What to Wear in St Barts: The Dress Code and Packing List, by a Saint-Tropez Boutique
The St Barts dress code, occasion by occasion: beach lunch, dinner in Gustavia, a night at Bagatelle, New Year's Eve, the Bucket regatta. Plus the packing list we give our clients, from a boutique that dresses the same crowd in Saint-Tropez every summer.
By Laly Saint-Tropez 2 min read
St Barts has no written dress code, but it has a very clear one: barefoot chic. Effortless by day, polished at night, never overdressed and never sloppy. We dress the same women every summer in Saint-Tropez, and this winter we follow them to the island. Here is what to wear in St Barts, occasion by occasion, and the packing list we give our clients.
The weather
The high season, December to April, is dry and sunny, with days around the high 20s °C (low to mid 80s °F), warm sea and a trade-wind breeze in the evening. Pack light fabrics (silk, linen, cotton voile), one light layer for the evening, and nothing heavy.
The dress code, occasion by occasion
By dayPhoto © Eden Rock · Jeanne Le MennBeach lunch
A beautiful swimsuit, a silk or crochet cover-up, a linen or embroidered mini, flat sandals, a straw hat and sunglasses. Lunch often lasts until sunset, so choose something you can dance in.
EveningPhoto © Le TamarinDinner
A silk midi, a flowing maxi or a chic jumpsuit, gold jewellery, and block heels or elegant flat sandals: many terraces are wooden decks, gardens or sand, so stilettos stay in the villa. Men: linen shirt, light trousers, loafers; jackets are almost never required.
NightPhoto © BagatelleThe party nights
This is where St Barts dresses up: sequins, fringe, metallics, a short dress that moves, or a backless gown. Some venues, like Pablõ, recommend elegant attire. New Year's Eve is the most glamorous night of all: white and gold are the island's classics.
Regattas and festivals
For the Bucket (17–21 March 2027) and Les Voiles in April: nautical stripes, white denim and deck-friendly flats by day, a dress for the dockside parties at night. For the Music Festival concerts in the island's churches in January, a covered-shoulder midi or a light wrap.
The St Barts packing list
For a week: 3 swimsuits and 2 cover-ups; 2 day dresses (linen, silk or embroidered cotton); 3 evening dresses (one midi, one maxi, one short party dress); 1 statement look for New Year's Eve or a gala; white jeans or wide trousers and 2 light tops; a light cardigan, shawl or leather vest for the breeze; flat sandals, espadrilles or block-heel sandals, sneakers for the hikes; straw hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen; gold jewellery and a small evening bag. Leave at home: stilettos, heavy fabrics, anything that needs ironing.
Our St Barts edit
Esmée Dalia – Delphine
Yvon – Anemone
Andrea Almeida – Evelyn
Retrofête – HaydenFrequently asked questions
What is the dress code in St Barts?
Barefoot chic: relaxed and effortless by day, polished and glamorous at night. Very few places require a jacket, but people dress up for dinner and parties.
Can you wear heels in St Barts?
Block heels and wedges, yes; stilettos are impractical on the sand, the wooden decks and the hilly roads.
What should I wear to dinner in St Barts?
A silk midi, a flowing maxi or a chic jumpsuit with elegant sandals for women; a linen shirt and light trousers for men.
What should I pack for St Barts in December?
Light summer clothes, swimwear, three evening dresses, one statement look for New Year's Eve, flat and block-heel sandals, and a light layer for the evening breeze.