Accessories That Actually Travel
The GILI Sandal — natural laces, silver brass beads and shells on a broad strap — is the kind of flat sandal that works with almost everything listed above. Light enough for hours of walking, distinctive enough to not feel like an afterthought.
The canvas tote with the Savanna Elephants print has a hand-illustrated quality that stands out from the usual luxury shopping bags. Cotton canvas, earthy and pastel tones, yellow-and-white stripe detail. Functional for a day out, and the hardcover box packaging makes it a good gift option if you're buying for someone else.
A Few Practical Notes
Singapore's indoor air conditioning is genuinely cold. A light layer — a loose shirt over a sleeveless top, or a linen overshirt — is worth having in your bag even on the hottest day. You'll feel it the moment you walk into the casino or any of the restaurants.
Afternoon rain is common and usually short. A compact umbrella is the easy fix.
If you're planning to visit CÉ LA VI or any of the fine dining spots, check the dress code on the Marina Bay Sands restaurants page before you go. Requirements vary, and the entrance is not the place to find out.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What do you wear to Marina Bay Sands during the day?
A: Organic linen that actually breathes. Singapore's humidity is relentless, and stiff synthetic fabrics make a long day at MBS uncomfortable quickly. The Pause Set in Oasis Blue — a striped linen top with pearl button back and the matching scallop-hem shorts — is what we'd reach for first. Relaxed enough for The Shoppes, polished enough for a rooftop lunch. Finish with the GILI Sandal, and you're covered from morning to early evening without a wardrobe change.
Q2. What is the dress code for Marina Bay Sands Bar (CÉ LA VI)?
A: CÉ LA VI enforces smart casual - no beachwear, no singlets, no flip-flops. From our collection, the Flowy Short Dress in cotton-modal with pearl buttons and V-neckline fits the brief well. It reads elevated without being formal. Swap flat sandals for a low heel and add a fine chain, and you're dressed for the rooftop without having packed a separate evening outfit. The Sage Playsuit with its structured bodice and contrast waist belt is another strong option here.
Q3. What should I wear in Singapore as a female?
A: Our whole design ethos was built for exactly this climate — warm, humid, and often unpredictable. We work exclusively in organic linen and cotton-modal because they stay light and non-clingy in heat. For Singapore specifically, we'd suggest building your suitcase around two or three hero pieces: a linen set like the Pause Top and Shorts, one dress (the Flowy Short Dress or Shirt Dress), and one playsuit. Everything mixes. Nothing needs ironing. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned interiors — the SAND Linen Savanna Shirt worn open works well for that.
Q4. What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?
A: The 3-3-3 packing rule - 3 bottoms, 3 tops, 3 shoes - works especially well with our pieces because everything is designed to work together. A Sand by Shirin version for an MBS trip might look like: the Pause Shorts + Rica Shorts + Sage Playsuit as your three bottoms/key pieces; the Pause Top + Unrushed Sleeveless Top + Daydream Bandeau as tops; and GILI Sandals + pool slides + one smarter sandal for evenings. Everything is in the same tonal palette - natural, ivory, oasis blue - so nothing clashes.
Q5. Can I wear shorts at Marina Bay Sands?
A: Yes - with the right pair. Our Pause Shorts are high-rise organic linen with a scalloped hem and blue stripe embroidery. They read tailored, not casual, which is exactly what you need for moving between The Shoppes and a waterfront restaurant. The Costa Rica Shorts in metallic linen are another option; the gold thread detail lifts them out of "just shorts" territory. Neither would look out of place anywhere at MBS during the day. The casino is the one exception; shorts are not permitted there regardless of style.