How to Dress for Tropical City Living
(Without Looking Like You’re Off to the Beach)
COS Longline Denim Shorts in Ivory
There is a big difference between living in the tropics and visiting. Whilst tourists and new arrivals to Singapore are thrilled with the idea of being able to throw on a floaty cotton dress every day of the year (“oh imagine how lovely that must be! always being warm!”) - life for us as residents is less ‘tropical getaway’ and more ‘every day life’ in a tropical city. We want wardrobe pieces that juggle the heat, humidity and overly air-conditioned indoor spaces while still allowing us to look put-together. City style - but make it realistic for Singapore’s monsoonal weather, please.
So, how do you master tropical city style without defaulting to leisure wear (guilty) or the standard denim shorts, t-shirt, Hermes slides that seems to be the uniform de rigour at the school gate? I put the question to our fashion editor and long-time resident, Claire Warren, for her take on how to get about in Singapore in a chic way without looking like a crumpled sweaty mess.
Cool, Comfortable, Considered.
Tips for Chic Singapore City Looks
1. Choose Breezy Fabrics (But Keep the Structure)
Yes, natural fibres like cotton, linen and bamboo are your best friends. But the secret? Choosing pieces with shape. A cotton poplin shirt, a well-cut linen midi dress, a tailored short — these feel crisp and intentional, not wilted. Look for garments that skim the body and let it breathe. Think light but not flimsy. You want clothes that feel like air, not cling like it.
2. Keep It Tonal (or Add Just One Pop)
Neutrals always win; soft white, oat, bone, olive, navy. If you do want colour, keep it considered: like a red striped shirt or a dark green bag, paired back with grounding basics.
3. Play With Silhouettes, Not Layers
When layering is off the table (because, well, sweat), it’s all about silhouette. Wide-leg trousers with a cropped tank. A boxy shirt with shorts. An oversized shirt dress cinched at the waist. Balance is everything — and makes even the simplest outfit feel styled, not just thrown on.
4. Add Accessories That Work Hard (and Look Chic)
Simple pieces in neutral colours are crying out for some accessories to keep the outfit from looking boring. A chunky gold cuff, a cute bag and some woven flats that are more 'long lunch' than 'tourist walking tour'. Raffia, leather, canvas — go for natural textures that complement, not compete.
