Bermuda is not your typical island escape. Yes, it’s turquoise waters and endless pink sand beaches—but it also has a distinctly polished, almost European feel. That means packing (and dressing) for Bermuda is a little different from, say, the Caribbean. Think effortless island chic: breathable fabrics, pastel colors that echo the houses and beaches, and a few elevated pieces for dinners with an ocean view.

For my birthday trip, I leaned fully into a stripe mood—soft yellow, blush pink, and pale blue pastels that felt made for this island. With Bermuda’s iconic pastel-colored homes and pink beaches, stripes in light tones just fit the vibe. I mixed them with linen, oversized hats, and chic swimwear that worked for both lazy days by the pool and boat trips on the water.

At the same time, I ended up living in crochet and knit pieces, long flowy dresses, and lots of linen. Beige, cream, and sandy tones mixed with soft pastel stripes—yellow, blush, pale blue—felt like the perfect match to Bermuda’s colors. The vibe? Relaxed but elevated.

So if you’re wondering what to wear in Bermuda or trying to put together the perfect Bermuda packing list, here’s my take on island essentials—with a side of birthday sparkle.

Crochet & Knit Pieces

Crochet is everywhere right now, and Bermuda felt like the perfect place for it. Breezy knit dresses and crochet cover-ups were modern, a little bohemian, but still chic enough for a resort dinner. My favorite piece of the trip was a crochet dress from & other stories, and it’s still available. It worked just as well with flat sandals during the day as it did dressed up in the evening.

Striped Swimwear

I was fully in a stripe mood—light yellow, soft pink, and pale blue pastels. Striped bikinis and one-pieces felt playful yet polished against the island’s pastel backdrop. They also photographed beautifully on Bermuda’s pink sand beaches. I especially love this striped bikini here, which became a repeat-wear during the trip.

Linen & Silky Clothing

Linen is my best friend on any vacation. Loose trousers, breezy dresses, and the occasional silk slip made up the core of my packing list. These pieces breathe well in the sun but still feel put together for a nice lunch or a walk through town. I wore this one from aerie pretty much every day, you can see it on the picture below.

Long Dresses

Flowy maxi dresses in beige and cream tones became my go-to in Bermuda. They were loose, comfortable, and just dramatic enough to catch the wind in all the right ways. Subtle patterns in soft tones added the perfect amount of texture and kept the looks from feeling too plain. For my birthday dinner, I wore one of my all-time favorites: the Monette Linen Dress by Reformation. I own it in several colors already, and the newest addition to my wardrobe was this one in a soft checked pattern. It felt classic, airy, and exactly right for celebrating on the island.

Sunglasses > Hats

Since I don’t really wear hats, statement sunglasses became my go-to accessory in Bermuda. Oversized frames gave that holiday glam without feeling too “done up.” For my birthday trip, I splurged on a new pair of Prada sunnies—you’ll see them in basically every photo. I went for the tortoiseshell frame, and honestly, I’ve never received so many compliments on a pair of sunnies. Definitely a piece I’ll keep wearing long after the trip.

Flats & Sandals

Bermuda isn’t about heels. Between beaches, cobblestones, and boats, flat sandals are the only shoes that really make sense. They’re comfortable, easy to pack, and stylish enough to take you from the beach to dinner.

For me, the ultimate classic will always be the Hermès Oran sandals—timeless, chic, and something you can wear season after season. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Steve Madden has a great alternative that gives off the same vibe without the splurge. I also love these [link] as another versatile option for summer travels.

Light Layers for Evenings

Even in paradise, the evenings can get breezy—especially in Bermuda. After a day of sunshine, you’ll be glad to have a light layer to throw over a dress or linen set. My favorite piece for Bermuda nights was a soft cardigan from Naadam. It’s cropped, light enough to slip into a beach bag, but still cozy when the wind picks up. A silky wrap or knit shawl also works beautifully, and adds that touch of understated chic to a dinner look.

SPF that Feels Chic

Okay, not technically fashion—but no packing list is complete without SPF, especially on an island like Bermuda where you’re outside all day. I’m very particular about sunscreen: it has to protect, feel good on the skin, and work seamlessly under makeup. My absolute favorite is ISDIN—I swear by it (You want to Fusion Water if they have it!) It doubles as skincare, doesn’t feel sticky, and gives that effortless glow rather than a heavy sunscreen layer. It’s one of those essentials that comes with me on every trip, not just Bermuda.

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