How I Choose My Clothes at a Resort Hotel

I’ll be honest—packing for a resort hotel used to do my head in more than it should. I’d either bring way too much or find myself wishing I’d packed something I left at home. But over the years, I’ve figured out a system that works for me, and now choosing what to wear at a resort feels almost effortless.

The first thing I do when I arrive is take stock of what I’ve actually got with me. I lay everything out on the bed—swimmers, cover-ups, dinner outfits, casual daywear. It sounds simple, but seeing it all at once helps me plan without overthinking. I used to just chuck things in my suitcase and hope for the best, but that visual check-in makes a huge difference.

Then I think about my day. Am I spending the morning by the pool? I’ll grab a pair of swimmers I feel comfortable in, usually ones that aren’t too fussy, and a cover-up that can double as a casual dress if I decide to grab lunch at the beachside café. I’ve learned that versatility is everything at a resort. The fewer outfit changes I need to make, the better.

Keeping it comfortable during the day

For daytime, I lean heavily on light, breathable fabrics. Linen shorts, cotton dresses, anything that won’t make me feel like I’m melting in the heat. I also pay attention to colours—lighter shades reflect the sun, and honestly, they just look better in those bright, tropical settings. I’ll throw on thongs that are easy to slip on and off, because I’m constantly going from the pool to the lobby to the beach and back again.

One thing I’ve started doing is checking the weather forecast for the entire stay, not just the day I arrive. If there’s a chance of rain or cooler evenings, I’ll make sure I have a light cardi or a breathable long-sleeve shirt. I got caught without one once during an unexpectedly breezy evening, and I spent the whole dinner wishing I’d planned better.

I also think about activities. If I’ve booked a snorkelling trip or a bushwalk, I’ll set aside specific clothes for that—quick-dry shorts, a rash guard, sturdy sandals. I keep those separate in my mind so I’m not scrambling the morning of. Same goes for the gym if I’m planning to use it. I’ll pack a couple of workout outfits and make sure they’re easy to find.

Finding the right balance for evening

When it comes to evening wear, I like to strike a balance between looking put-together and still feeling relaxed. A nice sundress or a linen button-up with chinos usually does the trick. I check if the resort has a dress code for dinner—some places are more formal than others—but most of the time, resort casual is the go. I’ll add a pair of nicer sandals or espadrilles, maybe a simple necklace or bracelet, and that’s it. I’m not trying to impress anyone; I just want to feel good.

Throughout my stay, I pay attention to what I’m actually wearing versus what’s just sitting in my suitcase. If something hasn’t been touched by day three, I know I probably won’t wear it. That’s taught me heaps about what I really need for future trips. I used to pack “just in case” outfits that never saw the light of day, and now I’m much more selective.

Laundry is another factor. Some resorts offer laundry services, and if I’m staying for more than a few days, I’ll use it. That way, I can pack lighter and rewear my favourite pieces without feeling like I’m stuck in the same outfit. If laundry isn’t available, I’ll hand-wash smaller items like swimmers and undies in the sink. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

At the end of the day, I’ve realised that choosing what to wear at a resort isn’t about having the perfect wardrobe. It’s about being practical, staying comfortable, and giving myself permission to keep things simple. I’m there to relax, and my clothes should help me do that, not add to my stress. Once I embraced that mindset, everything else fell into place.