What To Pack For Singapore?

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Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Hi Fabbers,

I'm traveling to Singapore on the 17th September for 4 days. It's a long weekend trip my husband and I want to take to see some friends and just relax

Angie mentioned she's been to Singapore a lot of times. If any of you have traveled there, can you help me with what to pack? All information online says pack for hot & humid weather ---- so shorts and dresses sound ideal.

But what's the local style like? Casual? Smart? Dressy? Will simple summer dresses and flat sandals be good for exploring the city?

We don't have any concrete plans yet. We do want to go to Sentosa Island to go to the beach and are having dinner with friends at Singapore Flyer.

Can you also suggest places to shop and eat? I'll be glad for ANY Singapore travel tips.

8 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from VioletMyra

abc

Veteran

I have never been but want to wish you a FAB trip! I can't wait to see the pics once you're back home

8 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's VERY hot and humid. Relentless actually. But freezing in the air-conditioning so you need layers all day. And dress up. People dress up in Sing despite the heat. Plus it's wet so pack an umbrella.

Sentosa is a lot more casual and family centric. Lots of kids.

8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Thank you so much Angie. So basically I should pack a layering item? Like a cotton cardi to throw over whatever I'm wearing?

I did suspect that Singapore would be fashion forward.....and I'm so glad to hear it is! I think my summer dresses with scarves would work. I could use the denim vest or a cardi to layer up. And shorts with pretty tops should work for city exploring.....though I suspect 'city exploring' in Singapore may just mean mall hopping

Would you also know what is great to buy there? I know that Charles and Keith gets very cheap if you buy in Singapore, but I've never loved shoes from that brand....though their handbags are really good. Could I find more fashion forward clothing and brands there? Do any of the American brands have stores there?

Essentially, I have 3 things on my to buy list. A pair of high shaft ankle booties in black, a good swimsuit (I have a lot of difficulty in India as no one sells swimsuits by cup sizes) and a snake-print handbag.

8 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

It's really sticky humid, so be prepared to get changed a bit. I also think the culture is more dressy and more conservative than Australia (not sure how it compares to India!). I recommend lunch or dinner at the Raffles Hotel for some old world glamour. You can sit outside in their lovely courtyard.

8 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

Oh, and a trip to the night zoo is really fun.

8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Great tips Brooklyn. Thank you so much! Culture in India is also conservative and equal parts dressy and casual.....more casual for tourists. So will summer dresses and shorts with dressy knits be too casual?

I would definitely have lunch at Raffles Hotel....will pack 2 dressy dresses and a pair of heels. Night zoo sounds fun! Off to google it....thanks again.

8 years ago

Leighways

(website)

Active Member

They are very conservative! I just had a Singaporian homestay come over who was horrified how many teens wore miniskirts and crop tops in New Zealand!

(Sorry for writing so much. Slight packing nut.)
If you're keen on looking like a local, try out a few of their fashion and social media apps. I'll see if I can find the links that might help. But, really, you ARE a tourist, so just think practical - singlet shirts and basic cotton tees are light and can be changed quick and layered under pretty much everything so, a must. If you're keen on jeans, wear them on the plane, bring LOADS of socks (humidity=sweat=stinky feet). If you're planning on restaurants, two dresses and on pair of basic heels should definitely do it! Remember - nobody else will know if you wear the same one twice. And you can always have a look in the shops while you are over there.

Maybe avoid knits. They're heavy, take up a lot of packing space, and won't be good in hot weather. Summery dresses should be alright, but wear shorts underneath + nothing you don't feel uncomfortable getting dirty/rumpled or having to run in (modesty matters.)

RAIN. JACKETS. ARE. A. MUST. You can probably buy a light coat when you get there though so, it really depends how much room you have.

8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Oh, thank you so much, Ashleigh. Ok----now Singapore sounds like India!

I almost always wear shorts under dresses...I'm kind of a modest myself and would rather die than flash my underwear to anyone EVER!

As for knits- I didn't mean sweaters. I meant tshirts, but ones that don't actually look like tshirts. I have quite a few - Breton stripes, pretty florals and abstract prints. I don't wear very short shorts either, so I think my usual shorts with pretty tees, a scarf and flat sandals should do for city walking.

Summer dresses and flat sandals are another option. Now I had no clue it rains so much there! Hadn't thought of that at all! I'm so glad I asked you all for tips, or I would reach Singapore without any Plan B. I actually love to walk in the rain....so I will carry a lightweight jacket for evenings...a foldable umbrella that fits my handbag, but essentially I'll carry lots of options to change into incase I get soaked.

Your tips are most helpful. Thank you so much for making the time to write them all!

8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Bumping this

8 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Hey, Maneera, you should check out 40 Plus Style; the blogger is in Singapore.

8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Sharan!

8 years ago

Shelly

Active Member

Singapore is a great place to visit. One of the few places in Asia that I felt ok eating at street markets. Lovely fresh food.
I would always have a light cardi, cotton or linen -fabrics that breathe, to pop on - the air-conditioning is cold enough but if you a slightly damp from the last shower it seems even colder. The hotels and restaurants favour sub-zero temperatures.
An umbrella is a must. And when the sun comes out again the humidity is killer.
Singaporeans are very modest and dress up. The department stores and shops are very nice.
Have a great trip!

8 years ago

VioletMyra

Active Member

I ate many meals at the Newton Food Centre. (I stayed along Scott's Road and it was an easy stroll.)
You'll have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes.

8 years ago

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