Outfit Diary: Summer Holiday on Cape Cod

8 warm-weather looks featuring my summer hero pieces

Happy August, friends! I’m back from my annual summer holiday on Cape Cod where I spent the last two weeks indulging in coastal bliss. Picture this: sunny days (don’t worry, I slathered on the SPF), mouthwatering lobster rolls, locally caught oysters, and plenty of lazy beach reading. I even managed to sneak in some well-deserved naps (the post beach, pre dinner type IYKYK). It’s my favorite summer escape, and every minute there felt like a slice of heaven. I’m already dreaming about next year’s trip!

le mood

I plan to publish a Cape Cod (plus Nantucket) travel guide over the next few weeks, but for now, I’m highlighting the fits and looks I wore on my summer getaway. Before we dive in, let’s set the stage — don’t expect a minimalist packing guide here (I’m an unabashed over-packer, still working on that). Instead, I’ll show you how I transformed my everyday summer MVPs into chic summer vacay looks. These outfits feature versatile pieces that shine both on vacation and in my regular life.

The Vibe

My vacation vibe is something like coastal grandma meets surfer nephew. Think casual-but-elevated neutrals paired with relaxed silhouettes, bold pops of color, and boho-inspired accessories. It’s like Something’s Gotta Give had a love child with Blue Crush — polished yet laid-back, effortless but put-together, where New England prep flirts with West Coast surf vibes.

This aesthetic aligns perfectly with my everyday style in SF. I’m all about modern, classic, and playful looks — classic pieces with a modern twist, and I’m not shy about playing with color, trends, and fresh styling tricks.

Instead of creating a whole new vacation persona (and blowing my budget on a fantasy wardrobe), I built my vacay looks around my tried-and-true staples. If you’re tempted by vacation shopping sprees, my friend

Angie

at The Found Journal published a fantastic piece on avoiding that trap — it’s a game-changer.

The Looks

Now, onto the fits! In no particular order, here are the outfits I wore and my thoughts behind each look.