I've Mastered Hamptons Style—9 Outfit Formulas I Rely On Every Summer

I first started going to the Hamptons almost 10 years ago for summer weekend trips that were never anything short of chaotic. Now that I'm in my late 20s, the Hamptons is one of the few places that feels like being back in college. It's where I've celebrated birthdays, danced with friends until the sun came up, and pulled off some of my favorite outfits—all with overpriced drinks in hand and a salty breeze in the background. I spent my birthday there this year, and every time I go back, I'm reminded of how much I love the mix of laid-back charm and quiet elegance this short weekend trip away from New York is.

Because I try to visit at least one or two times each summer, I've fine-tuned a handful of outfit formulas that make getting dressed feel easy. Whether I'm going to brunch, hopping on a bike, or heading out for golden-hour drinks, these nine outfit ideas have never failed me.

Something I love about having an East Coast summer is that it almost always requires packing a sweater. Many other travel destinations cause me to drip with sweat while walking from place to place, but on the average Hamptons weekend, the weather will dip at night. My Ralph Lauren sweater is the perfect item to pack for a weekend away.

For lazy morning walks to grab a coffee, a matching set is an ideal take. Bonus points if it's made of cotton poplin. Sometimes, I feel like the oversize shorts and shirt can feel a bit too masculine, but this set has all the pretty details that make it feel super feminine. No one will know you're hungover if you have a chic hat like this and good sunglasses.

When you're invited to a Hamptons pool party, you need to dress the part. Swimsuits are required, but you want to avoid showing too much skin or wearing something too revealing. I love the gingham trend because it's playful and childlike, so a swimsuit like this will always win the crowd over. A good cover-up is absolutely required.

People often forget how casual the Hamptons can be during the daytime, so it's good to always have an outfit on hand that blends in with that aspect of these simple beach towns. I love the bold take of pairing items that almost go together, so wearing two of my items that have green stripes was very fun for me.

Having a collection of minidresses is clearly a way to never go wrong in the summer when you're building your capsule wardrobe. There's no better place than the Hamptons to show off your collection, so let this be your sign to buy a new one.

Packing for a Hamptons weekend is incomplete if you don't have a casual white maxi dress on hand. I could build a whole closet out of dresses like this because I love them so much. Typically when I drive down, I'm off and running immediately upon arrival, so on travel days, it's best to dress on theme from the get-go. No sweatpants here!

A halter neckline, a knee-length hemline, and nostalgic stripes make this dress a perfect choice for any sort of East Coast adventure you have planned for this summer. It reminds me of the simplicity that is '60s style.

If you're invited to a gala, wedding, or summer soirée, you'll need a really great dress to wear out on the town. Something bold with intricate details styled with really great jewelry will always win me over.

For a special weekend (in this case, it was Memorial Day), a bright and colorful minidress is the perfect look for a night out. Right now, coastal-inspired jewelry is everywhere, especially in the Hamptons. Don't be shy about layering up on statement pieces.