What To Wear In The Hamptons

The Hamptons is the pinnacle of relaxed, coastal charm. Known for its stretch of white sandy beaches, picturesque vineyards, seaside restaurants and modern art galleries, it’s the ultimate getaway destination for New Yorkers wanting to escape the city in summer. It has also played a supporting role in a string of iconic films and TV shows, including a particularly memorable episode of Sex and the City.

But what does Hamptons style look like exactly? “It’s very mixed. When I first started going there, it was maybe a little more traditional – by that I mean not a lot of flashy, fancy fashion,” says La DoubleJ’s creative director, JJ Martin, who has visited regularly since the ’90s. “For me, the best kind of Hamptons style is what La DoubleJ does best – that undone, comfortable, beautifully made luxury that is also uplifting and joyful in its pattern and color,” she adds. LemLem founder Liya Kebede agrees that East Coast style is all about “feeling relaxed and comfortable. When I pack for a trip, I gravitate towards pieces that can be worn and styled in multiple ways,” she says. “Our ‘Eda’ slip dress in the ‘Blue Feven’ stripe feels amazing on the body; it’s one of those light-as-air pieces that is always in my rotation.”

Given its stylish credentials, it should come as no surprise that NET-A-PORTER chose the Hamptons to host its first public pop-up. Held at WYETH in Sagaponack from July 16–20, the five-day shopping experience featured a curated edit of ready-to-wear and accessories by much-loved brands, including Alaïa, Chloé, Dries Van Noten and Saint Laurent, and was accompanied by an extra-special cocktail event hosted by NET-A-PORTER’s CEO, Heather Kaminetsky. Impeccably dressed guests, including actors Julianne Moore and Rebecca Hall, and models Carolyn Murphy and Lineisy Montero, were treated to a sneak peek inside the store before enjoying a night of food and music in the garden.

Planning a Hamptons trip of your own? Here’s what to wear when you’re there…

While the Hamptons dress code is generally quite relaxed, there’s still a level of put-togetherness to everyday looks – think preppy, nautical-coded outfits and elevated staples in luxe fabrics. Lié Studio’s chic ‘Bianca’ raffia tote is the perfect choice for a beach day, with enough room for your towel, sunglasses and SPF. The brand’s founders – twin sisters and street-style stars Cecilie and Amalie Moosgaard Nielsen – suggest styling it with “blue or white denim jeans with a breezy shirt tucked in, and a sweater tied around the waist”. From our NET SUSTAIN edit and crafted using lower-impact materials, Maria McManus’s oversized shirt comes in certified organic cotton printed with stripes, and is loose enough to slip on over a simple tank top or swimsuit, like Lemlem’s ‘Elene’ one-piece. “I snatch one from every collection,” says Kebede. “It is super-classic and flattering and has the perfect amount of coverage.” Wear it with Agolde’s distressed denim ‘Parker’ shorts (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) and Loewe’s buckled leather slides for a casual brunch by the sea.

A summer weekend in the Hamptons wouldn’t be complete without at least one floral dress – the perfect slip-on-and-go solution, whether you’re spending the day exploring Sag Harbor or shopping in Amagansett. “A short-sleeved shirt dress like the ‘San Pietro’ is always an easy but chic go-to,” says JJ Martin of La Double J’s beautifully embroidered style. Elsewhere, Dôen’s bestselling ‘Ischia’ style is dappled with painterly anemone blooms and has a flattering shirred waist. Simply drape a cardigan over your shoulders and style with ballet flats or white sneakers. Or choose Zimmermann’s ‘Ascension’ wrap dress, decorated with vibrant flora and fauna, for an intimate dinner party with friends.

If you’re heading to an exhibition opening or a drinks reception, then embrace effortless elegance in a figure-skimming slip dress. Khaite’s ‘Darby’ style is cut from weightless silk-organza that flows like liquid gold and photographs beautifully, making it a great choice for extra-special occasions. Finish the look with Manolo Blahnik’s low-heeled ‘Dellasan’ sandals and a few pieces of delicate, mixed-metal jewelry. Alternatively, if you’re a bride looking for something to wear to your wedding-rehearsal dinner, Toteme’s ‘Cocoon’ maxi couldn’t be more perfect. Complement the ethereally draped silk-voile skirt with matching white heels and a fresh pedicure.

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