What to Pack for a New England Summer Trip | New England Summer Packing List

Heading to the coast and wondering what to pack for a New England summer trip? Have no fear, I have curated a New England summer packing list that makes it into my suitcase time and time again. This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to use my links to purchase certain items, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support.

Packing for vacation can be annoying, so I’ve decided to help you out and share my tried and true New England summer packing list. These are the staple items that earn a place in my suitcase every time I head to the coast! (The white cotton button-down shirt I am wearing, I linked below.)

In this post, I’m sharing my New England Summer Packing List.

Bonus Section: 5 Coastal Outfit Ideas for a New England Summer

These are some of the exact outfits that I pack time and again for a New England coastal trip. They’re simple, re-wearable, and perfect for unpredictable summer weather.

Outfit 1: Linen cropped pants and a linen long-sleeve button-down shirt

I love linen because it is lightweight, quick-drying, easy to layer for mornings, and still breathable in warmer afternoons. I love this combo for beach walks and casual waterfront dinners.

Quince 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt Blue Pin Stripe

100% European Linen Pants Flax

Outfit 2: Quince body suit, linen jumper, and a cotton button-down sweater

Quince linen jumpers are the best because they look so put-together without actually trying, and still feel like you’re wandering about in pajamas. Layering a sweater is easy to take on and off as the weather shifts throughout the day or if you’re in an air-conditioned restaurant. I opt for a skin-colored body suit underneath to protect my chest from the sun a bit. (I’m allergic to sunscreens).

Second Skin T-Shirt Bodysuit Sand

100% European Linen Square Neck Jumpsuit Light Cargo

100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cardigan Camel

The Sandals:

I’m so obsessed with these sandals. I wear them EVERYWHERE all summer long. I already bought a second pair so I have a backup when I wear these out. Because I will wear them out!

Eurosoft Ranie Haurache flat sandal from DSW. This pair is great for my skin color. If you have lighter or darker skin, Quince makes a haurache sandal that may match your skin color better:

Quince 100% Leather Huarache Flat

Outfit 3: Levi’s Capri jeans and a lightweight button-down white pocket shirt

You can never go wrong with classic light jeans and a breathable, lightweight, white, button-down shirt. It is so classic and French girl. This is an outfit that looks elevated and makes you look confident in your outfit choice because it almost seems like nothing, but it’s really everything. Adding a headband or a white or navy bow to the hair adds a bit of flair that others often leave out. The purse really makes it, so don’t skip it (wink).

Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Collared Neck Button-Down Shirt

LEVI’S – 311 Shaping Skinny Capri Jeans (Up And Away – Light Wash). In my opinion, these capris run small, likely because of the skinny style. I sized up to a size 29 when I usually wear a 27 or 28, depending on the brand.

I got my purse from Marshalls, but Madewell makes a great woven tote: (See #7 on my New England summer packing list below for a smaller purse option)

MADEWELL – The Signature Woven Tote- Burnt Sienna

Outfit 4: Cotton navy white striped sweater and a silky red midi skirt

This look is just classic nautical style. The sweater is perfect for being out on the water or for cool summer night sunsets and beach walks. The red skirt adds a bit of spice to a coastal capsule wardrobe. You can easily pair the skirt with a white bodysuit or a white button-down shirt tucked in or tied in the front.

100% Organic Cotton Striped Crew Sweater Navy/White

Full disclosure my skirt was thrifted, but Quince makes a beautiful skirt that is basically the same as mine:

100% Washable Silk Skirt Salsa

Outfit 5: Cotton gauze maxi dress and a long-sleeve linen button-down shirt (same shirt as in outfit 1)

I love a good breathable, breezy summer dress. Layering a linen shirt over it not only protects the skin without overheating you, but it looks effortless, comfortable, and very “cool girl”.

100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress Vintage Cream. I also own this dress in indigo blue. The darker colors do not have a lining, whereas the vintage cream color (pictured above) is lined.

Quince 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt Blue Pin Stripe

Now on to my New England Summer Packing List Essentials:

1. Light Layers

We all know the Northeast has unpredictable weather, and I have found one of the best ways to deal with this has been to pack light layers that can easily be popped into your day bag and thrown on and off throughout the day. I usually stick to button-front linen shirts because they’re light and breathable. I also pack a light, white, cotton, button-front shirt because it looks very classy and effortlessly New England. These versatile pieces can also be thrown over a more casual shirt for dinners, so you can spruce up an outfit without completely changing or needing to run back to your room.

Quince’s 100% European linen is my favorite. The quality and price point simply cannot be beat. These are the two colors I pack for every New England trip:

Quince 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt French Blue

Quince 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt Blue Pin Stripe

This is my favorite white button-down shirt (shown above). I love it because it is super lightweight, and the buttons are the perfect light mushroomy, pearly color:

Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Collared Neck Button-Down Shirt

looking to create a coastal capsule warobe? Shop my quince coastal must-Haves to make packing a breeze!

2. Comfortable Shoes

When you’re heading to these quaint New England coastal towns, you definitely want to look totally put together, without trying too hard, and without compromising comfort. Well, I found a pair of sandals that check all 3 boxes! I wore these sandals all summer long, and they made it through two coastal New England trips with a ton of walking! These are my exact go-to summer sandals. I love them because the inside is cushion-y. I have even bought a second pair so that when mine wear out, I’m not without them!

Shop my exact sandals: Eurosoft Ranie Haurache flat sandal from DSW.

3. Cozy New England Style Sweater

You want to be ready for those potentially crisp summer nights. And if you’re fortunate enough not to experience them, I’m sure you’ll be out on the water at some point, which can get chilly. But New England calls for not just any old sweater; you want a quintessential look to a sweater, at least I do. Below are three sweaters I like to have on hand for every coastal New England getaway. Honestly, I wear these four sweaters on repeat all the time!

100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cardigan (This is a great button-front option. I wear this sweater CONSTANTLY, as you see in the above photo).

100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cable Crew Sweater Green (This is a bit lighter weight than the other two sweaters, and it is a cropped style. Because of this, I opted to size up one size to avoid it being too short).

100% Organic Cotton Striped Crew Sweater Navy/White

100% Organic Cotton Striped Crew Sweater Speckled Beige/Ivory

4. Umbrella

Packing an umbrella is not rocket science, and yet, you see people constantly traveling without one. Personally, I always bring one no matter what. There is nothing worse than being stuck in one spot waiting for the rain to chill out. Um…like, no thank you.

This adorable umbrella is on my wish list. It is not compact, but I dream of taking a photo in front of a cedar shake-sided, hydrangea-styled, New England-style cottage in a pair of Hunter rain boots… someday 🙂

KIEL JAMES PATRICK – Hydrangea Bloom Umbrella

SoulRain Travel Umbrella – Compact Umbrella in Plaid Blue is a more affordable option that subtly says “preppy New England” to me. Also, a great unisex option.

5. Beach Day Items

Going to the beach is surely on your to-do list when visiting coastal New England, as it should be. I like to bring staples along that do not take up too much space. Items like a small lunch box, a sunhat, a beachbag that can be easily cleaned, a wet/dry bag, sunscreen, a good chair, and a good read. At the top of my list are Sandcloud Turkish beach towels. They are amazing because they’re super lightweight, quick dry, and can double as a blanket for traveling or picnics. They’re so worth bringing! I will list a few options below:

Sandcloud Turkish Large Beach Towel (Whaley) (This size is hard to find on Amazon. It is perfect for two people to lie on the beach. We often lay on this size, and then use a regular size as pillows and to dry off).

Sandcloud Turkish Large Beach Towel (Seagrass Turtle) (The same size as above)

Sand Cloud Turkish Beach Towel – Sand Free – Fast Drying -100% Certified Organic Turkish Cotton Yarn Letoon Navy) (These are regular size beach towels that we use to dry off with and we use them as pillows on the beach or headrests when flying).

Shop the rest of my coastal summer Beach must-Haves on amazon

6. Nice Outfit for Dinner

Again, my go-to fabric is linen. You can wear it for a nice dinner, but also for any casual day. If you go with black linen, it reads upscale and effortless. Just dress it up a bit with nice jewelry and viola, you’re done!

QUINCE – 100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress (Black)

100% European Linen Vest (Goes great with the pants below)

100% European Linen Pants (Black) (Pairs great with the above vest)

7. Versatile Purse or Day Bag

Personally, I prefer to travel with a camel colored leather bag. I find that this color goes with everything. I also like a medium size that isn’t too much to carry, but can also fit a light shirt rolled up and a 16 oz Owala water bottle, if need be. Marshalls or TJMaxx is a great place to find the perfect bag at an affordable price. I got the bag shown in the first photo of this post at Marshalls, so I cannot link it here. However here are a few other options:

MADEWELL – The Signature Woven Tote- Burnt Sienna

Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Sling Bag Cognac (This is a great compact option if you do not travel as heavily as I do day to day 🙂