over a bikini and, with the right accessories, as an evening outfit.

My Recommendations for the Capsule Wardrobe

For years, I've packed according to the same principle: few but uncompromising pieces. At our store, we carry several labels designed precisely for this. For example, Odeeh, whose minimalist, architectural cuts I particularly love for warm climates. The brand's skirts and blouses never look like vacation costumes, but rather like a consistent continuation of one's own style, only lighter.

The Dress as a Fixed Point

A dress in linen or light viscose is the backbone of every travel wardrobe for me. During the day with flat sandals and a straw hat, in the evening with gold jewelry: the same look, two completely different appearances.

Wide Trousers Instead of Shorts

In my experience, light, wide-leg trousers or Bermudas are a smarter choice than classic shorts. They protect from the sun, still look elegant at sunset, and can be combined with a simple linen shirt or a bandeau top.

Styling Tips I Follow Myself

A color palette, not a color explosion. On vacation, I limit myself to two or three tones that can be combined in any way – usually sand, white, and a strong accent like cognac or a deep blue. This way, every piece works with every other, and packing becomes a formality.

Jewelry makes the difference. Especially with minimalist clothing, the right jewelry carries the entire effect. A pair of good gold hoops and a striking necklace transform a simple linen dress into an evening-appropriate look.

The bag thinks along. A structured basket bag for the day, a small handbag for the evening. Both should be packed, and both should match the rest of the wardrobe instead of standing out on their own.

Shoes as transitional pieces. Flat sandals for the day, something elevated for the evening, and closed, comfortable shoes for excursions. That's all you need if the selection is right.

What You Should Really Pay Attention to in Resort Wear

When investing in resort wear, you shouldn't ask about the season, but about the craftsmanship. A well-made dress will last you for years, while cheap synthetic goods will look like they've been through two vacations after just one.

Pay attention to:

• Fabric quality over trendy colors – a timeless sand tone in good linen trumps any fleeting fashion color of inferior quality.
• The finishing of seams, especially on straps and button plackets, which are subjected to more stress on vacation than in everyday life.
• Cuts that also work at home – the best resort pieces don't disappear into the closet after vacation, but become part of your regular wardrobe.

In our store, we provide very specific advice on this point: Which piece will truly last for several summers, and which is only intended for a single trip? This distinction is worthwhile for both your wallet and your wardrobe.

Patricia Wirschke

Resort Wear for Men

I am often asked why men so much more often miss the mark on vacation than women. My answer is always the same: because too many believe that vacation automatically means functional clothing. A short-sleeved functional shirt may be practical, but it has nothing to do with style. In men's fashion too, reduction trumps comfort at the expense of form.

The Linen Shirt as a Foundation

For years, my most important travel item has been a light shirt with a relaxed but clean fit – not too wide, not tailored. Open over a T-shirt during the day, buttoned up with rolled-up sleeves for dinner. If you own a good shirt, you really don't need more than two or three of them for a week's vacation.

The Right Trousers

Between Bermudas and long fabric trousers, there's a zone that is too rarely explored: light, half-length or loose-fitting long trousers made of linen or light cotton. They appear significantly more mature in the evening than any shorts, without becoming uncomfortable in midsummer. When advising men, I generally recommend investing in really well-fitting trousers. They elevate almost any look.

Knitwear, Even in Summer

A light polo or a thin sweater made of cotton or a linen blend is my personal insider tip for mild evenings by the sea. It looks more elegant than a T-shirt, without the stiffness of a button-down, and can be draped over the shoulders when the sun sets.

Shoes and Accessories with Substance

Loafers made of soft leather are, for me, the only correct choice between a swimming shoe and a leather shoe. Add a simple watch with a leather strap instead of stainless steel, and sunglasses that still impress on a second glance. On vacation, style often shows itself in what you omit.

My Three Principles for the Male Suitcase

• Natural fibers instead of functional fabric – linen and cotton regulate temperature better than any technical fiber promises, and look better doing it.
• One color scheme for the entire trip – sand, white, navy, and a muted green can be combined in any way and make every piece versatile.
• Rather three excellent pieces than seven mediocre ones – this applies to shirts as much as to shoes.

Timeless Elegance Instead of Vacation Trend

Trends come and go, even in resort wear. What matters in the end is not whether you followed every trend, but whether you felt comfortable in your clothes. The most beautiful vacation photos I know rarely show the most elaborate outfit. They show people who visibly felt at home in what they were wearing.

For me, that is the true luxury of resort wear: not to stand out, but to arrive.

Clemens Wirschke

For questions about the right vacation wardrobe – for her and for him – we would be happy to advise you personally at our store in Düsseldorf.