Nantucket Outfits: Everything to Pack for Summer in Nantucket (2024)

FAQs

What to wear on Nantucket in summer? ›

The Classic Coastal Wardrobe

Nantucket is pretty laid-back. During the day it's a lot of beach wear, swimsuits under cover-ups, active wear, tanks and shorts, or sun dresses.

+ Nantucket Outfits in Fall +

Pack cozy sweaters, light jackets, and jeans for strolls along the beach or exploring the cobblestone streets.

Pretty much anything goes! From casual jeans and a button-down, to embroidered maxi dresses and flowy skirts. Let's talk footwear for a moment. When you're planning what to wear on Nantucket in the summer, I'd encourage you to leave your heels at home on this trip.

Summer in Nantucket

Summer is the island at its busiest with the island almost overflowing with visitors. Most of the best things to do in Nantucket are open and doable.

We should wear cotton clothes and light coloured clothes in summers. Cotton is a good absorber of water. Since we sweat a lot in summers, cotton clothes absorb sweat from our body and exposes the sweat to the atmosphere, making its evaporation faster.

The Nantucket boardwalks are well known for their shabby chic nostalgic appeal. Integrate some of that rustic goodness into your Nantucket style home with statement wall art that evokes images of the beach and the seafaring lifestyle prevalent amongst these coastal cottages.

In short, business casual means "no jeans, no tie". This dress code is all about casual and elegant clothes, so the choice is wide. A full suit is too formal for this look, but suit trousers in combination with a smart shirt are fine. All in all, you have quite a bit of scope when it comes to choosing what to wear.

"Casual" Casual is basically a non-dress code, and you can wear comfortable clothing. For Him: Think Homer Simpson. Tee shirt, jeans and sneakers are appropriate.

You can definitely wear jeans to the beach, just consider the activities you plan on embarking on.

You can use your major credit cards pretty much everywhere on the Cape and islands; the exceptions might be some smaller stores or eateries (we indicate in the review of the place whether it's cash only).

Do any celebrities live on Nantucket? ›

Nantucket always has had a small, longtime celebrity contingent. Jerry Stiller and his late wife, Anne Meara, have had a home there for decades and their son, Ben Stiller, and his wife, Christine Taylor, are frequent visitors.

The HDC maintains a list, and we know them well – Hamilton Blue, Essex Green, Quaker Gray, Main Street Yellow, Nantucket Red, to name a few. Despite this notion, the HDC can technically approve any exterior color they see fit, as long as it can be considered to be in keeping with Nantucket's historic character.

The best time to visit Nantucket is during the shoulder months of March, April, September and October. You'll find the island pleasantly free of tourist hordes, and prices are more manageable, too. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hotels and seafood restaurants capitalize on the throngs of deep-pocketed tourists.

As superyachts and megayachts bottle up Nantucket Harbor, it's a sure sign the millionaires and billionaires who frequent the island are headed ashore for shopping, dining, and a respite from boating (and the occasional legal battle).

Nantucket is small and extremely walkable, so please consider leaving your car in Hyannis, where both ferry lines operate secure lots.

Alcohol is not permitted on public property. Smoking is not permitted on public beaches. Glass is not permitted on public beaches.

Topper's has a casual dress code, despite the prestigious chefs and sophisticated menu. For dinner, the informal vibe transcends, and Topper's recommends resort casual attire.

There is a time-honored Nantucket tradition of tossing a couple of coins off the side of the ferry as it pulls around Brant Point and departs for the mainland. Island lore has it that doing so helps ensure one's safe return to the island.

The spring and fall months are quieter and perfect for a relaxed getaway with most shops, restaurants, and attractions still open. The Wauwinet is open from late April through the end of October. Check out the calendar of events on Nantucket for fun things to do in every season.