8 Things Everyone in The Hamptons Is Wearing This Summer

This summer, polkadots have made a not-so-quiet return—and not in a kitschy retro way. Whether it's a navy halter mini, a strapless maxi or a full two-piece set worn to Crow’s Nest, the dots are giving ‘Hamptons gone French Riviera.’ The most popular styles tend to balance the whimsy with clean lines: think wide-leg trousers and bandeaus, bubble hems or silk halters with just the right amount of structure. The look lands somewhere between Audrey Hepburn on holiday and an updated Slim Aarons tableau—playful, elegant and a little tongue-in-cheek.

Let’s be honest: jeans are too sweaty and shorts feel too bare, which might explain why everyone from Crow’s Nest to Duryea’s is living in printed wide-leg pants. The best pairs are loud—like limoncello illustrations, martini motifs, and toile de Jouy-meets-Venice patterns that look like they were ripped from a vintage postcard. I’ve seen them styled with crisp bandeaus, silky camp shirts and even matching printed bikini tops. They’re breezy, low-stakes, and practically designed for the “I need to look put-together but I’m also heading straight to the beach” dilemma.

Sardines are the summer's most unexpected status symbol. From sculptural pendant necklaces to literal fish-shaped clutches, these slippery little guys are swimming all over the East End—and not just on dinner plates. It started with gold chain necklaces featuring enamel charms and crystal-encrusted tails, then spread to handbags that look like they belong in a Roman fish market. But the oceanic influence doesn’t stop there. Raffia totes are getting embroidered with coral and seahorses, sunglasses are going translucent like sea glass and shoes are laced with shell beads or mother-of-pearl buckles. The vibe? Coastal eccentric meets quiet luxury.

Low-rise sequin skirts are the piece right now—slung low on the hips, dripping in shimmer and suddenly viable outside a club. The styling shift is what makes them feel fresh: sheer mesh midis worn with crisp poplin and sculptural sandals; paillette minis tempered by oversized blazers and Bottega drop earrings. In the Hamptons, they read less party girl, more art-world adjacent—especially when paired with silver shoulder bags or tan leather clutches.

The Hamptons may run on generational wealth, but the sunglasses this summer are straight off a 1999 R&B album cover. Micro ovals and razor-thin rectangles are everywhere—and they’ve replaced the oversized Celines of seasons past with something colder, leaner and more editorial. Paired with slicked-back buns, red swimsuits and glossy lips, the look reads Euro yacht girl with a hint of Matrix villain. Bonus points if your lenses are espresso brown, olive green or deep burgundy—and if your jewelry screams heirloom to match.

Bathing suits on Main Beach look more like pieces of artwork—or in some cases, lingerie (see above). I’m talking embroidered details that span from lacey whites and beaded gold medallions to camel crochets and ric-rac ribbons. The suits carry an air of fun sophistication, without veering into kitschy territory. The intricate details also add a layer of interest that feels right at home in the Hamptons (where a plain black bikini and Mets hat simply won’t do).

Last summer, I predicted that cabana stripes would dominate backyards. And since fashion and home trends tend to go hand in hand, it makes sense that I saw cabana-striped tops at every corner of Gurneys. Not to be confused with pinstripes, cabana stripes are wider, bolder and far more relaxed. Basically, pinstripes say "office chic," to me while cabana stripes say, "beachfront bonfire." I also saw an uptick of American heritage tones—navy, red and white—which makes the look feel nostalgic and fresh at the same time. 

Last but not least: Shoes. More specifically, square-toe sandals, which swept the feet of 20-somethings at Blue Parrot and 50-somethings at Pierres alike. They’ve transitioned from a runway novelty to a must-have staple in Hampton’s wardrobes—all with bold, square-toe fronts and a low block or kitten heel. It’s also worth mentioning that there seemed to be a comeback of the ankle strap this season, and my standout selection was this pair of brown leather flats from Seychelles, which were my go-to for a day-to-night look.