I’m Heading to the Hamptons—My Packing List Is a Summer Wardrobe Cheat Sheet
From gauzy dresses to easy linen shorts.
I’m heading to the Hamptons this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been two years since my last visit, and I’m long overdue for a buttery lobster roll from Clam Bar and a sun-kissed stroll along Ditch Plains Beach. But until then, I’m solely focused on my packing list, which I’m proud to say is almost finished.
Before I stuff my suitcase to the brim, I want to tell you all about the coastal-chic staples that are coming with me. First and foremost, I have a rotation of gauzy dresses that’ll work perfectly for al fresco drinks and dinners. I’ve also got casual separates—like linen pants, relaxed button-downs, and denim Bermuda shorts—which I can wear for laid-back moments, like shopping on Main Street or cycling around town. And of course, no shoreside look is complete without my favorite accessories: a pendant necklace, a raffia tote, and a pair of thong sandals.
Whether you’re traveling out east this summer or planning another beach getaway, take a glimpse at my packing guide below for endless outfit inspiration. You’ll find that these pieces are inherently timeless, so they’re guaranteed to last for many seasons to come.
I recently took this picture while visiting Anna Maria Island. I love this dress so much that it's also coming with me to Montauk.
Shop My Hamptons Packing List
I’ve said this once, and I’ll say it again: every travel capsule wardrobe needs a white dress! This one from Madewell is designed with 100 percent cotton, so it’ll keep you nice and cool.
If comfort is your priority, consider Aritzia’s Charleston pants. The drawstring closure and billowing silhouette makes them extremely cozy.
While my butter yellow dress pictured above is sold out, Favorite Daughter offers a similar design that looks just as good.
I still have 24 hours until my Hamptons trip, so I might try to order this crocheted vest from Mango. I’m loving the gorgeous embroidery that makes it feel oh-so summery.
A plain black pair of thong sandals will anchor any warm-weather look. Team these shoes with a swimsuit and a crochet cover-up, or a tank and Bermuda shorts.
Yes, I’m a minimalist, but I’ll always make an exception for gingham. It’s a quintessential summer print that I simply can’t resist.
A little black dress is a vacation must-have. Whether you’re embarking on a casual excursion or going out for an upscale dinner, this style will rise to any occasion.
I already own a pair of blue striped pants, which I’ll be wearing all weekend long in Montauk. However, I’m also eyeing this on-sale pair from Alex Mill, which just dropped in price from $165 to $115.
When it’s simply too hot to wear lengthy pants, slip into Quince’s linen shorts. These thigh-skimming bottoms are stitched with extremely breathable fabric.
While I’m on vacation, I prefer to be hands-free for the most part. Cuyana’s Paloma bag allows me to do just that, as it’s crafted with a long crossbody strap.
I have walked plenty of miles in these Rothy’s ballet flats, and I’ve never experienced any discomfort. The cushioned footbed offers a true pillow-like feel.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.