My Nantucket Trip Revealed the Hottest Styles Everyone Was Wearing

Exploring new destinations is an excellent way to break free from a fashion rut and gather fresh style ideas. One of my favorite aspects of traveling is observing how people dress in different cities and countries, which always sparks creativity in my own wardrobe. After a recent visit to Nantucket, I was inspired by the island’s abundant summer fashion trends. Naturally, I scoured the internet to find the best pieces to help you achieve that coastal vibe. 

To nail the Nantucket look, focus on nautical stripes, flowy dresses, and linen pants and tops. While the island is warm during the day, evenings can get chilly (it is New England, after all), so lightweight layers like cardigans and sweaters are essential. Don’t forget practical items like bike shorts for beachside rides and hats to shield your eyes from the sun. Below, explore a curated selection of summer pieces starting at just $20.

Nantucket Summer Fashion

• Gap Factory Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants, starting at $24 (originally $60); gapfactory.com
• Uniqlo Mesh V-Neck Long-Sleeve Short Cardigan, $30; uniqlo.com
• Quince 100 Percent Organic Cotton Smocked Midi Dress, $70; quince.com
• Lululemon Woven Visor, $48; lululemon.com
• Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Midi Sweater Dress, $70 (was $100); abercrombie.com
• Uniqlo Crochet Hat, $20; uniqlo.com
• Lululemon Align High-Rise Short, $64; lululemon.com
• Steve Madden Deyvani Stripe Dress, $60 (originally $119); nordstromrack.com
• Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Crew Sweater, $24 (was $70); abercrombie.com
• Madewell Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt, starting at $40 (originally $88); madewell.com
• Steve Madden Stripe Cotton Mini Shirtdress, $45 (was $89); nordstromrack.com
• J.Crew Capitaine Shirt in Baird McNutt Irish Linen, $57 (originally $98); jcrew.com
• Banana Republic Factory Classic Linen-Blend Shirt, starting at $40 (was $80); bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com

Gap Factory Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants

Linen pants are perfect for cool summer evenings, offering both coverage and breathability. This pair features a mid-rise elastic waistband with a drawstring for a customizable fit, along with spacious front and back pockets to store essentials without needing a bag. Made from a blend of lightweight linen and rayon, the wide-leg design ensures comfort, airflow, and a stylish appearance.

Uniqlo Mesh V-Neck Long-Sleeve Short Cardigan

Proximity to water often brings breezy conditions, making layering a must. This crochet mesh cardigan is a summer essential, as its open weave provides warmth without overheating. The V-neck design, complete with front buttons and a relaxed fit, strikes a balance between sophistication and casual ease, making it versatile enough to pair with jeans and sneakers.

Quince 100 Percent Organic Cotton Smocked Midi Dress

Smocked and ruffled dresses are a quintessential Nantucket staple. Crafted from 100% cotton poplin, this midi dress boasts a smocked bodice and a gracefully tiered skirt, available in eight versatile shades: black, green, pink, lilac, blue, navy, red, and blue-and-white stripes. Reviewers rave about its comfort, with one describing it as “incredibly cozy” and another praising its exceptional value, stating it outperforms other brands in both “quality and affordability.”

Lululemon Woven Visor

Whether you're hitting the tennis court or relaxing by the shore, this stylish visor is a must-have for sun protection. The cream and black design features an adjustable back closure for a secure fit, ensuring it stays in place without slipping. It also includes a detachable sweat-wicking band that’s machine washable, making it easy to maintain and keep fresh. 

Explore more Nantucket-inspired dresses, hats, tops, and other essentials below. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Midi Sweater Dress

Uniqlo Crochet Hat

Lululemon Align High-Rise Short

Steve Madden Deyvani Stripe Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Crew Sweater

Madewell Signature Poplin Oversized Shirt

Steve Madden Stripe Cotton Mini Shirtdress

J.Crew Capitaine Shirt in Baird McNutt Irish Linen

Banana Republic Factory Classic Linen-Blend Shirt