Shop Cape Cod-Inspired Summer Clothes and Accessories

I go to Cape Cod every year, and there’s no place that’s more summery, in my humble opinion. And my summer style tends to follow the Cape’s vibes, too. Locals and vacationers alike nail the casual-yet-preppy coastal look that New England is known for: think gingham, stripes, cardigans, slide sandals, and tennis skirts. 

If you want to hop on board and dress like you’re heading to the Cape this summer, I picked out a bunch of styles you’ll love from J.Crew, Gap, Lululemon, L.L.Bean, and more. Shop my picks below, starting at $18 (and then maybe treat yourself to a lobster roll).

Writer-Approved Cape Cod Summer Style

A canvas tote is a must-have for summer, and I particularly love Lands’ End bags. They’re sturdy without being too heavy and can easily fit a ton of stuff inside—such as a towel, sunscreen, water, and snacks—making it great for the beach. I actually have multiple of these totes and use them for going to the office, the gym, and more. The raffia accent on the bottom of this style gives it a summery, beachy vibe, too. 

You need a pair of simple, easy-to-wear sandals for vacation—no one wants to be fussing with their shoes at the beach. Not to mention, you’re not going to find a ton of people walking around in high heels in a beach town. These slides look so much like a $900 pair from Hermès, yet they’re only $50. They have a memory foam insole for extra comfort, too. I’d wear them with a pair of jeans and a polo shirt for an easy dinner outfit. 

New England summers can still get chilly at night, so I always have a cardigan with me; I just drape it over my shoulders and slip it on if the wind picks up. The stripes on this cotton-blend option give it a nautical, sea-worthy vibe that screams “summer.” Plus, most cardigans are lighter than crewneck sweaters, making them a better choice for hot weather. 

Gingham is so summery, and a maxi skirt or dress is a good option for both warm days and chilly nights. The length covers your legs if you get cold at night or in the AC, while the breezy fit will still help you stay cool in the sun. This style is made of a lightweight cotton seersucker fabric, and the back of the waistband is elasticized for comfort. Wear the maxi skirt with a T-shirt for a daytime look, or style it with a blouse for an evening out. 

I personally love a tennis skirt for almost any occasion. You can wear this cute wrap style over a bathing suit when heading to the beach, while walking your dog, or for a casual dinner outdoors. Not only are tennis skirts versatile, but they also have that sort of preppy, New England feel to them that’s perfect for a trip to the Cape. 

Shop more Cape Cod-inspired summer fashion, including lightweight dresses, slide sandals, and tennis skirts, below.