hdm

We've been to Fort Lauderdale several times, but always in the spring or fall. This time we'll be there between Christmas and New Years. Can you tell me what kind of clothes I'll need for a mostly casual vacation? I'm not so concerned about the weather but I don't want to look ridiculous in summer clothes if everyone else is wearing Florida 'winter' clothes.

Also, we will be going out with friends one night to their club and they 'dress for dinner'. Our idea of dressing for dinner is taking a shower and putting on clean clothes before we go out. What do you think we're expected to wear?

egret

Florida tends to be a casual, laid back place. There really is no right or wrong as long as the outfit is tasteful. People wear white well after Labor Day and sandals anytime. It may be a little cool at this time and so I'd bring some long sleeved shirts and covered shoes, but also bring short sleeves and sandals in case the weather is nice.
Florida really doesn't have too much in the way of "seasons" and so seasonal outfits are worn, but definatly not necessary.

Ackislander

This will no doubt provoke a deluge, but, knowing that your mileage may vary:

"dress for dinner", at least on the West Coast was, for men, either a fancy Hawaiian shirt, worn out over nice trousers (linen, linen blend, cotton) or a colorful blazer over a polo shirt and the same kind of trousers. For women, sundress with shawl or fancy sweater, cute skirt and top (define that as you will), sandals. In nice places, seldom or never shorts at night but rarely ties either. In chain or family restaurants, anything goes and a real gentleman is considered someone who wears his baseball cap with the bill in front.

starrsville

Florida = tropical colors all year

PS - You can ALWAYS tell the Florida (and Hawaii) folks at national meetings. Turquoise, pinks, white, etc. are packed AND PROUDLY WORN no matter the season elsewhere! I think it's a badge of honor

keymom

If I were invited to "the club" for dinner, then my husband would wear a jacket and nice shirt but probably not a tie. I would wear a skirt or dressy pants. But for the best answer, ask your host/hostess if a jacket is suggested for gentlemen- that will set the tone! In winter, people seem to wear more winter-like colors for dinner (black is okay all year) but I think that Florida is generally more "colorful" than elsewhere. Given that this is during the holiday season, it may be a tad bit dressier.

wow

Bring a really nice wrap( I like black but I cld see turquoise/aqua + turquoise/aqua top...or some other color that you love....& very nice silk or linen pants) & wear it w/ everything if it is chilly! Last year in West Palm during New Years week I wore a wrap that was trimmed in fur( not real fur....) & I wore it everywhere @ night. For the "club dinner" I wld go with dressy pants, maybe a "little jacket" & cami plus the wrap! For everyday dinners, you can't go wrong w/ black capris( longish ones) & little white cotton shirts( w/ black cami showing under)( or black w/ white under)...& the wrap. Also bring a good tailored jacket to wear w/pants. It gets chilly @ night & in the resturants. And,a really great lightweight silk sweater to toss over your shoulders. There! You're all set! Oh! And, about 7 swimsuits for around the pool!

FLmom

LOL Ackislander- perfect description and advice.

hdm

Thank you all very much for the good advice. My husband had some very nice summer-weight sports jackets and I think I'll take either a sundress with some sort of wrap or jacket or some dressy linen pants and a silk or linen shirt or jacket. You've given me a good 'picture'!