One of my favorite east coast summer destinations is the Hamptons. It’s easily accessible from Manhattan, and you can take the Jitney, the train, or car to get there. Summer in the Hamptons is delightful, so if you’re heading out east and and need some outfit ideas, here’s a complete packing list of what to take for a long weekend.
Hamptons Summer Packing List
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 invited to said white party. And in that case, lucky you!) Vacationing in The Hamptons is always fun. It’s a mix of darling Nancy Meyers-esque backdrops, the beach, and trendier spots for parties and socializing.
The towns in the Hamptons each have their own vibe, but for the most part Hamptons fashion is the same across the board. Hamptons clothing is casual but polished, with a nod to timeless and classic summer wardrobe essentials with east coast sensibility. Most people that visit the Hamptons in the summer are from NYC or surrounding cities, so even a casual outfit is a put-together one. Dressing for the Hamptons in the summer is a bit like what you’d wear in Martha’s Vineyard, only a less preppy.
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 in the Hamptons, from wine tasting and dining to leisurely morning workouts and casual bagel runs.
Below, a few different suggestions on what to what to wear in the Hamptons in summer.
Hamptons Packing List
What to Wear in the Hamptons
For the Beach
Most hotels provide towels for guests but if you’re renting at a house or want to bring your own beach towel, make sure it finds its way into your beach tote, along with the following summer essentials:
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.
Shop the look here.
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 a cotton or linen set, or pretty dress when it comes to my cover-up selection. A solid color matches any swimsuit pattern, and crisp white always looks great on a new tan.
A Chic Sun Hat
A chic sun hat comes in hand on the beach, while shopping, and even out on a walk. This packable raffia bucket hat feels modern and stylish, but classic baseball caps also work in the Hamptons.
Beach or Pool Sandals
Make sure you have a pair of sandals or flip-flops that you don’t mind getting sandy from the beach. To save safe, consider a simple yet elevated pair of pair of minimalist flip flops that you can easily rinse off to double up as a casual footwear option during the day.
Casual Outfits for the Day
When choosing your daytime outfit choices in the Hamptons, opt for chic and relaxed pieces. So, embrace the breezy essence of summer with lightweight fabric like cotton or linen.
Easy tanks, casual day dresses, coordinating sets, and timeless prints like polka dots and nautical stripes all suit the casual atmosphere of the Hamptons and work for a stroll into town, lunch, and shopping.
Shop the look here.
For Dinner, Wine Tasting, Etc.
Midi or Maxi Dress
If you’re planning on dressing up for dinner or going wine tasting, you can’t go wrong with a midi dress or maxi dress. I personally always take a few dresses because you can really wear them all weekend, regardless of where you’re heading. And personally, I’d rather be a little overdressed than underdressed, not just in the Hamptons, but in life.
Pair with some elevated flat sandals or espadrille wedges. I recommend skipping stiletto heels. They feel way too fancy for a beach town, and also don’t have to worry about walking on uneven sidewalks, grass, or sand.
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 neutral cotton sweater and a pair of jeans on your Hamptons packing list just in case the clouds roll in. (This is particularly the case in early summer.)
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 or comfy athletic shorts. Most parts of the Hamptons are generally sleepy in the mornings, so take advantage of this laid-back environment. Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride into town for breakfast or through the neighborhoods before you start your day and get out in the summer heat.
Don’t forget an overnight bag for your weekend trip, your typical toiletries, and of course, sunscreen for your face and body.
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 couple nice maxi dresses or skirts
- Dressy sandals or espadrilles
- A light sweater or jacket
- A chic workout set
- Sneakers
- A water bottle for the beach or pool
