Bermuda: What to Wear

Even though Bermuda isn’t in the Caribbean, many people traveling here seem to lump it in with laissez-faire St. Barth’s, laid-back Jamaica, or some other place where it doesn’t matter what you wear, as long as you are (mostly) clothed. Wrong! There are distinct dress codes on the island, so please don’t embarrass your fellow Americans by wearing a cut-off Giants tank top – anywhere.

Some principle tenets: 1) T-shirts are for children/teenagers. 2) Golf/polo shirts are for sports, the beach or lunch at someplace sporty. 3) Denim is not allowed in many restaurants and clubs in Bermuda. 4) A “casual dinner” means a pretty top and capri pants for women, a button-down shirt and Bermuda shorts for men. 5) Anything other than “casual” means a dress/sports coat. 6) Color, color, and more color. 7) Prints, especially sea-creature prints. 8 Black = winter. 9) Gold jewelry, preferably real. 10) Expensive sunglasses, handbags and shoes are under-appreciated, impractical and therefore unnecessary. 11) Shorts are always appropriate for men in every social situation, no matter how formal.

Alas, Bermuda’s dress code is anything but laissez-faire, but here’s a survival guide, after the jump.

Look #1: “Casual” Dinner

We learned this lesson the hard way: Unlike in the Hamptons, Nantucket etc., polo shirts are only for daytime, even at someplace “really casual.” Polo shirts imply that some sporting activity has just been completed or is about to be attempted. Presumably you have showered and changed out of your sports clothes by dinnertime or before a ladies’ lunch. Note: flats are key if you’re riding a scooter.

Clockwise from top left: Roberta Roller Rabbit Classic Kurta ($70), Michael Kors Santorini bag ($368), Ann Taylor Lindsay Twill Cotton Capris ($29 on sale), Miss Trish of Capri for Target Lion Sandals ($29.99).

Look #2: Par for the Course

There’s still a dearth of good golf clothing for women, so you might as well wear Lilly. Pair colorful shorts with a sleeveless top, and definitely don’t forget a hat or visor. Note that golf dress codes are strict here – make sure the hem of your shorts is just above the knee.

Clockwise from top left: Lole Fresh Polo ($22.17 on sale), Vineyard Vines Whale Tag Hat ($20), Tan Thru Golf Glove ($12), Lilly Pulitzer Resort Bermuda Short ($118).

Look #3: Dressy Dinner

At anyplace not considered “really casual,” you have to dress for dinner. Don’t bother putting a lot of thought into your handbag; no one will notice it. But they will notice your jewelry – Bermuda has been a mecca for gold jewelry since it became a tourist destination in the ’30s. Whimsical prints are always appreciated.

Tbags Turquoise Jersey Twist Strap Dress ($115 on Bluefly), Kara Ross Organic Oval Earrings ($120), Hollywould Cuioi Naomi Sandal ($341 on sale), CC Skye Braided Knot Mesh Cuff ($95).

Look #4: Bermuda Men’s Essentials

The look for men in Bermuda is often the hardest thing for Americans to wrap their minds around. They wear shorts…with kneesocks?! Yes, but you don’t have to do this as a tourist. Just make sure you bring items from these four essential categories: blazer, golf shirt, scooter-friendly driving loafers, and Bermuda shorts. (Also, button-downs, but you already knew that.) If you don’t feel like springing for a bright colored sports coat (great for weddings!), a navy blazer is fine.

Clockwise from top left: J. Press Red Chambray Blazer ($346.50 on sale), Under Armour Groove Polo ($64.99), Johnston & Murphy Yelton Venetian Loafer ($150), Brooks Brothers Irish Linen Shorts ($41.70 on sale).