Pool Party Attire: How To Dress This Summer

Ah, the summer pool party. It’s not only the culmination of all the new warm weather—it’s one of the best times of the year to kick back and relax. If you know how to dress for the occasion, that is.

We know what you’re thinking. “Dress? For a pool party? That sounds like a pool party fancier than anyone I’ve ever been to.” But we’re not talking about dressing up. We’re talking about dressing well. And if the only thing you had in mind for dressing up for a pool party was a pair of swim trunks, then we hate to tell you this: you’re going to get water everywhere. There’s a better way to dress for the summer pool party. Here are a few of our favorite tips:

• Buy a pair of reversible shorts. Especially if you don’t know just how fancy a shindig this particular pool party is going to be. Reversible shorts like the ones we offer at Vintage are fun and party-appropriate—or they can be a little “dressier” in case you need to head indoors for something a little more formal. Either way, you might do a lot of changing at a pool party so it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan that you can wear. It saves a lot of packing space, after all.

• Have some fun with patterns. Think plaids, stars, and madras. Each of these patterns is bright and colorful—perfectly appropriate for the summer pool party—and will pair well with a plain monochromatic shirt up top. And don’t be afraid to experiment. You might not have seen Vintage Patch in Charleston Brick before, and that’s a good thing. You’ll stand out from the crowd while still looking pool-wear appropriate.

• Pack your suit separately. It’s tempting to want to show up in a pair of swimming trunks and call it a day. But if you’re attending a pool party, you’re going to have to realize you’re walking around someone else’s property. If you’re going to be expected to sit down somewhere indoors, a wet pair of swimming trunks will mean you’re going to have a rough go of it. It’s far better to arrive prepared—all you have to do is ask the host about a feasible place to change and you’ll be ready to go.

• Don’t wear pants. Hey, we like a good pair of well-tailored trousers as much as the next person. But that doesn’t mean pants are ever going to look good at a pool party. Sure, you’ll see someone trying to pull it off—but it’s not a particularly fun look. Pool parties are about cutting loose and enjoying the weather! So don’t wear pants unless you absolutely had no way to change before heading to the pool party—and then, once there, be sure that you do change into something more appropriate as soon as possible.

It doesn’t take much to look good at a pool party. But it does take a few moments to consider what you’ll wear. Spend those moments well and you’ll be ready to cut loose, kick back, and enjoy.