How to Dress Like You Summer in Nantucket: A Timeless Guide to Coastal Elegance

Picture weathered cedar shingle cottages, sailboats bobbing in the harbor, baskets overflowing with hydrangeas, and breezy afternoons spent strolling cobblestone streets with an iced coffee in hand. That’s the feeling behind Nantucket style.

The best part? You don’t need a beach house or a trust fund to dress like you spend every summer on the island.

Nantucket style is rooted in timeless, practical clothing made from quality fabrics, effortless layering, and a neutral color palette that never goes out of style. Here’s how to recreate the look without overspending.

Start with a Neutral Color Palette

Classic Nantucket wardrobes revolve around colors inspired by the coast.

Think:

• Crisp white
• Navy blue
• Soft ivory
• Sand
• Khaki
• Light blue
• Oatmeal
• Seafoam green
• Pale pink
• Weathered gray

Instead of loud prints and trendy colors, focus on pieces that mix and match effortlessly.

Choose Natural Fabrics

The secret to looking polished is often in the fabric, not the price tag.

Look for:

• Linen
• Cotton poplin
• Oxford cloth
• Cashmere for cool evenings
• Lightweight merino wool
• Chambray
• Seersucker

Natural fibers breathe better, drape beautifully, and develop character over time.

Build Your Wardrobe Around Classic Pieces

Instead of chasing trends, Nantucket style is built on dependable staples.

Must-have pieces include:

• Linen button-up shirts
• White jeans
• Khaki chinos
• Navy blazer
• Cable knit sweater
• Breton striped shirt
• Cotton sweater draped over the shoulders
• Shirt dresses
• White eyelet dresses
• Relaxed linen trousers
• Tailored shorts
• Lightweight cardigan

These pieces can be mixed into dozens of outfits throughout the season.

Invest in Timeless Footwear

Leave flashy sneakers behind.

Instead, reach for:

• Boat shoes
• Penny loafers
• Leather sandals
• Espadrilles
• White leather sneakers
• Ballet flats

Comfort and simplicity always win.

Keep Accessories Understated

Nantucket style isn’t about showing off labels.

Choose accessories that feel classic:

• Woven straw tote
• Leather crossbody bag
• Pearl earrings
• Gold hoops
• Silk scarf
• Panama hat
• Simple leather belt
• Classic sunglasses

The goal is polished—not flashy.

Outfit Formula #1: Morning Coffee Walk

• White linen button-up
• Khaki shorts
• Leather sandals
• Straw tote
• Gold jewelry

Outfit Formula #2: Harbor Dinner

• Navy midi dress
• White cardigan
• Leather sandals
• Pearl earrings
• Woven clutch

Outfit Formula #3: Farmers Market

• Chambray shirt
• White jeans
• Brown loafers
• Canvas tote
• Sunglasses

Outfit Formula #4: Sunset Sail

• Breton striped sweater
• White shorts
• Boat shoes
• Navy baseball cap
• Lightweight sweater tied around the shoulders

The Best Brands to Thrift

One of the easiest ways to achieve this look is by shopping secondhand.

Keep an eye out for:

• Ralph Lauren
• Brooks Brothers
• Vineyard Vines
• J.Crew
• J. McLaughlin
• Lilly Pulitzer
• Talbots
• L.L.Bean
• Tommy Bahama
• Banana Republic
• Club Monaco

These brands consistently produce timeless pieces that fit beautifully into a Nantucket-inspired wardrobe.

At the Thrift Rack

When shopping secondhand, prioritize fabric over labels.

✔️ Buy if:

• It’s made from linen, cotton, silk, or wool.
• The fit is classic and not overly trendy.
• Neutral colors are still vibrant.
• Buttons, seams, and collars are in excellent condition.

⚠️ Leave it if:

• The fabric feels thin or rough.
• The collar or cuffs show heavy wear.
• The garment has excessive pilling or stretched-out elastic.
• Bright trends overpower its timeless appeal.

Final Thoughts

Nantucket style isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about embracing clothing that is timeless, well-made, and easy to wear. By investing in classic silhouettes, natural fabrics, and thoughtful accessories, you can create a wardrobe that feels elegant whether you’re walking along the New England coast or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon close to home.

The beauty of this style is that it never goes out of fashion—and thanks to secondhand shopping, it doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

Looking for timeless pieces to build your own coastal wardrobe? Browse the curated collection at Under There Finds, where every item is hand-selected to help you create a classic wardrobe you’ll love for years to come.