Bermuda is unlike other islands. While it retains a distinctly manicured feel—a byproduct of 400+ years of British influence and an influx of American tourism starting in the early 1900's—it is the island's signature candy colored hues that set it apart. From the trademark pink sand beaches to the sorbet-colored buildings dotting the volcanic hills, the island is a festival of pastels. Locals say the colors of the dwellings reflect their environment – bright fuchsia walls echo bushes of bougainvillea, colonial mansions are painted the cerulean hue of the ocean, and, most predominantly, the combination of pale pink walls with deep green shutters mimic blush sands and tropical greenery. Topping off this technicolor tropical paradise are the ubiquitous whitewashed, stepped rooftops (designed to catch rain water, the only local source of water in the area) which stand out in stark contrast to the vibrant colors below.
All of which make Bermuda the ideal setting for one of the season's biggest trends: An all-white cast of layered and textured tops, dresses, and separates, which boast a deconstructed, almost shipwrecked feel. From skin-hinting lace to new takes on cotton eyelet to hints of fringe, these luxurious fabrications are all about dimension—and beg to be touched. Follow along on our island exploration.
Above: Zimmermann dress, zimmermannwear.com; Oscar de la Renta belt, oscardelarenta.com, Mounser earrings, $195, mounser.com
HOLE-HEARTED
The cotton of your youth has a grown-up feel via a flowy slipdress and a blousy jacket that's light-as-air—the perfect layering piece for breezy island nights.
Theory dress and jacket, similar at nordstrom.com; Oscar de la Renta earrings, $325, nordstrom.com; Vince sneakers, $225, nordstrom.com
COLONIAL COOL
Jumpsuits, the perennial all-in-one staple, have a casual nonchalance that ooze confidence—and comfort. This eyelet incarnation is just as easy as it is breezy.
RED Valentino jumpsuit, similar at nordstrom.com; Simone Rocha earrings, similar at nordstrom.com
KNOTTED BY NATURE
This ladylike silhouette is undone to perfection with askew elements, like off-center ties and a billowing slit skirt, that give the classic shape intrigue.
Simone Rocha dress, similar at nordstrom.com; Simone Rocha earrings, similar at nordstrom.com; Erdem shoes, $800, erdem.com
TIED & TRUE
The beauty of the beach is that it's where streetwear and swimwear converge. This cotton set is equally at home strolling boutique-lined streets of St. Georges or sipping sunny cocktails in the sand.
Alexander Wang top and skirt, similar at nordstrom.com; Alexander Wang earrings, similar at nordstrom.com
STATELY MANNER
Victoriana is having a major moment. The look is made modern (and climate-friendly) with subtle slivers of skin and see-through lace.
Erdem dress, similar at nordstrom.com; Mizuki earrings, $525, nordstrom.com
STEPPED UP
Balmy Bermudian evenings call for a look that can stand up to all the night may bring. Fierce boots add drama to prim pieces in a juxtaposition that'll leave the room guessing.
Frame top, similar at nordstrom.com; Chelsea 28 skirt, $100, nordstrom.com; Paul Andrew boots, paulandrew.com; Mounser earrings, $195,mounser.com
BEHIND THE LINE
Master the art of layering by combining gauzy separates with graphic laces and unexpected volume, then add second-skin staples with hints of athleisure.
Treasure&Bond bodysuit, $29, nordstrom.com; Milly top, similar at nordstrom.com
TROPICAL LIFE
Sketchy prints and sneaky slits give this elegant silk gown an undone feel—fitting for a gusting day at Bermuda's Unfinished Church.
Valentino dress, similar at nordstrom.com
TREASURE TROVE
A clean white palette allows you to mix materials like lace, tassels, fringe, pleats and netting in harmony.
No.21 dress, similar at nordstrom.com; Oscar de la Renta earrings, $395, nordstrom.com
Photography by Zoey Grossman; Styled by Liz Cabral; Art director Sonja Georgevich; Hair and Makeup by Fumiaki Nakagawa; Model Lana Zakocela at The Lions. Special thanks to Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa.
