It doesn’t matter if you’re jetting off in January or June, your fashion ideas for the Caribbean will definitely focus on the warmer seasons. With their high temperatures and low rainfall at the beginning of the year, the West Indian islands are the perfect setting for that first burst of summery sunshine. And their impressive vistas and spectrum of exotic colours provide a brilliant backdrop for your Caribbean holiday outfits. Whether you’re stargazing in Mosquito Bay in Vieques or sunbathing on world-class beaches in the Dominican Republic, it's worth taking your time when deciding on outfit ideas for the Caribbean.
Striking surroundings
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves plenty of sunshine and relaxation, then the Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is probably your first port of call. Surrounded by some of the clearest waters, whitest sands and most luxurious resorts on the island, this is the place to up your Caribbean island fashion ante. Look to Lisa Marie Fernandez beachwear for opulent femininity with sophisticated detailing; the label's SS16 collection included a cropped jacket in plaid seersucker to match its vintage-inspired bikinis. Leana Zuniga’s unisex designs for Electric Feathers would work just as well – these pieces are subtly 80s in spirit, with a delicate decadence that would fit well along the sublime Caribbean shores.
Searching for the perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop? Try Flamingo Beach in Aruba. Just on the coastline of Renaissance Island, you’re able to watch flocks of flamingos feeding at the water’s edge. With such spectacular views, you can go #nofilter for far more than the occasional candid. Matching your surroundings may not always be the most appealing prospect but when you’re faced with such magnificent birds, why shouldn’t flamingos feature in your fashion ideas for Caribbean islands holidays? The womenswear SS17 catwalks were awash with salmon, bubble-gum and magenta pink – even Karl Lagerfeld encouraged the look. But when it comes to menswear, the choice is simple – for SS15, Marc Jacobs T-shirts were adorned with flamingo print. Why look any further?
Daring* explorers (*ish)
Exploring some of the islands is best done by yacht. When it comes to the British Virgin Islands, it’s almost a requirement. The elegant beaches, tropical sea life (including a coral atoll in Anegada) and stunning sheltered anchorages make the islands even more attractive from the ocean. For SS17, David Hart seemed to take inspiration from the Caribbean shores – striking palm trees with a Bauhaus lilt dominated the collection. For captaining your yacht, opt for the label's 70s-inspired polo shirts in bright citrus shades. Over on the womenswear catwalks, Rachel Antonoff went for pale washed denim instead; her minimalist femininity would work well for outfit ideas for the Caribbean when you're planning a boat trip.
For the even more adventurous, Saint Lucia is one of the most mountainous islands in the Caribbean, resulting in an abundance of spectacular waterfalls. Naturally, your fashion ideas for the Caribbean mountains will differ from your beachside attire. Take inspiration from the Greg Lauren SS16 show; his artisan wanderers offered a balance between sartorial concern and adventurous desire. A short boat trip to the neighbouring island of Martinique is worthwhile for the unparalleled sunsets. The languid elegance of Roksanda dresses, with Roksanda Ilinčić's idiosyncratic vintage femininity, would offset the pale blues and soft pinks of the sunset perfectly.
Pool and beachside lounging
The infinity pools in Turks and Caicos are second to none. You can float for hours on the mirror-like waters, believing you’re suspended in mid-air. Take inspiration for your Turks and Caicos Caribbean holiday outfits from the SS14 collection by Apiece Apart – lightweight chambray dresses and Italian jacquard culottes capture the serenity of the islands. For men, Orlebar Brown beachwear features bright shades and photographic imagery reminiscent of your impressive surroundings. The Elie Tahari SS13 show provides ideas for poolside cocktails with its neutral palette of deep navy and smoky grey punctuated with vivid aqua and chartreuse hues.
When choosing your Caribbean island fashion, don’t forget to pack for a beachside rum party in Jamaica. This is where you let your hair down and bring out your brightest, most eye-catching pieces. Vivid colours work well after sundown, so turn to Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana for inspiration. Alternatively look to the SS16 catwalks. Roland Mouret dresses were bold and fun, with striking saffron and mint green sitting alongside outsized florals shot with electric blue. Purple reigned on the SS17 menswear catwalks and would be striking against the sandy beach; the silk shirts by Versace are a perfect example.
While planning your holiday activities might be fun, looking through fashion ideas for the Caribbean is definitely an added bonus. With the region's abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, this is your chance to break away from your everyday wardrobe in favour of fun prints and boisterous shades. And whether you’re beach-bound or planning treks to waterfalls, make sure you’ve included at least one flamingo print in your suitcase.