Standing in the grand corridor at ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram , it is easy to understand why luxury getaways feel so special. The property is huge, with beautiful sandstone architecture, long marble walkways and grand staircases at every turn. It is the kind of place that instantly makes you want to dress up and look your best.
For years, we have somehow believed that dressing up for a luxury setting means wearing heels, fitted clothes and outfits that look great but are not always the most comfortable. But does looking stylish really have to mean being uncomfortable? On a recent full-day visit that included travelling in the morning, walking around the property, attending business presentations and ending the day with drinks, I decided to break that rule. Instead of jeans and heels, I chose high-waisted, wide-leg beige linen trousers paired with soft flats. The verdict? Traditional denim, tight dresses and heels completely fail the real-world luxury test. Even with golf carts available, there is still plenty of walking through the property, from the marble corridors to the open courtyards. If I had worn stiff denim, sitting through long lunches and back-to-back presentations would have been uncomfortable. And heels would have made all that walking across the marble floors much harder. My wide-leg trousers were comfortable for the drive to the property and stayed just as comfortable through the evening drinks. Dressing comfortably doesn’t mean you have to look underdressed. It is all about choosing the right fit, fabric and styling.
You don’t really realise how much walking a large 5-star resort involves until you spend a full day there. By the end of the day, I had clocked over 7,000 steps . I was still feeling fresh at 8 PM, just like I did when I left home at 9 AM.
But once I was there, I realised I was worrying about it more than I needed to. You can look well-dressed without wearing heels or uncomfortable clothes In fact, being comfortable made me feel more confident. I could walk around easily, sit through presentations and spend the whole day at the property without constantly thinking about my outfit. When you are physically comfortable, your body language shifts automatically. For me, that was the real lesson: you don’t need heels to look polished. A simple, well-fitted outfit that you feel comfortable in can look just as stylish
One thing I wondered before the visit was: Would I look too casual at a luxury resort if I skipped the heels and formal dress?
3. Will hotel staff treat me differently if I am not wearing heels or a formal dress?
If you want to build a comfortable, high-performance wardrobe for your next getaway, focus on these core pieces: High heels, tight dresses and rigid denim no longer hold a monopoly on upscale fashion. When you prioritise breathable fabrics and supportive footwear, you don’t just look stylish, you actually enjoy every minute of your day. Smart-casual outfits such as linen trousers, dresses, skirts, tailored separates and comfortable flats can work well for most daytime settings. For dinner, check the dress code of the specific restaurant. Resort casual usually means clothes that are relaxed but still look put together. Think linen trousers, breezy dresses, skirts, smart tops and comfortable sandals or flats. No. In ultra-luxury hospitality, service quality is driven by courtesy and guest satisfaction, not restrictive formalwear. Moreover, when you are physically comfortable, your posture naturally opens up, your stride becomes relaxed, and you project effortless confidence. Relaxed body language and graceful movement command far more genuine respect than struggling to walk across slick marble floors in painful shoes. The trick is choosing high-gauge linen, linen-cotton, or linen-viscose blends that offer weight and fluid drape while resisting harsh creasing. Additionally, stick to warm monochrome neutrals (like bone beige, oat, or cream) – the subtle tonal variations naturally soften the appearance of minor creases, keeping the outfit looking intentional and chic.
