I’ve Mastered Hamptons Style—9 Outfit Formulas I Rely on Every Summer

I first started going to the Hamptons almost 10 years ago for summer weekend trips that never anything short of chaotic. Now in my late 20s, the Hamptons is one of the few places that feels like being back in college again. It’s where I’ve celebrated birthdays, danced with friends until the sun came up, and pulled off some of my favorite outfits—all with overpriced drinks in hand and a salty breeze in the background. I just spent my birthday there this year, and every time I go back, I’m reminded of how much I love the mix of laid-back charm and quiet elegance this short weekend trip away from New York is.

Because I try to visit at least one or two times each summer, I’ve fine-tuned a handful of outfit formulas that make getting dressed feel easy. Whether I’m heading to brunch, hopping on a bike ride, or heading out for golden hour drinks, these 9 outfit ideas have never failed me.

Something I love about having an east coast summer is that it almost always requires packing a sweater. Many other travel destinations require dripping in sweat while walking from place to place but on the average Hamptons weekend, the weather will dip at night. My Ralph Lauren sweater is the perfect item to pack for a weekend away.

For lazy morning walks to grab a coffee, a matching set is an ideal take. Bonus points if it’s made from cotton poplin. Sometimes, I feel like the oversized shorts and shirt combination can feel a bit too masculine but this one has all the pretty details that make it feel super feminine. No one will know you’re hungover if you have a chic hat like this and good sunglasses.

When you’re invited to a Hamptons pool party, you need to dress the part. Swimsuits are required but you want to avoid showing too much skin or wearing something too revealing. I love the gingham trend because it’s playful and childlike so choosing a swimsuit like this will always win the crowd over and a good coverup is absolutely required.

People often forget how casual the Hamptons can be during the daytime so it’s good to always have an outfit on hand that blends in with that aspect of these simple beach towns. I love the bold take of pairing items that almost go together but not quite so wearing two of my items that have green stripes was very fun for me.

Having a collection of mini dresses is clearly a way to never go wrong in the summer when you’re building your capsule wardrobe. There’s no better place than the Hamptons to show off your collection so let this be your sign to buy a new one.

Packing for a Hamptons weekend is incomplete if you don’t have a casual white maxi dress on hand. I could build a whole closet out of dresses like this because I love them so much. Typically when I drive down, I’m off and running immediately upon arrival so on travel days, it’s best to dress on theme from the get go, no sweatpants here!!

A halter neckline, knee-length hemline, and nostalgic stripes make this dress a perfect choice for any sort of east coast adventure you have planned for this summer. It reminds me of the simplicity that is ‘60s style.

If you’re invited to a gala, wedding or summer soiree—you’ll need a really great dress to wear out on the town. Something bold with intricate details and styling it with really great jewelry will always win me over.

For a special weekend, in this case it was Memorial Day, a bright and colorful mini dress is the perfect look for a night out. Right now, coastal inspired jewelry is everywhere especially in the Hamptons. Don’t be shy to layer up on statement pieces.