Santorini Style Guide

Santorini Fashion

Every summer, visitors are enthralled by Santorini’s enchanting combination of volcanic geology, gleaming white Cycladic houses, and spectacular natural scenery. Standing out among the stunning landscape and throngs of tourists is important in terms of style, as is having an adaptable style to keep cool while walking the steep slopes to the island’s beautiful churches, scoping out the vibrant culture, or discovering Santorini’s famous beaches.

While the off-season runs from December to March, many stores and restaurants remain open throughout this time (this was a recent initiative; in the past, the majority of the island closed down for the winter). The tourist season normally begins in early April.

July is the hottest month in Santorini with an average temperature of 26°C and the coldest is January at 12°C, however this romantic holiday destination boasts warm temperatures nearly all year round. 

What to wear in Santorini

Having the correct clothing for Santorini is a necessity, regardless of when you visit or how long you stay there. Your comfort is essential. You can’t just run around in high heels, capturing perfect photos on the steep, hilly streets. Here’s a few pointers on what to wear in the hot, summer months:

Colour schemes 

The main goal is to stay away from black. The majority of the houses on the Greek islands are painted white for a reason: white does not attract the sun, making it easier to stay inside during those scorching summer days.

The white buildings and the brilliant blue sea will contrast beautifully with baby blue, pink, red, and even yellow.

Maxi dresses

With so much to see and do on Santorini, having a dress that can be worn for any occasion is a must-have. Embrace dramatic colour blocking with yellows, oranges, and pinks or stick to the classically beautiful grecian style of blue and white, you really can’t go wrong with this Instagrammable look!

Statement hats

A straw hat is a must, even if you don’t regard yourself as a “hat person.” You’ll be pleased you did, especially if you decide to travel from Oia village to Ammoudi Bay Harbour. The cliffside trek is tough , (there are 300 stairs in total, plus visitors and donkeys to avoid at every turn), but once you reach the caldera’s foot, you’ll be rewarded richly.  Just a few feet from the restaurant is a little pier where you may have a brief plunge, and a light straw hat will keep your head protected from the sun as well as looking absolutely fabulous!

What to wear in Santorini in November, December and January

Make sure you’ve got some warm, layerable clothing for these months. It can get particularly breezy in the evenings, so taking a larger overcoat as well as several long-sleeved t-shirts and a cardigan or other light jacket is a good idea.

 

The locals will be wrapped up from head to toe, so if you don’t want to stick out as a tourist, pack a few woolly jumpers and your favourite pair of jeans, you’ll be warm but still have a chance to accessorise with some statement chunky jewellery or a silky pashmina scarf.

Where to shop in Santorini

Santorini, as one of Greece’s most cosmopolitan islands, provides an abundance of retail opportunities. The shops, which sell everything from clothing to shoes and jewellery, are located in Fira (Thira) and Oia, and you should accompany your shopping with a visit to one of the many terraces that overlook the turquoise sea.

Bazaar

Bazaar, with its contemporary clothing selections and convenient location on the main street, is a must in Fira. Designer pieces, Georgina Skalidi’s handmade purses, and traditional grecian outfits are a small selection of what’s on offer. The boutique also sells many menswear brands, so men are not neglected.

Ecru

Ecru is housed in a historic captain’s residence just a few feet from the castle in Oia. Ecru has a wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing, jewellery, and shoes.  Don’t forget to enjoy the architectural style of a classic Santorinian house while you’re there.

The White Santorini

The White Santorini ranges invite you to embark on an island fashion adventure. Elegant and durable pieces are created using beautiful fabrics and materials, which are at the heart of their work.

Holiday accessories with Arlo Wolf

Sunglasses are an absolute essential for a trip to Santorini, not only do you want to protect your eyes from the sun, but you want to look good doing it! Our women’s sunglasses and men’s sunglasses all come with UV400 prescription lenses as standard, and there are a variety of styles to pick from.

Not sure what frames you want for your holiday? Take advantage of our try before you buy offer where you can try on up to four frames at home for free!

Check out some of our other style guides: