Palm Beach dresses in sunshine and edits with ease: crisp whites, bougainvillea pinks, cane and chintz, and caftans that float from Brunch at The Breakers to Bingo at The Colony Hotel

Need proof? Read all about how in our Caftans & Confessions Trip Report here and take a look back to our first visit to The Pink Paradise here.

This guide is less “haul,” and more how it feels—looks for yacht days, Worth Avenue strolls with brunches at Le Bilboquet, and late evenings at chic places like Buccan, La Goulue, and MaryLou’s.

Think effortless silhouettes and breathable fabrics that glide from Spritz at Swifty’s to a coral–sky night, with sections you can mix, match, and make your own.

But don’t expect practical….because this isn’t that.

Here’s a peek into our playbook…day by day, theme by theme, style by style.

TICKET TO FLY is your departure uniform: polished, packable, and (mostly) unwrinkled on arrival. Think coordinated set, scarf, oversized sunnies, low-profile sneakers or chic flats, and a carryall that behaves.

WHAT I WORE: White Papinelle tank top | Navy pull-on knit pants | light blue dot stitch embroidery – with “Flights of Fancy” of course – sweatshirt (which I cut at neck, hem & sleeves) | Bric’s silver carryon | Quilted undersea carryon with shoe compartment – also comes in black – I swear by these two as my “carryon combo” – the quilted tote slides right on top the Bric’s Capri and then slides right under the seat for takeoff – but I almost always check a bag in addition.

PALM BEACH CHIC is an after-dark seaside polish with a light hand—silk midis and tailored shifts, kitten heels, a raffia or satin clutch, and statement earrings that catch the candlelight. Think coral lip, humidity-proof hair, and a soft layer (shawl or cropped blazer) for cool dining rooms. The palette ranges from coastal—ivory, shell pink, sea-glass, a touch of palm green to full on Lilly prints and pattern – and moves effortlessly from Buccan to La Goulue to Le Bilboquet (and a nightcap at Swifty’s).

(Not so) quiet glam, beautifully wearable.

WHAT I WORE: Abbey Glass pink pattern jaquard mini (linking the brand site because there are other cute patterns but this print is on major clearance sale at Dillard’s…RUN!) | I also own the Smythe White one shoulder dress with Pink Flowers and it is amazing! (and currently on SALE at Revolve!) | My favorite new heels are beyond comfortable and who doesn’t love a gold strappy sandal?! Jewel Badgley Hydee Jewel HyGold Sandals (they’re the same stretchy gold fabric as Loeffler Randall which I also own and honestly prefer the fit and look of these!) | Also love this version with block heel

PALM BEACH PARADE is your sunlit sightseeing uniform—pretty, psuedo-practical, and photo-ready. For our parade day, we hopped a limo-bus for a sweep of the sights, treasure-hunted The Church Mouse, and glided into The Breakers for lunch at The Seafood Bar. I wore a fun palm print sundress and somewhat walkable heeled sandals , plus a straw tote and sunnies—easy to slip from shopping to seaside without missing a beat. Think breezy fabrics, polished accessories, and a palette that pops in every picture.

WHAT I WORE: Antonio Melani Palm Print Sundress – on major sale at Dillard’s! I’ve also seen a few on Poshmark. Sadly my favorite heeled sandals are no longer being sold.

Honorable Mentions: I have a huge brand crush on House of MBR – although I’ve yet to take my cart to the purchase stage because I was too late to get my size in my favorites – I just think the whole site screams Palm Beach and Colony Chinoiserie Chic fabulousness, especially that green with the pink fringe little number top right corner above – The “Darling” is still available in M/L

YACHT ROCK is easy-breezy and swim-ready—think a chic one-piece or high-waist bikini, a lightweight caftan/pareo, and boat-friendly slides. Add a hair scarf, polarized sunnies, and a raffia tote with SPF, lip balm, and a waterproof pouch for phone/jewelry. Minimal (but mandatory) jewelry, quick-dry layers, and you’re set to dive in, towel off, and toast golden hour on deck.

WHAT I WORE: Probably the oldest item in my closet – a caftan style cover up in the prettiest pale blue – it was perfectly paired over my Norma Kamali Diana one shoulder white tankini top and Halcourt white swim skort | Worth mentioning are the most comfortable and equally cute gold flip flops from our swag bag

SUPPER CLUB CHIC is our turn to bring the glam: a sleek midi or silk slip, kitten heels with shine, and a petite evening bag that behaves. Think polished hair, a coral lip, and shoulder-dusting earrings that catch candlelight. Perfect for MaryLou’s—low lights, crisp martinis, and a room that rewards dressing up.

WHAT I WORE: Green Badgley Mischka One Shoulder Plisse Dress (I just bought the chocolate version, too!) | Jewel Badgley Hydee Jewel HyGold Sandals | Kenneth Lane Fan Earrings | Lilly Pulitzer Leopard Clutch is an older item but you can find NWT on Ebay or Poshmark

SUNDAY BRUNCH (the version we skipped—but planned beautifully) would have looked like this: a breezy day dress or polished set, walkable block heels, and a raffia clutch; sunnies and a silk scarf for the breeze. Think citrus tones, pearl studs, and a light layer for AC. We’d have chosen a garden courtyard table, ordered café au lait and something souffle-adjacent, and lingered just long enough to make the pool jealous.

WHAT I (WOULD HAVE) WORN: I actually love all of these and can almost never go wrong with Zimmermann or Farm Rio. Also love this blue & white caftan so much I saved it for our Caftailing/Bingo night (see below). I especially loved that when we arrived at The Colony Hotel, the Dolce & Gabanna original to my dupe was hanging front and center in the lobby (There’s a lovely D&G store at The Colony, if you didn’t know!) I found mine on GILT and not seeing it now, but this dupe looks equally fabulous.

WALKING WORTH AVE is slow, sunny, and deliberately pretty—arcades of bougainvillea, fountain courtyards, and window displays that pull you in. Think an airy day dress or matching set, walkable flats, a straw hat, and a hands-free crossbody (SPF and blotting papers tucked inside because the Florida sun does not come to play). Fabrics that breathe (and stretch) to accommodate the pause for gelato, but equally polished for the dip into galleries and jewelers – let the street set the pace—polished, unhurried, perfectly Palm Beach.

WHAT I WORE: I went a little rogue and pulled out the combo that wasn’t even on the vision board (yep, I cheat like that sometimes). It’s years old but this 2 piece Jennifer Sumko/Antonio Melani jungle print skirt remains a favorite. (I only wore the skirt) You can sill find the set on Poshmark.

Honorable Mentions: I had planned to wear a white linen vest and these Roame Pants as shown on my packing list below.

CHAMPAGNE & CHAISES is the Colony’s pool-and-beach scene uniform: a chic one-piece or high-waist bikini or swim skort, bonus points for a breezy caftan or pareo, and polished slides that slip off in a second. Add a raffia visor, oversized sunnies, and a slim tote with SPF, lip balm, water mister, and a great paperback ( I chose Palm Beach Wife). Jewelry stays minimal but mandatory (gold hoops, bracelets, a lucky coin necklace); the vibe is sunlit, camera-ready, and always brunch-adjacent.

WHAT I WORE: My white Norma Kamali Diana Swim Top was still wet so I switched to black, ditto that for the swim skirt, and a palm pareo tied as a halter coverup for effect. And of course we had matching straw hats.

THE ART OF CAFTAILING is golden hour, perfected—your favorite caftan drifting in the breeze, jeweled sandals, a slim clutch, and bracelets that chime softly against a spritz at Swifty’s. Hair up or pulled back to showcase statement earrings, full lip on, sunglasses at the ready; it’s poolside stripes, soft music, and a look that moves from first toast to dinner without a single adjustment.

WHAT I WORE: The blue & white Dolce dupe I mentioned above took me from poolside caftailing to BINGO to dinner at La Goulue and I played her up with my Jewel Badgley Hydee Jewel HyGold Sandals my Beth Ladd Blue Bow Beaded Clutch, and my favorite Mignon Faget Renaissance statement earrings

BINGO AT THE COLONY is The Art of Caftailing, Continued—same elegant caftan, a touch more sparkle. Swap slides for slingbacks, add a lipstick with presence, and keep the clutch. It’s cheeky cards, champagne refills, and a room that rewards dressing up—whether your numbers hit or not.

WHAT I WORE: In our case we already had the “elevated Caftan glam” going on so we rolled with it…from pool, to BINGO, to dinner.

BRUNCH TO BOARDING is the graceful send-off: a last unrushed morning at The Colony, bags zipped and waiting, then a sunlit table on Worth Avenue for one more shared toast. Goodbye photos under bougainvillea, the limobus right on cue, and an easy glide to the airport—polished, unhurried, perfectly Palm Beach.

WHAT I WORE: Have you ever bought a “meh” dress thinking “well, it’s a solid piece that’ll be comfortable, easy to throw in the washer and pack well, but it’s really nothing special” …and then it becomes your most complimented piece? That’s this dress!! Preston & York Green Zebra Dress – I thought it was worth the $120 I paid but now it’s now on sale for less than $20!! Yes, I just bought a backup! Pairs equally well with heeled sandals, Aerosole gold wedges, or more often than anything else, our swag bag flip flops and it’s super cute when accessorized with this acrylic choker

MY PERSONAL PACKING LIST – Edit to the essentials—neutrals + one pop color, one pair evening shoes max, travel steamer, , stain stick, and a compact umbrella. Wait, who wrote this?! Sure, I “edit”…but never to point of only the essentials.

That being said, I do find that mapping it all out with a vision board like this keeps me from overpacking (for the times when I don’t have that 70# Business Class allowance) and saves a little room in my luggage for shopping, and it certainly makes life easier during the adventure having a day-by-day play-by-play planned out. I’d like to say I could honestly travel in carry-on only….

But I still check a bag. (or two)

Most of these are mine…but it’s mostly swag for the Krewe.

Curious as to what’s inside?

Check out our CAFTANS & CONFESSIONS SWAG BAG for all the details.

If Palm Beach is on your horizon, use this guide as a gentle nudge—but dress for the moment you want, enjoy every scene, and let your story feel as lovely as it looks.

Like what you see? Download the Full PALM BEACH STYLE GUIDE Here

DISCLAIMER: We are not influencers offering a ton of links for profit although we’ve curated an Amazon Storefront for our clients’ and friends’ shopping convenience. If you do purchase from our links, we get a few pennies back, but we don’t expect to pay the light bill this way. You’ll also find a few brand or shop mentions and misc links taking you down the rabbit hole outside of Amazon, again just for fun, not profit, and only if it’s something we love and feel good about sharing. All of this is just meant to be curated vision boards for inspiration and to show you how we love helping you write the full story ..and sometimes that includes shopping!

Bottom line, we hope you’ll dress for the story you want to tell …

and we hope you’ll let us help you write it!