Tropical Clothing Mini Guide

Time-out, relish your status on this island as tourists, some tropical clothing ideas- what to wear and where. Not that you need these, but I hope this helps you to pack faster and feel a little more comfortable on some occasions.

If there are some items listed here that you don’t own, you can check out a quick guide to boutiques in Barbados for your tropical clothing wear(coming to life-n-styles-barbados.com soon!).

Theme: At Leisure/Play

Wear: Stylishly Casual

Men & Women

Shorts: Baggies, Cargo shorts

Women : Capris, Bermuda shorts and short shorts

Long Pants: jeans, casual slacks, cargo pants, light linen/cotton draw-string pants

Hats: Straw hats, caps and visors

Shoes: slippers, sandals, sneakers

Men: driving mocs/heaths Women: band slides

Shirts: button front, plain and print shirts and t-shirts

Women: baby ts and flirty tops

Dresses: Short and long patterned or plain sun dresses – spaghetti straps, short sleeved or strapless with flared and straight bottoms.

Skirts: short and long, straight-line or flared skirts, wrap skirts

Swim wear:

men: swim trunks, and baggies

Women:bathing suit/bikini, with a solid or share wrap

The Classic …. Pick the clothes to suit your mood and your adventure.

These sure fired items are likely to suit any of your day time leisure activities

Where? On the golf course, on an island tour, your trip to the beach, shopping, out to lunch.

Theme: On Business

Wear: Casual & Traditional Business

Men

Polo shirt and slacks

Button-up dress shirt, slacks and a tie Three-piece suite- shirt, tie, slacks and jacket

Enclosed shoes- sneakers or dress shoes (depending on the look)

Women

Blouse with slacks (sometimes with jacket)

Blouse with skirt -pencil skirt, full shirt or flared (sometimes with jacket)

Professional short and long, a-line, full and pleated dresses

Enclosed shoes- round or pointed toe pumps and sling backs

The Classic…a stylish uniformed look is a great go getter.

Barbados is a warm island but business dress is standard. So leave out the tropical clothing. Most offices, business places and conference centres are air conditioned. Of course, dress to impress… convey your credibility and seriousness.

Where? To the bank, business meetings, business conferences

Theme: Evening Out

Wear: tastefully elegant- elegantly casual

The look for Women

Jeans: perfect fit, straight leg and skinny jeans Glamorous blouse: silk kimono, flowing tube top, ruffle top, or low cut V neck halter

Dresses: Short little black dress and long spaghetti strap, body hugging or flared, print or floral dress

Shoes: strapped heels and sling pumps

Alternate your evening look with a pair of dress pants, a ruffle skirt and a fashionable top

The Classic… a little black, white or red dress

The look for men

Pants: dress/ casual slacks and jeans- relaxed fit black, white or blue jeans

Shirts: body hugging long sleeve knitted shirts, long and short sleeved button front casual and dress shirts

Shoes: enclosed shoes and sandals

Where? Local outdoor lime/ bar, nightclub and fine dining restaurant

The classic… casual slacks and button front shirt with enclosed dress shoes


Ultimately, the design colours and styles take your preference. This tropical clothing mini list is a basic “safe” dressing guide. Add the flare that so rightly reflects your individual taste. Apply 3 tips for surviving the heat and you are all set.