In Bermuda, dressing for autumn requires a slightly different approach.

While fashion magazines are filled with wool coats, chunky sweaters and knee-high boots, the reality here is that October and November can still mean sunshine, warm afternoons and the occasional trip to the beach.

But that doesn't mean our wardrobes have to remain in summer mode.

Rebecca Singleton, owner of Tabs Bermuda, says dressing for autumn in Bermuda is “different”.

“While the rest of the world is pulling out winter coats, we're still enjoying sunshine and the occasional beach day. For me, it's about embracing autumn colours, playing with textures and adding a few clever layers.”

Rather than changing everything in your wardrobe, Ms Singleton recommends looking at the details that make an outfit feel more seasonal. And she says colour is a good place to start.

“I love unexpected colour combinations. Chocolate brown with powder blue, burgundy with butter yellow or olive green with soft pink. I'm also a big fan of mixing textures, particularly soft knits with crisp cotton or silk.”

With approximately 75 colours in the Tabs collection, Ms Singleton believes there are plenty of opportunities to experiment beyond the traditional autumn palette.

For men, she recommends the rich teal Blue Iguana polo, the deep Reef Line Blue linen shirt with coconut buttons or the Prickly Pear performance polo.

“All lovely ways to embrace autumn while keeping cool in Bermuda!”

The art of layering

Layering is one of the easiest ways to introduce a little autumn style, provided the pieces are light enough for Bermuda's climate.

“Cardigans are having a moment, and I love the playful styles from Never Fully Dressed that we carry at Tabs. Wear one buttoned up as a top, open over a dress or simply draped over your shoulders for a slightly preppy look. It's an easy way to embrace the season without committing to a full winter wardrobe.”

But the key to making layers work, she explained, is getting the proportions right.

“When you're layering, proportion is everything. I love mixing relaxed pieces with something more tailored.”

She points to the Barefoot Dreams button-front vest as an example.

“Beautifully soft, with a relaxed silhouette that looks lovely over a crisp shirt or paired with wide-leg trousers.”

The same principle applies to men's wardrobes.

“For men, I love the versatility of our Tabs trousers. Wear them rolled up with loafers for a relaxed weekend look, or roll them down with a blazer for something smarter. Two completely different looks from one pair of trousers.”

Three looks for autumn

So what does all of this look like in practice?

For a weekend brunch, Singleton suggests keeping things colourful and effortless.

“A colourful Marea matching set with simple sandals and a playful statement bag. I love a co-ordinated outfit that looks like you've made an effort, perfect for a long Bermuda brunch.”

For the office, her approach is a little more structured.

“An Oliphant skirt with a crisp shirt tucked in. Loafers and a cardigan over the shoulders.”

And when it's time for dinner or an evening out, she recommends an elegant dress with a few carefully chosen finishing touches.

“A beautiful Oliphant dress in autumnal colours, gold jewellery and a cashmere wrap over the shoulders. Easy, elegant and perfect for a Bermuda evening.”

Men can achieve a similarly polished look without becoming too formal.

“For the men, our Shoreby blazer over a pair of tailored Tabs trousers is an easy way to look smart without feeling overdressed.”

It's all in the details

Sometimes the difference between a summer outfit and an autumn look is simply a change of accessories.

“Accessories can completely change an outfit. Swap your beach bag for something structured in a darker colour, trade sandals for loafers or ankle boots and add some chunky gold jewellery.”

And for anyone looking to update their wardrobe without spending a fortune, she recommends choosing a few versatile pieces rather than buying an entirely new collection.

“The easiest way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune is to invest in versatile layering pieces that work with what you already own.”

For women, her three essentials are straightforward.

“I'd start with an oversized white linen shirt, a colourful cardigan and one great autumn accessory. All versatile pieces you'll wear on repeat.”

She's also a fan of the Never Fully Dressed reversible puffer.

“Two looks in one, and perfect for those rare Bermuda days when there's actually a chill in the air.”

For men, she recommends the Atlantic Blue gilet and a quarter-zip in Salty Navy.

“Both work just as well with Bermuda shorts as they do with trousers, giving you plenty of ways to mix things up.”

An island approach to style

For Ms Singleton, this balance of colour, practicality and versatility is central to the Tabs identity.

“Colour, pattern and versatility. That's really what inspired Tabs. I wanted to celebrate our Bermuda heritage while creating clothing that feels modern and wearable. I love pieces that work for different occasions.

“I'd happily wear one of our Oliphant dresses to work, brunch or a wedding.”

She says it's also what makes dressing in Bermuda so distinctive.

“There aren't many places in the world where you can wear shorts to work and still look smart, but somehow we pull it off. That's effortless island style for you.”