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As an event planner, one of the most valuable—and often underestimated—tools I recommend for any gathering is a clearly defined dress code. A dress code becomes especially important when you’re bringing together a mix of people who may not know each other well. While it might seem like a small logistical detail, it has an outsized impact on how an event feels from the moment guests arrive.

A dress code does more than dictate what people wear—it sets the tone, establishes expectations, and quietly removes a layer of social uncertainty. When guests know how to show up, they spend less time second-guessing themselves and more time engaging with the experience. It creates an immediate sense of cohesion, where no one feels underdressed, overdressed, or out of place. That sense of being “in sync” with the room is what allows people to relax, connect, and enjoy themselves more naturally.

For pool parties in particular, I’ve noticed a really interesting evolution in style over the past few years. The aesthetic is shifting away from anything that feels overly casual or thrown together, and from styles that feel overly revealing for the sake of it. Instead, we’re seeing a return to what I like to call modest chic—a more refined, intentional approach to poolside dressing that prioritizes design, texture, and silhouette over exposure.

This shift is less about covering up and more about styling with purpose. Guests like pieces that feel curated—items that could just as easily belong at a resort lunch or a rooftop gathering as at the pool. The result is an environment that feels elevated, visually cohesive, and a bit more memorable.

One of my favorite ways to guide guests into this mindset is by reframing how they think about swimwear. Instead of choosing purely functional items, I encourage them to select pieces that feel like deliberate style decisions. A one-piece swimsuit is a perfect example. In the right design, it can feel incredibly modern and fashion-forward—sometimes even more so than a bikini.

Details make all the difference here: a sculptural neckline, unexpected cut-outs, asymmetrical straps, textured fabric, or a striking, uncommon color palette. When a swimsuit feels chosen for its design rather than its level of coverage, it immediately reads as intentional. It tells a story. It becomes part of an outfit rather than just the base layer.

From there, everything else builds on that foundation. Poolside style works best when it feels cohesive rather than pieced together at the last minute. That’s why I often suggest thinking in terms of full looks instead of individual items.

Here are a few styling directions I commonly share with guests to help bring that vision together:

• Statement one-piece swimsuits — Pieces with ruffles, asymmetry, cut-outs, or architectural lines that create visual interest and feel elevated. These act as the anchor of the entire look.
• Elevated cover-ups — Think sheer maxi dresses, tailored linen sets, or lightweight button-downs worn open. The goal is something that feels like a natural extension of the outfit, not just something to throw on between dips in the pool.
• Polished footwear — replacing basic flip-flops with elegant sandals, espadrilles, or minimalist slides — instantly refines the overall look and makes the outfit feel more intentional.
• Thoughtful accessories — Oversized sunglasses, a structured tote or woven bag, and simple jewelry (like gold hoops or a delicate chain) can elevate even the simplest swimwear without overwhelming it.
• A cohesive color story — Encouraging guests to stick within a palette—whether it’s neutrals, soft pastels, or bold monochromes—can subtly unify the group and make the event feel more visually curated.

What’s important is that none of this is about strict rules or limiting personal expression. In fact, it’s the opposite. A well-defined dress code provides a framework for people to express their style more confidently. It removes the guesswork and replaces it with clarity.

From a host’s perspective, this also shifts the event’s overall energy. When guests arrive aligned with the same general aesthetic, the environment feels more intentional, more immersive, and often more elevated—without requiring significantly more effort or expense.

By: Nikita Khandheria