What I always bring with me when we visit
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We love our trips to America’s Resort – and for good reason. It’s beautiful, full of history, and there is so much you can do while you’re there. Check out this post for more ideas.
While we were there this past weekend, I received a few requests from y’all on Instagram for a post on what to wear while visiting the Greenbrier and similar resorts, so I thought I’d share a few tips today.
I always try to pack with the atmosphere and events (what we’re doing) in mind. Since the Greenbrier has the most fabulous atmosphere (bold and colorful prints and patterns), the clothes I bring are often florals, bright patterned scarves, and fun pumps (these are on sale and perfect for dinner before the casino with a little black dress or chic black trousers and a cream or colorful blouse).
I highly recommend looking up the dress code or calling the hotel or resort if you have any questions. The Greenbrier posts theirs online.
Of course, the weather is a big factor – even if you’re not planning on leaving the resort. If you plan to wear a sleeveless dress in the winter, pack a cashmere wrap to wear around your shoulders – especially if you’re staying in a historic hotel or resort, which always seem to harbor drafts. Here are three options for great cashmere wraps: high, medium, low. My mom always reminds me that if it’s raining, you just can’t pull off a sunny Lilly sundress – unless you’re on Worth – the way you’d like to. It’s a good rule to live by.
Something for dinner. I almost always rely on dresses, pumps, hosiery (my go-to’s), and a small clutch that will hold my lipstick, phone, and room key for dinner.
An outfit for the casino. If you’re staying at The Greenbrier or a resort that has a casino, make sure you pack an outfit that’s comfortable yet has a little glam to it. I’ll often wear a fun dress or the same outfit I wore to dinner with pumps that might be an inch or two higher. A fabulous blouse and pair of nice trousers is always a chic look.
Something for tea. Most resorts and hotels transition out of day wear (jeans) around this time. A skirt or a pair of leggings and a chunky sweater are perfect transition pieces during this time. You can certainly still wear jeans, just make sure that they are darker jeans and your top is a blouse or something that elevates the look a bit.
Working out. Bringing a sweater, nice looking sweatshirt, or light jacket to wear over your workout clothes is a good habit to get into, especially since you never know what rooms you’ll have to walk through in order to get to the fitness center. We either work out in the morning or late afternoon and I can’t tell you how many resort bars I’ve had to walk through in yoga pants during happy hour. A chunky but nice looking sweatshirt is a good item to pack. I love Tory Burch’s Tory Sport line. Their chevron leggings are practical and look pulled together.
Playing tennis or golf. While it’s not required that you wear white at most resorts these days, it’s important to double check. At the very least, many resorts (like The Greenbrier) request that you play only in white-soled tennis shoes to help them maintain the courts.
Something for the spa. You’ll want to be comfortable, but (again) think about the rooms you may walk through to get to the spa. I love nice joggers or leggings, another chunky sweater, and slides for a jaunt to the spa. I usually bring a tote with a swimsuit as well to enjoy the sauna and steam room while I’m there.
Outfits to bop around in. Loafers, dark skinny jeans, and an Oxford with a sweater is my go-to outfit for bopping around the resort or around town. My second favorite is a long white button-down or blouse, leggings, and a scarf. Make sure that your outfit is comfortable and pulled together. The rule of threes is a good one to follow: outfits look more together when there are three pieces to them.
Outfits for tea or lunch. This tweed number would be perfect for lunch at Draper’s followed by afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is a wonderful part of The Greenbrier’s hospitality and not one to miss. Be sure to allow time into your schedule to change as resort wear normally kicks up a notch beginning at 5:00pm and jeans are not usually permitted.
