Whether you’re planning a trip to Cape Cod or simply prefer to live life like you’re the lead in one of Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket-set beach reads, the trick to channeling a classic coastal New England aesthetic during your vacation this summer? Styling outfits with a red, white, and blue color palette, adding a few striped pieces to your carry-on, and piling on the nautical-inspired accessories.
We’ve curated six darling outfits you don’t have to think twice about, whether for a day at the beach, a special vacation dinner, or a Memorial Day or Fourth of July party. Not only is every piece from Amazon, but our picks start at $8, making it easy to fill your cart to the brim with cute, coastal finds.
Nautical Vacation Dinner
No getaway is complete without a fancy dinner or two. Date nights call for cute dresses, like this breezy under-$30 maxi. That being said, enjoying lobster rolls by the water can get chilly, which is why we like to have a second layer on hand. Instead of toting along a bulky sweater, this shawl adds warmth and a pop of pattern to your outfit. Finish off the look with woven accessories and gold bangles that lend a touch of glam.
Striped Sweater Shawl
Straw Woven Clutch
Chunky Gold Bangles
A Patriotic Party
A fireworks show calls for a patriotic color palette. A cute striped top and cream jeans is a timeless combo, especially when styled with a bold red sneaker that’s comfy enough to navigate the crowds at the Fourth of July parade! If you want to go full-send on the Americana, a classic flag sweater just makes sense—and it will keep you cozy once the sun sets.
Dolce Vita Notice Sneaker
Pearl Huggie Earrings
Tourist Chic
You don’t have to sacrifice coastal style while exploring museums or tourist attractions. This sleek button-down dress looks put-together, especially when paired with pretty red flats that’ll make a statement. A silk scarf is one of 2026’s biggest trends, so try your hand at styling the accessory by tying it in your hair, adding it to your tote, or even wearing it around your neck for a vintage vibe.
Boat Day Style
If you’ll be logging hours on the water, make sure to dress the part. A loose knit is a great layer to have on hand to combat sea breezes. Swap your sandals for a pair of trending (and functional) boat shoes. And of course, you’ll want a classic monogrammed tote to hold all of your boating essentials. Amazon sells Lands’ End bags with single letter embroidery, so you won’t have to endure the long personalization wait times.
Sperry Original Boat Shoe
Lands' End Monogram Canvas Tote
A Day at the Beach
This bathing suit feels as New England summer as it gets, thanks to the red and white stripes and cute ruffle and bow details. No day at the beach or the hotel pool is complete without a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun. Same goes for this eyelet cover-up, which is as cute as it is functional. Round out your look with classic accessories like sandals with a touch of shine and an under-$15 pair of aviators.
Reef Bliss Nights Flip Flop
Pro Acme Aviator Sunglasses
Coffee Run Layers
Even if the thought of wearing long sleeves and pants in the summer makes you shudder, you might be surprised at how breezy a full linen ensemble will feel. Use a pair of loose linen pants and a ruched tank top as the foundation for your outfit, then style it with an open button-down for a morning coffee run or shopping trip on a rainy vacation day. Plus, a baseball cap is always nice for keeping bad hair days at bay!
