Resort Casual?

The term "resort casual" always strikes me as funny when the question comes up about what to wear to a social event. The quick and sometimes flip answer is resort casual. Is there a resort formal? Who comes up with these terms? Resort casual is a step up from flip-flops and shorts. It implies something dressier than everyday wear but not too dressy.

One of the many reasons we love our Southern life is that we no longer have to dress for success. Best of all — no more pantyhose. When I am old, I will wear purple; right now, I will wear whatever I want. It is often purple.

Island wear is mainly determined by the weather. Cooler weather may send us to our closets for sweaters and jackets, but rarely more. Hot weather wear is another story. Rule one: less is more. It is all about comfort. I love today's easy-care, toss-in-the-washer clothes. Things don't last long at our house if they don't go in the dishwasher, the washing machine, or need ironing.

The downside of hot weather is the number of changes that a hot day may demand. The hotter it gets, the more the washing machine churns. There are many costume changes, depending on the activity — tennis, golf, beach or yard work. The washing machine fills quickly.

Like so many couples, when a social event arrives, Big Guy and I end up in one of those classic George-Gracie and Ralph-Alice conversations. Invariably, while trying to decide what to wear to a planned event, Big Guy enters the room. Then comes the question. "What should I wear?"

It is a classic no-win situation. Whatever my response, there will be a counter. I never learn, so I say, "Jacket, fresh shirt, long pants, take a tie in case."

Then his Ralph to my Alice says, "It's too hot. I bet nobody dresses up. I don't want to wear a jacket."

My Alice. "Why do you ask? Wear what you want to."

Then we get there and he asks, "Why didn't you tell me guys were wearing jackets?"

It's tougher for guys; the dress code is more rigid. It goes from shorts and polo to a full penguin tux. The girl dress code is much looser but potentially more emotional. I play the costume game if I'm unsure what to wear to an upcoming event. Flipping through my assortment of choices, I ask: will I be black and sultry, in long or short, cute and colorful, or something in between?

Like every normal warm-blooded woman, I love a man in a tux. While we usually enjoy the easy, casual look, some events call for the full tuxedo. My husband knows some things are not negotiable, so there is no discussion when a formal event is on the calendar. He'll never admit it, but there is something magical and romantic about the classic black-and-white starchiness of a tuxedo.

Resort casual? I guess I like resorting to casual. A benefit of living in Florida.