The Hamptons is all about effortless polish — relaxed silhouettes, sun-faded tones, and quiet luxury with a coastal soul. Heading there for the first time? Here’s your guide to dressing like you belong.
Coastal style sits at the intersection of minimalist resortwear, the rise of quiet luxury fashion, and the shift toward slow living. Think linen, cotton, beach palette, and relaxed silhouettes that allow movement. So if you’re planning a weekend at The Hamptons, your wardrobe should embrace a relaxed, carefree attitude. From timeless coastal outfits to collections by resortwear brands, we’re unpacking the essentials. Here’s how to be the most talked-about woman in the Hamptons—for all the right reasons.
The Hamptons: An Authority On Coastal Fashion
The Hamptons began as a relatively quiet rural settlement on the eastern end of Long Island, defined by farmland, coastal landscapes and maritime life. Its transformation began in the late nineteenth century when the Long Island Rail Road expanded to the South Fork, making the shoreline reachable from New York City.
With improved access, seasonal visitors from wealthy Manhattan families built summer homes and created social clubs, establishing the Hamptons as a leisure retreat. At the same time, artists and writers were drawn to the seascapes. By the mid-20th century, celebrity interest, rising property values, and design-led architecture reinforced its connection with status and Hamptons style emerged: coastal, understated and polished. Today, the Hamptons represents a physical place and a widely referenced aesthetic.
The Hamptons has earned its status as a coastal fashion authority through a curated balance of quiet luxury and coastal ease. Here, summer style is driven by the rhythm of the shoreline—lightweight linens, cottons, sun-kissed neutrals, and minimalist silhouettes. The aesthetic prioritises comfort without compromising elegance. It is this effortless sophistication that sets the Hamptons apart from other seaside destinations.
The region’s cultural influence plays a defining role. Fashion designers, editors, creatives, and celebrities flock to the Hamptons each summer, shaping the visual language of coastal chic through their presence alone. Boutiques curate collections that reflect local living—sun hats, raffia totes, relaxed tailoring—while yachts, farm stands, and shingle-style homes amplify the aesthetic narrative. Rather than chasing trends, the Hamptons sets them by embracing timeless pieces elevated through craftsmanship and context. As a result, “Hamptons style” has become more than a look—it is a seasonal wardrobe philosophy, where natural beauty, luxury, and ease coexist with absolute intention.
The Origins and Evolution of Coastal Style
The origin of coastal dressing is deeply rooted in early 20th-century leisurewear, when affluent Europeans began vacationing along the French and Italian Rivieras. This seaside lifestyle called for clothing that was both elegant and functional, introducing lightweight fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and nautical motifs to mainstream fashion. Breton stripes, boat shoes, and crisp whites became synonymous with Riviera style, combining maritime practicality with timeless sophistication. Across the Atlantic, New England prep offered a similar approach with a collegiate spin — think chino shorts, button-downs, and navy blazers worn during summers in Nantucket, solidifying the blueprint for what we now recognize as coastal style.
Iconic designers like Coco Chanel were instrumental in evolving this look into a symbol of effortless luxury. Chanel revolutionised women’s resortwear in the 1920s by introducing jersey knit sailor tops and wide-legged trousers — garments that redefined elegance for the modern woman. Ralph Lauren built on these foundations, elevating coastal dressing through the lens of American luxury, incorporating yachting references, clean tailoring, and East Coast aesthetics. His campaigns featuring windswept hair, sandy toes, and linen-clad silhouettes became visual icons of a life lived seaside, further embedding nautical and resort influences into global fashion consciousness.
Fast forward to the digital age, and coastal style is once again riding the wave of cultural relevance — this time through the lens of social media. The rise of the “coastal grandmother” aesthetic on TikTok, inspired by Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, reintroduced relaxed button-downs, oversized knits, and neutral palettes as style staples. Simultaneously, the “Luxe Resort” trend has taken hold on Instagram and Pinterest, showcasing curated coastal wardrobes that combine beach-ready ease with polished minimalism. As fashion designers embrace this serene, sun-drenched aesthetic, coastal dressing continues to evolve — timeless yet current, nostalgic yet forward-thinking.
Coastal Dressing
Coastal dressing balances comfort with understated sophistication. Expect kaftans, high-waist wide-leg pans, midi dresses, and shirt dresses—all designed to move with the body and catch the breeze. Luxury fashion brand Jacquemus has a coastal collection “Le Splash” packed with relaxed tailored suits layered over a bikini top or colourful printed sets. The looks are crafted from sea-ready materials, including lifejackets spun into puffer vests and sorrels into leather! Inspired by water droplets, glass embellishments created by artist Tanya Lyons are used as embellishment on the suits.
Loro Piana x MyTheresa is a masterclass in elevated coastal luxury. Known for its impeccable craftsmanship and understated elegance, LLVMH-owned Loro Piana brings its signature textiles—linens, cottons, and cashmere—to a capsule collection of tailored palazzo pants, tunics, and oversized linen shirts in a palette of ivory, sand, and soft marine tones. It’s the ultimate resortwear, offering investment pieces that transition effortlessly from the yacht deck to an alfresco dinner on the Riviera.
For travellers seeking seaside fashion that balances style and accessibility, the J.Crew x St. Tropez Edit delivers a sun-soaked dose of French Riviera charm at an attainable price point. The capsule features cotton sundresses, striped button-downs, linen shorts, and raffia accessories—ideal for packing light and dressing smart. Inspired by the effortless glamour of coastal towns like St. Tropez and Antibes, this collection is a go-to for beachgoers who want to channel coastal chic without breaking the bank.
A combination of Parisian charm and coastal nostalgia, Sézane brings romantic, vintage-inspired sensibility to seaside wardrobes. Striped tops, embroidered blouses, high-waist shorts, and retro swimwear reflect the effortless glamour of France’s southern coast. Made with organic fabrics, Sézane’s collections feel timeless and conscious. Whether you’re sipping café au lait in Biarritz or strolling the boardwalk in Normandy, Sézane offers fashion and function for anyone chasing that chic French coastal dressing vibe.
Of course, no coastal outfit is complete without the right accessories. Raffia hats shield from the sun while adding texture and shape; espadrilles and leather slides keep feet grounded. Canvas totes—like those from Apiece Apart or Cuyana—carry all the essentials while vintage-inspired sunglasses lend a nostalgic nod to mid-century resort glamour. PS Jacquemus’ “Le Splash” accessories are on point — bright mules and the Chiquito, Sac Rond, and Bambino bags.
Modern Pop Culture Influence of the Hamptons
In the age of visual storytelling, coastal dressing has found its perfect canvas on TikTok and Instagram, with hashtags like #coastalcowgirl and #beachcore reinterpreting Hamptons dressing for younger audiences, making linen shirts, raffia accessories, and swimwear staples part of the contemporary summer wardrobes. These trends celebrate a nostalgic, sun-soaked lifestyle that combines rustic charm with oceanfront luxury—think denim cut-offs with eyelet blouses, oversized button-downs worn as cover-ups, and fluid dresses layered over swimsuits.
Celebrity sightings, seasonal events, and designer-led pop-ups in East Hampton create a steady stream of visual references that circulate widely online. Simultaneously, fashion houses are embracing the coast as their preferred backdrop, with campaigns from luxury fashion brands like Jacquemus, Chanel, and Zimmermann staged on coastal destinations. These locales, chosen as much for their cinematic quality as their symbolic luxury, amplify the escapist narrative of resortwear trends.
Social media has further amplified this sensibility. Influencers share packing lists, home décor inspiration, and day-in-the-life content that present the Hamptons as both aspirational and achievable. This constant visual storytelling keeps the aesthetic current, expanding it beyond geography and turning it into a cultural reference point for how to dress and live during the warmer months.
Why Hamptons Style Matters Today
Hamptons style continues to resonate because it offers a way of dressing that balances ease with refinement. In a time when wardrobes are shifting away from loud, logo-driven fashion, the Hamptons aesthetic reflects a quieter approach: focused on quality fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and pieces that can be worn from morning to evening without effort. It encourages dressing that feels natural and unforced, rooted in simplicity rather than display. This makes it appealing to those who value comfort, longevity, and clothing that suits both leisure and daily life.
The cultural influence of the Hamptons also plays a role in its continued relevance. The region remains a seasonal hub for creatives, designers, and public figures, which means the style is constantly being reinterpreted and shared across social platforms and media. Architectural design, interiors, and the coastal environment all feed into the visual identity associated with the Hamptons, reinforcing a consistent lifestyle narrative. Rather than being tied to trends, Hamptons style works because it reflects a mindset: relaxed confidence, appreciation for craft, and living in rhythm with the environment.
FAQS: What To Wear In The Hamptons
Packing for a weekend to The Hamptons is as much about curating a mood as it is about assembling a wardrobe. Your Hamptons packing list should focus on breathable fabrics, relaxed tailoring, and versatile neutrals that move easily from beach to town and from day to sundown cocktails. The iconic coastal destination demands effortless elegance—think pieces that move with the breeze, transition from day to night, and photograph beautifully against sun-drenched backdrops.
- What fabrics are best for The Hamptons?
Opt for natural, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton voile, seersucker, and lightweight silk-cotton blends. These materials wick moisture, allow airflow, and keep you cool without sacrificing elegance.
- How can I stay stylish but protected from the sun?
Choose wide-brimmed raffia hats, oversized UV-protective sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeve cover-ups or linen shirts. Brands like Lack of Color and & Other Stories offer stylish sun-safe accessories.
- What footwear works best for The Hamptons?
Avoid stilettos and sneakers. Instead, pack espadrilles, leather sandals, or slides with cushioned soles. For more rugged paths or marina settings, go for sleek water-friendly sandals like those from Freedom Moses.
- How can I pack light but still have versatile outfit options?
Stick to a capsule wardrobe with a cohesive color palette—neutrals, whites, and sea-toned blues—and include multi-functional items, like a linen shirt that doubles as a cover-up or a slip dress that transitions from beach to dinner.
- What outerwear should I bring for cooler evenings at The Hamptons?
Pack a lightweight cashmere wrap, linen blazer, or oversized cardigan for layering. Coastal temperatures drop at night, so it’s essential to have one elevated piece that adds both warmth and polish.
- Are swimsuits part of dressing for The Hamptons?
Absolutely. Choose structured, high-quality swimsuits in neutral hues that double as bodysuits under skirts or trousers. Brands like Matteau, Eres, and Hunza G offer minimalist swimwear perfect for layering.
- How do I dress for a beachside dinner or sunset drinks?
Go for elevated resortwear: a silk midi dress, tailored linen trousers with a halter top, or a kaftan with statement jewelry. Finish the look with strappy sandals and a woven clutch for a coastal evening vibe.
- What accessories elevate a coastal look without overpacking?
Stick to standout accessories: a raffia tote, gold hoop earrings, a silk scarf (that doubles as a headband), and neutral-tone sunglasses. These small additions can transform basic outfits into statement looks.
- How do I prevent looking too casual or “beachy”?
Balance comfort with structure. Pair flowy pieces with one polished element—like a belted waist, tailored pants, or buttoned-up linen shirt. Stick to refined colorways and avoid distressed or novelty beachwear.
- What are some sustainable options?
Look for eco-conscious brands like Faithfull the Brand, Mara Hoffman, Reformation, and Amour Vert, which use recycled materials, organic fabrics, and ethical production practices—perfect for a wardrobe that’s as thoughtful as it is beautiful.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
