Although the Hamptons is synonymous with sprawling estates, the ultra-wealthy, and celebrity-packed white parties, you don’t have to dress like you’re walking the red carpet when you go there. (That is, unless you’re super fancy and get invited to said white party.) A few weeks ago, Matt and I spent a weekend in Amagansett in East Hampton. Summer in the Hamptons is delightful, so if you ever make it out there and need some help, here’s a complete packing list of what to bring.
Hamptons Summer Packing List
Chances are if you’re going to the Hamptons for a weekend in the summer, you’ll be going to the beach. But there are a lot of other things to do, from winter tasting and dining to leisurely morning workouts.
The Hamptons is generally a casual place given that it’s on the water, but don’t confuse that with sloppy or lazy dressing. Most people here are from NYC after all, so even a casual outfit is a put-together one.
For the Beach
To save space in my overnight bag, I brought these waterproof Birkenstock slides and used them as both beach sandals and daytime sandals.
Most hotels provide towels for guests but if you’re renting at a house or want to bring your own beach towel, make sure that finds its way into your beach bag, along with the following:
Swimsuit
Packing a swimsuit for your summer Hamptons trip is a no-brainer. Most of my swimsuits are from J.Crew; every year they have a great selection of two-piece and one-piece options, offered in lots of prints and colors.
Swim Cover Up
After you hit the beach, grab a casual lunch or lobster roll on the way home. Invest in a nice coverup that can double as an outfit (which also saves space in your bag). I’m personally a fan of an all white cotton or linen set or dress when it comes to my cover up selection. White white matches any swimsuit pattern, and will look great on your newly minted tan.
A Chic Sun Hat
A chic sun hat comes in hand on the beach, while shopping, and even out on a walk. I personally prefer a wide brim straw hat, but trendy bucket hats and classic baseball caps also work in the Hamptons.
For Dinner, Wine Tasting, Etc.
A Midi or Maxi Dress
Tanks, shorts, and casual day dresses are the usual summer pieces for any beach destination. When you’re packing for the Hamptons, don’t forget a nice maxi dress or two.
There are plenty off opportunities to get a little fancy one your drip our east – be it wine tasting or a nice dinner. Pair with some strappy sandals.
For a list of places to dine, check out this post I wrote on what to do in East Hampton.
A Light Sweater or Jacket
Due to its beachfront location, the weather can be unpredictable in the Hamptons, even in the summer. Be sure you have a light jacket or sweater and a pair of jeans on your Hamptons packing list just in case the clouds roll in.
My personal favorite summer outerwear selections: a light wash denim jacket or a white cardigan.
A Chic Workout Set
The Hamptons has many well-known workout studios from the city that made their way out east. If you’re not looking for an official workout while you’re on vacation, you still should pack a pair of sneakers and walking clothes. Most parts of the Hamptons are generally sleepy in the mornings, so take advantage of this laid-back environment. Enjoy a relaxing walk into town for breakfast or through the neighborhoods before you start your day.
Don’t forget a chic overnight bag for your weekend trip! A place as fabulous as the Hamptons requires some seriously chic travel gear, no?
My bag and clear vanity case in the image at the top of this post are both by Paravel (gifted). I use the larger bag as a computer tote whenever I’m in the city, but it’s the perfect size for a weekend trip. Although it looks small, this bag fit 2 dresses, a pair of jeans and a top, my swimsuit, pajamas, a coverup, my hair straightener, glasses, book, and a pair of shoes. And I love that the vanity case is clear so I can see inside, but is also chic enough to hold.
The TL;DR of what to pack for a summer weekend in the Hamptons:
- Swimsuit
- A hat
- Swim cover up
- Sunscreen
- Beach Sandals
- Beach tote
- Beach towel
- Tank tops
- Shorts
- Day dress
- Sunglasses
- A book to read
- A nice maxi dress
- Sandals
- A light sweater or jacket
- A chic workout set
- Sneakers
