As a native Floridian, I’ve explored most of the sandy shores along the 1,350 miles of coastline, from St. Augustine down to Key West. Many out-of-towners don’t realize how much Florida beach towns vary: Each coastal community has its own aesthetic and personality. From its Gilded Age beginnings to its midcentury revival, the glamorous island of Palm Beach has always had an air of old-world sophistication mixed with modern, midcentury simplicity.

When I’m putting together my packing list for Palm Beach, I know that a bathing suit and flip-flops won’t cut it. Half the fun of a trip to Palm Beach is enjoying the island in style: shopping on Worth Avenue, sipping cocktails at The Breakers, and taking coffee breaks in cafes hidden in bougainvillea-draped alcoves. When packing for a Palm Beach vacation, channel a well-traveled, stylish grandmother — think natural, breezy fabrics, sleek yet comfortable ‘60s silhouettes, and playful pops of color. 

Palm Beach fashion is not loud or sparkly like Miami, nor is it so laid back as to call for cut-off shorts. It has a barefoot elegance to it, defined by polished and punchy pastel looks. After all, this is where the Lilly Pulitzer dress was born. Below, I’ve put together five foolproof outfit formulas that will ensure you’re dressed for any Palm Beach occasion, from a breezy shift dress to stylish wide-leg pants.

Outfit 1: Shift Dress + Ballet Flats + Woven Bag

Kenneth Cole Sleeveless Open Back Shift Dress

Patricia Green Palm Beach Scalloped Flat

Lucky Brand Zati Jute Small Tote

As the story goes, the original Lilly Pulitzer shift dress was invented when Pulitzer asked her dressmaker to craft a fabric that would hide the citrus stains she was getting on herself while working at her Palm Beach juice stand. Soon, the playful, busy, bright dress patterns were worn by the likes of Jackie Kennedy, and their appeal spread amongst the Palm Beach community. Today, a simple shift dress, midi or mini, in a lively pattern (floral or palms) or hue (pastels) is a Palm Beach staple. You’ll be comfortable and feel polished, which is ideal for shopping and stopping for lunch. Wear it with comfortable walking flats and accessorize with a woven bag that feels tropical.

Shift Dresses and Skirts

Ballet Flats

Woven Bags

Outfit 2: Striped Tee + White Denim + Sneakers

J.Crew Boatneck Muscle T-shirt

Madewell The Harlow Wide-leg Jean in Vintage Canvas

Cole Haan GrandPro Crosscourt Traveler Sneaker

Exploring Palm Beach on foot or by bike is easy — the Lake Trail makes it easy to get around without getting in a car. If you’re biking and don’t want to wear a dress, then white denim is a crisp, classic staple that can be worn year-round in Palm Beach. A striped top is a great alternative if you don’t like florals and bold prints; it’s a nautical look to mirror Palm Beach’s boating community and wouldn’t look out of place on a sunset sail. You’ll also see stripes on Palm Beach sun chairs and umbrellas, like at The White Elephant Palm Beach (which was named the best hotel in Florida in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards). If you’re going to wear closed-toed shoes at the beach, make them simple white sneakers.

Striped Tees

White Denim

White Sneakers

Outfit 3: Flowy Maxi Dress + Gold Sandals + Gold Jewelry

Farm Rio Exclusive Green Fish Top Maxi Dress

Rothy’s The Summer Sandal

Quince 14K Gold Everyday Hoops

Slim Aarons, one of the most famous high-society photographers of the 20th century, is known for capturing the fashion and fun of Palm Beach galas, parties, and balls. Look to his vintage photographs for inspiration and you’ll notice a sense of elegance with a tropical influence. A flowing maxi dress (bonus points if it’s pink or green) paired with chunky gold accessories reflects the beach town at night. Wear the outfit to dinner at Buccan, cocktails at The Colony, or for sushi at The White Elephant. Don’t be afraid to layer necklaces and bangles.

Maxi Dresses

Gold Sandals

Jewelry

Outfit 4: One-piece Swimsuit + Palazzo Pants + Slides

Madewell Jade Swim Apex One-piece Swimsuit

Petal & Pup Hart High Waist Floral Wide-leg Pant

Steve Madden Boardwalk Slide Sandal

Poolside culture is big in Palm Beach at the island’s many luxury hotels and clubs. So you’ll want to look and feel confident as you transition from lounging at a private poolside cabana to enjoying drinks at the pool bar. A simple solid-color one-piece swimsuit layered under ‘70s flowy palazzo pants (whether they’re sheer, silk, or a fun palm pattern) will ensure that you feel glamorous.

Swimsuits

Palazzo Pants

Slides

Outfit 5: Linen Set + Espadrilles + Statement Sunglasses

Quince 100-percent European Linen Set

Eileen Fisher Lee Espadrille Flat

J.Crew Bungalow Cat-eye Sunglasses

Palm Beach days often start with a long breakfast and flow seamlessly into shopping, sightseeing, and happy hour drinks. A matching linen set is lightweight, breathable, and has that European sensibility that helps an outfit feel comfortable from day to night. Wear it while walking the ornate halls of The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, browsing the boutiques of Royal Poinciana Plaza, or enjoying an evening aperitivo at The Brazilian Court Hotel. Match a tailored linen vest with trousers or pleated linen shorts in soft pastels, flax, or crisp white. Oversized tortoiseshell or cat-eye frames add instant Palm Beach personality and a pair of espadrilles add to the beachy elevated look.

Linen Sets

Espadrille Flats

Sunglasses

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