Ahh the Hamptons, nothing says long summer days, weathered beach homes, and oceanside charm quite like the Hamptons. The Hamptons offer the perfect mix of Atlantic Ocean air, a quiet rural escape from the city life, historic aesthetic, and of course, exclusivity. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and regular celebrity sightings, the Hamptons offers a nice getaway and hidden estates for the most elite. But while many Hampton visitors are the who’s who, not all are. In fact, many find their place in more affordable areas like Westhampton, Montauk, and Hampton Bays – still incredible areas to take in that salty ocean air, white sand beaches, and fresh seafood. With some of the best food, lodging, art, and overall quaint culture, the Hamptons truly is the hottest summer destination year after year.
While Hamptons is a gold mine destination year-round, and many choose to live quiet lives there, during the summer months is when it really starts to come alive – and don’t even get us started on the parties. The Hamptons is known for its long and wild parties that can last well into the early morning. Attending a Hamptons party is truly unlike anything else, which is why so many people choose to replicate a Hamptons themed party for different occasions throughout the year regardless of whether you are local or not. So, whether you are attending a party in the Hamptons or a Hamptons themed party, there is one important key aspect that you must master: the outfit. Known for flowy white linens, and bright summer colors, the Hamptons party scene is next level, and your attire should be too. Here is how you can create a timeless summer wardrobe for the Hamptons.
Hamptons Themed Party Attire for Women
Ladies, when it comes to your Hamptons themed party attire, remember it’s all about style and elegance. Go for more timeless patterns and materials such thick stripes, polka dots, linens, and light cottons. Hamptons style dress code is all about the flowy materials, comfortable high fashion beach wear, and bright colors. As far as style goes there are a few different staple options for you to choose from:
The Dress
The little white dress is the ultimate go-to when it comes to a Hamptons party. In fact, it is the one Hamptons wardrobe classic that never seems to go out of style. The beauty of the little white dress is that it can be worn multiple ways, including in a form fitting party dress, or a flowy summer beach dress – anything goes as long as highlights elegance and grace.
The Jumpsuit
The jumpsuit is soon taking over as the new ‘party dress’. With a good flowy pant leg, jumpsuits are emerging as the new protocol for Hampton style and elegance. Not only are they beautiful and flattering, but they are extremely comfortable to wear and easy to party in. Remember, when it comes to a Hamptons party, keep your jumpsuit flowy with minimal patterns and neutral colors. Since it is your staple piece, you will want to accent your outfit with bright summer or ocean colored accessories.
The Linen Pant
In case jumpsuits aren’t your thing, you can always go for a flowy linen dress pant for the occasion. The linen dress pant walks a perfect line between beach wear and event wear. They are extremely comfortable but can easy be dressed up – like for a Hampton party – or dressed down for a beach day.
You can also swap these out for shorts instead if it is a particularly hot day! These are still within the sophisticated laid-back beach wear dress code that defines the Hamptons but allows for a little more comfort while you enjoy good company.
The Flowy Top
Have you caught on that flowy is in when it comes to Hamptons party attire? Whether you are wear pants, shorts, or a skirt, you will want to make sure you match it with a flowy beach top. Typically, women purchase this particular piece in a linen or cotton in neutral ocean colors or minimal soft patterns. Remember, the goal is airy summer attire, so go for styles that are a relaxed fit and comfortable to wear.
Hamptons Themed Party Attire for Men
When it comes to men’s Hampton themed party attire, there is one style that has remained the tried and true option: the suit jacket. Usually paired with dress pants and soft colored button-down shirt, the suit jacket is a staple for men’s partywear in the Hamptons. When considering your options of what to wear, make sure that your dress pants are always white or beige – neutral whites and off-whites area rite of passage into any Hampton party so it’s important to get this piece right. From there, men typically wear white matching or soft colored shirts with minimal patterns if any, and either a summer colored or neutral matching jacket over. Loafers, dress shoes, even sandals are all fine to wear to complete your outfit.
The Jacket
Since the jacket is the most important piece to the wardrobe, it’s important to start here and build the outfit out. Finding the right jacket is key here and will depend on whether you would like a loud summer outfit or a neutral laid-back beach attire. As long as your jacket is within the guidelines of summer colors, or neutral beach tones, and minimal patterns, you have free range to find whatever jacket fits your style best.
The Button-Down Shirt
Now that you’ve picked your jacket, you will want the right shirt to compliment it. The key here is to go opposite of the style you chose for the jacket. For example, if you chose a neutral jacket you would want a more summer colored, or pattern button down shirt. If you chose a bright jacket, you would want to choose a neutral colored shirt to match. Remember that your button-down shirt should still resemble the sophisticated beach look, so always ‘air’ on the side of airy.
The Pants or Shorts
While typically the dress code has always called for dress pants, shorts are now making an entrance into the men’s dress wear scene – yes, even with a jacket. While it’s a bold move to pull off shorts and a dress jacket, there is a right way to do it that will help you achieve the Hamptons summer look you are aiming for. The key to wearing shorts with a jacket is for the shorts and jacket to be matching in neutral tones and material. You can also add a bowtie to jazz up the look a bit as well. When buying dress pants, remember to keep them flowy but comfortable and classy. You want to ride the edge of sophisticated and beach wear, so make sure you can still dress them up with a jacket.
This post is a life saver, thank you so much! I just got an invited for a Hamptons themed engagement party and was hoping to get some better idea of dress code. Thanks again for the tips – very helpful!
Hi James, that’s great! I’m very glad you found our website and found the article helpful as well! Enjoy your Hamptons themed party! 🙂
Omg yes I LOVE!! Thank you for sharing these hot tips 😍 I honestly might dress in Hamptons dress code all year long – flowy linens are my uniform. Great article!
Hi Bethany, of course! I am so glad that you found them helpful! I agree, linen may always be the summer material of choice (and maybe off season too!). Thanks again!