What I Wore in Martha’s Vineyard: A Guide

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, there’s a touch of upscale, east coast preppy thanks to those 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 a cover up you can wear on the main streets when you’re taking a snack or lunch break.

Martha’s Vineyard is pretty casual, so I don’t pack any heels and limit my shoes to a pair of goes-with-anything white sneakers and slide sandals. Even if you’re going to a more upscale restaurant, that doesn’t mean stilettos. Instead, try wedge espadrilles with a long skirt or dress. 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, if you’re out on a boat or even at night, you may want a lightweight cardigan 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.

Here are some ideas that fit this aesthetic:

• Boat shoes
• Espadrilles
• Woven accessories (hats, bags, belts)
• White 
• Anything with stripes, gingham, or polka dots
• Linen and seersucker fabrics

White Jeans Outfit

Loose white jeans, a tee, and an oversized grandpa sweater make for an easy, coastal look without being too preppy or literal. 

For warmer weather, try some flat slide sandals, or go with classic white sneakers like I did.

GET THE LOOK: SUMMER SWEATER, YELLOW GRAPHIC TEE, MADEWELL PRINTED BANDANA, WHITE WIDE LEG JEANS, WHITE SNEAKERS, LE SPECS SUNGLASSES

Midi Dress Outfit

I am all about things you can dress up or down, and a cotton midi 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 work my polka dot dress casually with my white sneakers and a denim jacket, but this would also work great a little dressed up with espadrilles or some strappy sandals. 

Along for the ride: my go-to oversized denim jacket from Madewell. It’s a classic and also a great piece to throw over everything.

GET THE LOOK: NAVY SUNDRESS, MADEWELL DENIM JACKET, WHITE SNEAKERS, LE SPECS SUNGLASSES