5 Must-Have Outfits for Your Palm Beach Getaway

Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

As a long-time Floridian, I have had the pleasure of discovering much of the 1,350 miles of Florida’s coastline, from the historic charm of St. Augustine to the vibrant nightlife of Key West. One often overlooked fact is the distinct character of Florida’s beach towns; each community boasts its own allure and atmosphere. Among them, Palm Beach stands out with its blend of Gilded Age elegance and mid-century modern simplicity, exuding a timeless sophistication.

When preparing for a trip to Palm Beach, I recognize that the essentials like bathing suits and flip-flops only scratch the surface. A significant aspect of the Palm Beach experience is enjoying its enviable lifestyle: shopping along Worth Avenue, having cocktails at The Breakers, and indulging in coffee at charming cafes draped in vibrant bougainvillea. To truly capture the spirit of Palm Beach in your wardrobe, think of a fashionable grandmother who appreciates both comfort and style—favoring airy fabrics, chic ‘60s silhouettes, and playful color accents.

The fashion scene in Palm Beach differs significantly from the loud, flashy styles seen in Miami, opting instead for a subtle elegance defined by sophisticated pastels. It’s noteworthy that this is the birthplace of the iconic Lilly Pulitzer dress. Below, I present five effortless outfit ideas suitable for a variety of occasions in Palm Beach, ranging from a simple shift dress to fashionable wide-leg pants.

Outfit 1: Shift Dress + Ballet Flats + Woven Bag

Kenneth Cole Sleeveless Open Back Shift Dress

Nordstrom

Patricia Green Palm Beach Scalloped Flat

Nordstrom

Lucky Brand Zati Jute Small Tote

Nordstrom Rack

According to popular lore, the original Lilly Pulitzer shift dress was created when Pulitzer asked her seamstress to design a fabric that could conceal the citrus stains from her juice business in Palm Beach. This led to vibrant, playful patterns that gained popularity with high-profile figures like Jackie Kennedy. Today, a lively patterned shift dress—whether floral or pastel—is a quintessential Palm Beach garment. This choice exudes sophistication while ensuring comfort, making it perfect for shopping or enjoying a leisurely lunch. Pair it with ballet flats and a tropical woven bag to complete the look.

Shift Dresses and Skirts

Ballet Flats

Woven Bags

Outfit 2: Striped Tee + White Denim + Sneakers

J.Crew Boatneck Muscle T-shirt

J.Crew

Madewell The Harlow Wide-leg Jean in Vintage Canvas

Madewell

Cole Haan GrandPro Crosscourt Traveler Sneaker

Nordstrom Rack

Navigating Palm Beach by foot or bicycle is quite enjoyable, especially with the convenience of the Lake Trail. For those preferring not to wear dresses while biking, white denim is a timeless, crisp choice that’s suitable throughout the year in Palm Beach. A striped tee serves as a chic alternative to florals or prints, offering a nautical vibe that resonates with the area’s boating culture. This pattern is also reflected on the sun chairs and umbrellas in Palm Beach, like at The White Elephant Palm Beach, recognized as the best hotel in Florida by Travel + Leisure in 2022. If closed-toe shoes are your preference for the beach, opt for classic 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

Tuckernuck

Rothy’s The Summer Sandal

Nordstrom

Quince 14K Gold Everyday Hoops

Quince

Renowned photographer Slim Aarons is famous for capturing the glamour of Palm Beach social gatherings. Drawing inspiration from his vintage images will reveal the blend of elegance and tropical flair characteristic of the area. A flowing maxi dress (especially in vibrant pinks or greens) combined with eye-catching gold accessories makes for a perfect dinner outfit at Buccan, cocktails at The Colony, or sushi at The White Elephant. Layering necklaces and wearing bangles add to the chic aesthetic.

Maxi Dresses

Gold Sandals

Jewelry

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

Madewell Jade Swim Apex One-piece Swimsuit

Madewell

Petal & Pup Hart High Waist Floral Wide-leg Pant

Nordstrom

Steve Madden Boardwalk Slide Sandal

Nordstrom

The poolside experience is a central part of life in Palm Beach, especially at the area’s luxury hotels and clubs. To transition seamlessly from lounging in a cabana to enjoying refreshments at a pool bar, consider a solid-color one-piece swimsuit paired with flowy palazzo pants—whether they are sheer, silk, or adorned with tropical prints—for a glamorous touch.

Swimsuits

Palazzo Pants

Slides

Outfit 5: Linen Set + Espadrilles + Statement Sunglasses

Quince 100-percent European Linen Set

Quince

Eileen Fisher Lee Espadrille Flat

Nordstrom Rack

J.Crew Bungalow Cat-eye Sunglasses

J.Crew

Days in Palm Beach typically begin with leisurely breakfasts and transition into shopping, exploration, and evening drinks. A matching linen set, designed to be light and breathable, embodies a European vibe that lends itself to both day and night activities. Wear it while exploring the exquisite halls of The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, perusing the stores in Royal Poinciana Plaza, or enjoying an evening at The Brazilian Court Hotel. Match a well-fitted linen vest with trousers or pleated linen shorts in soft colors, natural flax, or crisp white. Complete the look with oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses or cat-eye frames for the quintessential Palm Beach flair, and espadrilles to enhance the beachy elegance.

Linen Sets

Espadrille Flats

Sunglasses

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www.travelandleisure.com