Photo via @daniellepheloung
You may or may not have ever stepped foot in Nantucket, but the aesthetic of this island off the coast of Massachusetts is immediately recognizable. Charming coastal cottages framed by white picket fences, sailboats drifting across the harbor, blooming hydrangea bushes at every turn. It almost looks like it was designed to be romanticized. And right now, the rest of the world is catching up. Nantucket style sits at the intersection of coastal grandma charm and modern prep, with crisp button-ups, linen separates, woven accessories, and nautical touches that feel simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. It’s effortless because it follows a clear formula – and one that has been perfected over decades of New England summers and old money weekends on the water. What makes Nantucket style particularly compelling right now is its timing. As we soak up the final weeks of summer, leaning into an aesthetic that celebrates the season at its most idyllic feels almost necessary. The beauty of the Nantucket aesthetic is that you don’t need an actual island getaway to pull it off. A few warm-weather staples can transport your wardrobe to a New England summer, even if your biggest excursion is heading to brunch or a weekend farmer’s market. We rounded up 10 Nantucket outfit ideas that get coastal dressing right – and you don’t even need a ferry.
Photo via @tia_dewitt
1) Maxi Dress
Nantucket style is equal parts effortless and preppy, and few pieces capture both quite like a flowing maxi dress. Opt for a white or cream version with a loose, slightly voluminous silhouette that feels easy enough to throw on without a second thought. It’s the perfect one-and-done option for those days when you want to look polished and sophisticated with minimal effort.
Romantic Maxi Dresses
Photo via @matilderpintolopes
2) Peter Pan Top
If you’re building a Nantucket wardrobe, start with polished tops that can anchor a range of summer looks. The Peter Pan collar is an especially good place to begin. Its rounded, feminine shape brings a little charm to even the simplest outfit. We love how it gives classic coastal dressing a more distinctive point of view. Pair it with relaxed trousers, tailored shorts, or straight-leg denim, and let the top do the rest.
Summer Style
Photo via @gretalouisetome
3) Bloomers
Bloomer pants have become a favorite both on and off the East Coast, and they fit naturally into Nantucket’s easygoing aesthetic. Pair linen or lace bloomers with a delicate blouse or simple camisole for a look that transitions seamlessly from swimsuit cover-up to coffee and brunch. The silhouette brings a romantic touch without feeling overly precious, while the lightweight fabrics keep things relaxed. It’s perfect for the ladies who love that mashup of femininity and summer ease.
Romantic Bloomer Edit
Photo via @thealiceedit
4) Draped Sweater
One of the easiest ways to add a preppy touch to virtually any outfit is by draping a sweater over your shoulders. No matter what you’re wearing underneath, the styling trick instantly lends a collegiate polish to the look. For a Nantucket-approved take, keep things classic with a crisp button up, tailored shorts, and a lightweight knit casually tied around your shoulders.
Classic Weekend Layers
Photo via @rosee.lola
5) Modest Midi
When it comes time to dress up for a sunset dinner along the coast, reach for a midi skirt. The Carolyn Bassette-Kennedy-inspired silhouette is still going strong, but it feels particularly fitting when viewed through a Nantucket lens. Style yours with a coordinating top and minimal accessories for an outfit that feels polished, sophisticated, and quietly luxurious.
Effortless Evening Edit
Photo via @itsyuyann
6) Linen
No summer wardrobe is complete without linen, and Nantucket is practically synonymous with the lightweight fabrication. Pull-on or drawstring linen pants are particularly useful for building an easy warm weather wardrobe, whether you’re strolling around town or heading to the beach. Add a navy cardigan for a subtle nautical touch that keeps the Nantucket theme alive.
Classic Linen Picks
Photo via @janekolaitis
7) Gingham
Gingham has always had a place in the New England summer wardrobe, and Nantucket might be its ideal setting. The classic check brings just enough charm to an outfit without tipping into overly polished territory. Try it on a breezy button-down, a tailored pair of shorts, or a simple sundress, then keep the rest of the look understated. We love how it captures the coastal aesthetic without requiring much else.
Gingham Style Edit
Photo via @ali.knutson
8) Kitschy Knits
If there’s anywhere to debut a kitschy maritime knit, it’s Nantucket – or at least in the spirit of it. The beachy island aesthetic lends itself perfectly to playful sweaters featuring everything from fish and sailboats to whimsical seaside motifs. Keep the rest of the outfit simple with cotton shorts or classic jeans and let the novelty knit do all the talking.
Preppy Sweaters & Summer Staples
Photo via @rileyshieldss
9) Ecru Jeans
True-blue jeans will always have a place in any wardrobe, but ecru denim brings a lighter, more refined feel. The creamy hue feels especially fresh for summer, pairing naturally with the crisp, understated ease of coastal dressing. Style yours with a lightweight knit, kitten heels, and a textured handbag for a look that moves effortlessly from daytime plans to dinner.
Ecru Denim Look
Photo via @paigepaul
10) Tennis Whites
Tenniscore naturally intersects with Nantucket style, thanks to their shared love of all things preppy. Don your best tennis whites for an easygoing East Coast-inspired ensemble that feels elegant without being overdone. A linen button up paired with a pleated mini skirt or sporty shorts, finished with a structured shoulder bag, is all you need to complete the look.
