Martha’s Vineyard is a delightful island located off the coast of Massachusetts. It’s a popular summer vacation destination on the east coast known for light houses, beautiful homes, and beaches. There’s plenty to do on island, so if you’re planning a trip to Martha’s Vineyard this summer, you’ll find exactly what to wear there in this guide.
What I Wore in Martha’s Vineyard: A Guide
Martha’s Vineyard Fashion
Although Martha’s Vineyard is mostly a casual destination, you can find a touch of upscale, east coast preppy due to its Northeast locale, the people who summer there, and most notably, the Kennedy family history there.
When it comes to Martha’s Vineyard fashion, it’s a good idea to pack casual clothing as well as some dressier items.
What to Wear in Martha’s Vineyard
Consider your activities
When it comes to packing for Martha’s Vineyard, consider the activities you have planned. If you’re going beach, be sure to pack the usual suspects like a swimsuit, cover up, and flip flops. The towns in Martha’s Vineyard are right by the shoreline, so choose a cover up you can wear on the main streets when you’re taking a snack or lunch break.
Martha’s Vineyard is mostly casual, so I don’t recommend packing heels. Instead, limit your shoes to a pair of goes-with-anything white sneakers, slide sandals, and beach sandals. Even if you’re going to a more upscale restaurant, that doesn’t mean stilettos. Instead, try some dressier flat sandals like these, or if you do want some height, opt for wedge espadrilles. The sidewalks in Martha’s Vines are brick, and several of the pathways leading to entrances are filled with stones or shells. For men, khaki pants and a collared shirt works.
Easy tees, shorts, casual sundresses, and sandals all work for Martha’s Vineyard.
Think about the weather
Summers on the island can be hot and humid, so lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton are ideal. However, even in the summer, Martha’s Vineyard can get a bit chilly at night since it’s an island. So, it’s always a good idea to bring a layer like a cotton cardigan or jean jacket if there’s a cool breeze. .
Embrace the preppy and nautical aesthetic of the island
There’s really something super fun about the nautical and preppy vibes of Martha’s Vineyard. Embrace coastal grandmother vibes for your trip and also lean into easy, comfy pieces with tailored, maritime flair.
Clothing pieces that fit this aesthetic for Martha’s Vineyard:
- Boat shoes
- Espadrilles
- Woven accessories (hats, bags, belts)
- White linen dress
- White jeans
- Striped t-shirts or striped sweaters
- Other prints like gingham, or polka dots
- Linen and seersucker fabrics
Martha’s Vineyard Outfit Ideas
White Jeans and Sweater
White jeans, a tee, and an oversized grandpa sweater make for an easy, coastal look without being too preppy or literal. This outfit feels classic and works for a car ride around the island, shopping, and even dinner.
For footwear, put on some sandals or stick with classic white sneakers like I did.
Gingham Top and Jeans
Outside of stripes, gingham is another fun and playful print to wear. Try pairing some light-wash jeans with a gingham top, or go all in on the print with a cute gingham dress.
Sun Dress and Denim Jacket
I am all about things you can dress up or down, and a cotton sun dress checks the box. I love packing versatile dresses on summer vacations because you can wear them more than once and a simple change of accessories takes them from day to dinner.
You can see here how I wear my dress casually with my white sneakers and a denim jacket, but this would also work great a dressed up with espadrilles or sandals.
Along for the ride: an oversized denim jacket. It’s a classic and also a great wardrobe staple to throw over everything.
Striped Dress and Sneakers
This easy striped dress outfit works for a day out shopping on Main Street. Thanks to the nautical stripes, it would also be a cute dress for a boat day!
Striped T-Shirt and White Jeans
This classic combo of a striped tee, white jeans, and a dark denim jacket is so classic and will never go out of style. Another great boat day option!
Whenever I travel I like to pack in the same color palette so I can easily mix items in case the weather or plans change. For my Martha’s Vineyard trip, I opted for neutrals and more traditional colors like navy blue and yellow as pops of color.
2 Responses
I like the graphic t shirt! (‘on vacation)..where did you find it??!
Hi Robin, Unfortunately the shirt is old! 🙁 Sorry I can’t be of more help.