3 Ways to Style Your Monokini for a Resort Dinner

Wearing swimwear beyond the beach is the ultimate travel hack. The modern monokini transitions effortlessly from day to night when you know how to style it right. Wondering how to reimagine your swimsuit as elegant resort wear? Discover three dazzling ways to wear your monokini at your next resort dinner.

Why Choose a Monokini for Resort Dinners?

Monokinis are no longer reserved for pool lounging. Today, they’re the cornerstone of monokini resort wear, blending chic design with vacation-ready comfort. Their sleek lines and bold silhouettes lend themselves to versatile styling, especially for evenings where relaxed glamour shines. The trick lies in layering, accessorizing, and elevating your swimsuit into a statement dinner look.

Here’s how to get the most from your monokini, turning it into a confident, elegant outfit you’ll love to wear as the sun goes down.

1. Effortless Chic: Pair With Wide-Leg Trousers

Wide-leg trousers and monokinis combine for instant sophistication. This dynamic duo is perfect for creating a breezy, elongating silhouette—ideal for dinner by the sea.

• Choose high-waisted trousers: High-rise pants elongate your frame and perfectly accentuate the cut of your monokini. Opt for floaty linens, silky blends, or structured crepes to match the resort’s mood.
• Select neutral or coordinated colors: Pick trousers in classic whites or rich earth tones for versatility. Alternatively, go bold with a complimentary pop of color to let your monokini shine.
• Layer with intent: Tuck your monokini into the waistband, smoothing out any lines. If your monokini features interesting cutouts or hardware, let those details peek above the pants for visual intrigue, like the Jet Monokini.
• Balance with a lightweight wrap or kimono: For breezy evenings, slip on an airy jacket. Fabrics like sheer chiffon or lace add dimension while keeping you comfortable if the night air cools. You can find versatile layering options in the Tube Dresses collection or by styling a piece from the Sarongs range.

This effortless combination allows you to embrace monokini resort wear that’s stylish yet unfussy. You’ll feel ready for sunset cocktails while enjoying the practical comfort of a beach-to-dinner look.

2. The Bodysuit Upgrade: Wear Monokini as a Bodysuit

One of the most versatile tricks for stylish vacationers is to wear a monokini as bodysuit. This approach lets you show off your swimwear’s best features while seamlessly integrating into an after-dark outfit.

• Pair with tailored skirts: A high-waist midi skirt—whether pencil, wrap, or A-line—turns your monokini into a sophisticated top. Play with textures: think satin for extra glam or a crisp cotton for understated charm.
• Slip under structured blazers: To elevate your look, throw a slightly oversized blazer over your monokini. This works beautifully in monochromatic or color-blocked ensembles.
• Layer on statement jewelry: Add a bold necklace or chandelier earrings, contrasting or echoing your monokini’s colors. Aim for pieces that won’t compete, but complement the swimwear’s neckline and material.
• Experiment with shorts: For resort spots with a relaxed dress code, style your monokini with smart, high-rise shorts and heeled sandals.

This method is perfect for travelers who appreciate packing light but want maximum versatility. Wearing your monokini as a bodysuit lets you go from beach to dinner table in minutes without a complete outfit overhaul.

3. Accessorize for Evening: Belts, Shoes, and Accents

Elevating your monokini resort wear hinges on smart details. Evening dinners often call for added structure and polish, and the right accessories can transform your swimwear into head-turning evening attire.

Add a Statement Belt

Cinching the waist instantly creates shape and visual interest. A wide, decorative belt not only defines your silhouette but also breaks up the swimwear-to-bottom transition.

• Chunky metallic belts: Ideal for modern, graphic monokinis.
• Wrapped fabric sashes: Perfect for adding color or a bohemian feel.
• Leather or braided belts: Great for grounding lighter, airier outfits.

Be sure to choose a belt that sits at your natural waist, and is comfortable whether you’re sitting or standing.

Choose Footwear for the Occasion

Selecting the right shoes ties your look together and signals that you’re dressed for dinner—not just the pool.

• Strappy heeled sandals: Instantly elevate your look; metallic or nude hues add elegance without distraction.
• Platform espadrilles: Offer laid-back sophistication, ideal for outdoor dining.
• Polished flats or slides: For ultimate comfort, pick embellished or bejeweled options with a sleek finish.

Avoid rubber flip-flops or overly casual styles—these can detract from your refined evening look.

Layer On Resort-Ready Accents

Accessories transform the vibe of your outfit and prepare you for a range of resort dinner settings.

• Lightweight shawls or wraps: Perfect for transitioning from sunny afternoons to breezy evenings. Look for fringe or print details that complement your monokini.
• Structured bags: Choose a small clutch or a woven crossbody to complete your look without bulk.
• Statement earrings or cuffs: Highlight sun-kissed skin and add sparkle. Shells, metalwork, or gemstone pieces all play well with monokini resort wear.

Keep your overall look balanced. If your monokini features bold prints or embellishments, scale back accessories; for simpler swimwear, feel free to add more drama with jewelry and wraps.

Tips for Choosing Evening-Appropriate Monokini Resort Wear

Not all monokinis transition equally well to nighttime settings, so keep these pointers in mind:

• Opt for quality materials: Look for luxe fabrics with good stretch and coverage that feels substantial enough for dinner settings.
• Consider coverage and comfort: Ensure you feel confident, with enough support and the right amount of skin exposure for your desired level of sophistication.
• Check the dress code: Some resorts may have specific guidelines for restaurant attire. When in doubt, err on the side of chic formality.

Monokinis designed with elegant necklines, interesting back details, or subtle metallic threads work especially well as part of evening ensembles.

Inspiration: Mixing and Matching Monokini Resort Wear Elements

The best part of styling monokini resort wear for dinner is the ability to mix and match. Lean into personal style—minimalist, boho, or glamorous—by combining layers and accessories that express your look.

• Minimalist: Pair a black or white monokini with wide-leg slacks, a simple gold cuff, and heeled mules.
• Boho: Opt for a printed monokini, linen trousers, a crocheted belt, shell earrings, and woven slides.
• Glam: Wear a metallic monokini as bodysuit beneath a silky skirt, crystal drop earrings, and strappy heels.

Rotate your combinations throughout your trip for fresh looks—without overpacking.

Packing Wisely: Quick Tips for Travel

Making the most of your monokini resort wear comes down to choosing versatile, high-quality pieces that layer beautifully and stay comfortable.

• Stick with a cohesive palette: Neutral tones or complementary color families make mixing and matching easier.
• Bring lightweight layers: Kimonos, shawls, and wraps pack small but add major style mileage.
• Select two or three monokinis: Choose designs you love and that flatter different outfit combinations.
• Include versatile bottoms: Wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, and structured shorts give you endless pairing options. (Read this guide on how to style a swimsuit as a bodysuit from an independent stylist for outfit ideas.)
• Watch this styling guide for visual inspiration on transforming your swimsuit into a full vacation look.

If you wear your monokini as a bodysuit, be sure to rinse and dry well between uses to maintain freshness and fit.

Conclusion

Resort dinners are the perfect setting to showcase your monokini’s style potential beyond the pool. By pairing it with wide-leg trousers, wearing your monokini as a bodysuit, and elevating with standout accessories, you’ll enjoy chic, fuss-free evenings all vacation long. Embrace these tips to make your monokini resort wear work for every sunset dinner and soirée.