Given that island shopping establishments retail some of the world’s finest designer goods, our residents dress with style and chic comfort.

The atmosphere of our island is one of British reserve and decorous informality. Modesty is the prevailing rule, whether you are swimming at the beach or walking through town.

• Bathing suits, abbreviated tops and short shorts may be worn at our beaches and pools, but a cover-up is wise off the beach

• As relaxing as our beaches are, there are no nude or semi-nude beaches on our island

• Casual sportswear may be worn at lunchtime in our restaurants, but many dining establishments and nightclubs ask gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings

• When making dinner reservations, it is always wise to check on dress requirements

• Formal dress is not necessary except for specific personal needs. Tuxedos, morning suits and evening tails may be rented, but your accessories must be purchased

Season-by-season guide to attire

In the warmer months (May to mid-November), make certain to pack:

• Summer-weight sports clothes, swimsuits, a raincoat or lightweight windbreaker for daytime activities

• Evenings call for casual elegant cottons, with ladies in a light dressy sweater or cocktail-type outfits and gentlemen in a sports jacket and tie

In the cooler months (December to late March), visitors will need to bring:

• Light woollens or fall-weight casuals, sweaters, a raincoat, windbreaker or coat, and, as always, swimsuits for the daytime

• Evenings deserve elegant lightweight woollens, with ladies in a dressier sweater or cocktail attire and gentlemen in a suit or sports jacket and tie