Cape Cod’s summer dress code balances polished style with practical needs. Residents mix country-club elegance with beach-ready ease, ensuring outfits work for any setting.
Meg McLaughlin, a Cape Cod native and stylist, explains that layering is essential. “You never know what kind of weather you’ll get,” she said. “One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s windy. The right outfit lets you adjust quickly.”
Evening events favor midi skirts and shell necklaces
For dinners, McLaughlin chooses a floral lace midi skirt from Carolina Herrera, paired with a crisp cotton-blend oxford shirt. Knee-length skirts are a local preference, she noted, to maintain a polished look. A natural pearl and seashell pendant necklace adds a subtle coastal touch.
Accessories stay simple: suede drawstring bags, stud earrings, and wedge espadrilles keep the focus on the outfit. “It’s about looking natural, not overdone,” she said.
Boat days prioritize function
On the water, comfort leads. McLaughlin wears a seersucker bikini from Lisa Marie Fernandez, layered with gingham Bermuda shorts and a wide-brim raffia hat. “The hat isn’t just for sun protection—it keeps you from chasing it down the dock,” she said.
A lightweight sunscreen and a beaded fish necklace complete the look. Sunglasses must stay secure, so she opts for oversized frames that resist wind.
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Most locals skip post-beach showers. “You throw on a linen shirt, add flip-flops, and you’re set,” she said. A structured hat and sunglasses make the transition to happy hour effortless.
Weddings and parties require versatility
For wedding-related events, McLaughlin selects a long-sleeve mini cocktail dress in a bold print. The Australian brand Zimmerman’s scalloped linen mini works for both rehearsal dinners and clambakes.
Shoes are practical yet stylish: suede slingbacks from Manolo Blahnik. “They’re easy to walk in on grass and don’t look too formal,” she said. A rattan clutch and freshwater pearl bracelet keep accessories understated.
If there’s a bar, Dom Pérignon is the standard choice. “It’s what everyone drinks here,” she said. “No one’s trying to stand out.”
Golf courses blend sporty and stylish
McLaughlin’s golf outfits mix traditional pieces with modern details. A pointelle sweater polo from G/FORE pairs with a linen miniskirt, while a printed sun hat from Devon Windsor adds flair. “I combine golf brands with regular wardrobe staples,” she said. “It’s not all pleated skirts.”
Footwear balances comfort and polish: Adidas golf shoes in neutral shades. “They work for 18 holes and still look good with a sundress later,” she said. A leather golf tidy from Aspinal of London holds essentials without clutter.
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Layering matters. A lightweight cardigan from Leset stays handy for cooler mornings. “The temperature can drop significantly by the back nine,” she said. “You don’t want to be cold in the clubhouse.”
Beach days focus on linen and raffia
For the sand, McLaughlin wears linen head-to-toe. A broderie anglaise shirt from Loretta Caponi layers over striped cotton shorts, while a raffia bucket hat from Eugenia Kim provides shade. “The hat makes the difference between looking like a visitor and looking like a local,” she said.
Flip-flops from Tkees handle the walk to and from the water. “They’re durable and last more than one season,” she said. A raffia tote from Hunting Season carries essentials without bulk.
Sunglasses are non-negotiable. Oval frames from Lié Studio stay secure in wind. “If they fly off, they’re gone for good,” she said. “The ocean doesn’t return lost items.”
McLaughlin’s approach avoids trends. Instead, she dresses for the Cape’s pace—where outfits must work for a beach walk, a golf game, and an impromptu dinner. “The best looks here seem effortless,” she said. “They show you know what you’re doing.”
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