If you’re heading out east to the Hamptons this summer, this guide on what to wear is essential. This New York summer holiday destination is very chill, and laid back. Farm stands and beaches will be on your to-do list, but you can definitely find nicer meals and live music and dancing if you want that kind of a vibe too. Here’s exactly what to wear in the Hamptons for the perfect weekened.
What To Wear In The Hamptons
There are so many different ways to experience the Hamptons. From really laid-back and casual vibes at a pool or beach and lots of casual meals, to more dressy options and parties. While I lean towards the more casual, you can definitely pack some nicer pieces if you plan to head out on the town. There are so many things to do in the Hamptons, you can really choose your own adventure.
Non-Negotiables To Pack For The Hamptons
Before we dive into outfit ideas, there are definitely a few non-negotiables that you MUST pack for your trip to the Hamptons.
- A comfortable sandal
- A lightweight sweater or jacket to wear at night, the evenings can cool down
- Linen and cotton pieces
- A swimsuit and coverup
- Comfortable travel day outfit
Let’s dive into some of the outfits you should pack for with a few of my favorite go-to looks for each category.


Travel Day Outfit
Since the Hamptons are easily a 3-hour drive or train ride from New York City, it’s best to travel comfortably. I like a pull-on pant or short, and a comfy top. Sure, you can definitely do leggings and a tee for your usual travel look. However, I like to arrive in an outfit I can easily pop into lunch with if we stop along the way. That way I feel a little more put together and less like I want to waste my time going to change.


Beach And Pool Outfits
Throw in some easy coverups and sets to wear to the beach or pool. I love loose little dresses like this brown one from Amazon for only $40. Or a matching poplin set so you can wear the shorts with your swimsuit, or add the top if you need it. A big linen button down is also a great option paired with some denim shorts or poplin ones.




Daytime Shopping And Lunch
The Hamptons is pretty casual, but you can for sure pull out some of your fun daytime summer looks for shopping and lunch in town. I love an easy matching set paired with a sandal, or just my go-to shorts and a tank but styled with intention. Pull on poplin pants are also a great option as it’s not usually super hot out here, and the air conditioning is always blasting in every store.




Dinner Time Looks
Dinners in the Hamptons can lean more casual, but it’s also all about where you go. You could easily find nicer spots like Swifty’s or go super casual at Gosman’s on the water. Even a nicer spot like Swifty’s doesn’t feel too stuffy and you could easily wear some white jeans and a nicer top, or just a simple dress and call it a day. It’s one of my favorite things about visiting a beach destination: you can usually lean much more casual even for nicer dinners.
I really love great dresses, or skirt and top combos for a dinner outfit. But tailored linen trousers are also a great option for summer dinner looks. You can also do a great pair of white jeans and a top with a strappy sandal or espadrille.
Shoes That Actually Survive Gravel And Sand
You’ll likely be doing some walking in the Hamptons while bopping from town to town to shop. While you don’t need to worry too much about comfort since it’s not a ton of walking, there is quite a bit of gravel or sand or grassy farm stands. I would recommend a comfortable sandal when possible, or a flat espadrille or summer sneaker. You really don’t need those sky-high heels for this type of vacation unless you plan to get super dressed up for a party or dinner and dancing. I typically pack my favorite summer sandals from flat to low-heeled options.
What To Pack In Your Beauty Bag For The Hamptons
Pack all your go-to summer beauty products like your SPFs, your light makeup routine favorites, and any hair products you want to use. I found myself using a lot less makeup and just keeping things much simpler. You’ll want to ensure you have all your favorite SPF options for sun protection whether it’s at the beach, pool or spending the day exploring, SPF is key.
What To Not Pack For The Hamptons
It really all depends on what you have planned. As someone who is more casual and not going out on the town, I avoided any crazy shoes or outfits. I kept things more simple, with one or two nicer dinner looks that still didn’t feel too dressy. You won’t need those stilettos probably and you should probably avoid any polyester fabrics when possible. While the Hamptons rarely gets SUPER hot, this destination just lends itself to all the cotton and linen pieces in your closet.
FAQ To Visiting The Hamptons
Are the Hamptons dressy or casual?
It really depends on what you have planned, but overall, the destination feels much more casual than say a Miami summer getaway. I wore low heels or flats the entire time, and only did one nicer outfit for a birthday celebration dinner, but still rocked a pair of flat sandals.
What shoes do you wear in the Hamptons?
Aim for comfort, or low heeled options. You likely won’t reach for stilettos, but maybe your espadrilles instead. I’d also pack a summer sneaker for walking around town if you need something more supportive. But a comfortable sandal is really all you need.
What should you pack for a Hamptons weekend?
When I packed for my weekend in the Hamptons, I mostly packed my favorite summer outfit formulas. Shorts with cute tops, dresses, and simple combinations that I could easily mix and match. Don’t forget swimsuits and coverups, and if you plan to do some morning walks, have a few extra lazy morning outfits to reach for. That’s all you really need. Anytime I travel, I also almost always pack most of my go-to Amazon travel essentials from chargers, to headphones and toiletry bottles filled with my favorite beauty products.
There you have it, everything you need to pack and outfit ideas, for the Hamptons. This destination is quite casual and laid back, making it really easy to pack for. Enjoy long walks on the beach, and shopping in town before enjoying a great dinner with friends.




