Whether you're headed to Montauk to hang at the Surf Lodge, spending a week in Nantucket with your cousins, or just curating the perfect vibe for your local pool club—Preppy Girl Summer is a state of mind. And it starts with how you pack.
This isn't about overstuffed duffels or just-in-case outfits. It's about packing with purpose: clean skincare that actually works, timeless staples you’ll rewear on repeat, and a few polished extras that pull it all together without overdoing it. Preppy girls keep it simple, thoughtful, and always a little bit elevated.
From striped button-downs to Sambas and SPF, we’ve got your ultimate Preppy Girl Summer packing list—the ERLY way.
And if you haven’t already built your perfect preppy skincare routine, check out our Preppy Skincare Guide for a clean, derm-backed refresh before you zip that weekender shut.
Preppy Girl Summer: The Skincare + Beauty Extras
Preppy girls keep their skincare simple, clean, and consistent—because less is more when your products actually work.
Face Foam: Your go-to daily cleanser. Gentle, derm-backed, and powerful enough to take off SPF, sweat, and beach day buildup without leaving your skin dry or tight.
ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF: A zinc-powered SPF 40 that doubles as your moisturizer. Lightweight, hydrating, non-greasy, and clean. It’s your everyday essential, and it plays well with everything else in your bag.
Daily Splash: Our hyaluronic acid-powered hydrating serum that gives your skin a tall drink of water—morning or night. It soothes, plumps, and restores moisture, especially after a day in the sun. Smooth it on post-cleanse for that fresh-faced, preppy glow.
Rhode Pocket Blush: This creamy, blendable blush is the perfect add-on for a preppy flush. Dab it on your cheeks (or even your lips) for a soft, healthy-looking glow. We love it for dinner after a beach day—it melts right into sun-kissed skin and takes two seconds to apply.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: Hydrating, glossy, and clean—this stays in the front pocket of your tote at all times.
Extras Worth Packing
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Tinted brow gel
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Clean deodorant
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Wide-tooth comb + leave-in conditioner
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Nail polish in sheer pink or white
*If you wouldn’t use it on a school morning or after the beach, it probably doesn’t need to come with you.
The Closet Edit: Preppy, Polished, and Rewear-Ready
Preppy Girl Summer means planning your outfit for matcha at Sagaponack General Store, biking into town for penny candy in Sconset, or tubing with your cousins at the lake—and still looking effortlessly pulled together for dinner after. You want pieces that move with you through the day and repeat well all week.
Here’s what’s going in the bag:
The Ralph Lauren Button-Down: A forever staple. Go oversized in blue-and-white stripes or crisp white cotton. Throw it over a swimsuit for beach days on 30A, tuck it into denim cutoffs for town, or knot it over a dress when it gets breezy.
Tennis Skirt + Beyond Yoga Top Combo: The Alo tennis skirt and Beyond Yoga tank is your uniform. Sporty, fitted, and always photo-ready—whether you're rallying on the court, picking up smoothies from Lemon Press in Nantucket, or just looking like you do both.
One Perfect One-Piece: Look for scalloped edges, seersucker, or a pop of pink. It doubles as a bodysuit under your button-down. Bonus points if it makes you feel like you’re headed to Surf Lodge, even if you're just swimming at your best friend’s house.
The Pink Palm Puff Sweatshirt: For those chilly beach bonfires, boat rides, or running into town when you’ve got wet hair and don’t want to talk to anyone. Oversized and essential.
Shoes That Carry You Through
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Sambas—obviously.
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Birkenstock slides—for coffee runs, beach walks, and lake house mornings.
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Espadrilles or flat sandals—just dressy enough for Sag Harbor pizza nights or porch dinners with grandparents.
The Sundress That Does It All: Smocked, tiered, or puff-sleeved—make it feel classic with a little coastal flair. We love gingham or a fresh floral for nights out or post-beach market runs.
Finishing Touches
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A crisp baseball cap for bad hair days
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Oversized sunglasses (the kind that hide everything)
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A claw clip or hair ribbon
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Mini crossbody or canvas tote for walking into town
Keep it simple: navy, blush, white, and denim tones go with everything and feel clean no matter where your summer takes you.
Preppy Girl Summer: What Not to Pack
No contour kits. No five extra lip glosses. No full-size body lotion you’ll never open. Preppy Girl Summer is about streamlining—what works, what feels good, and what gets used.
Stick to what earns its spot. And let everything else stay home.
Conclusion: Preppy Girl Summer Energy, Secured
Preppy Girl Summer isn’t about being trendy—it’s about showing up confidently in your own skin (with a striped button-down, obviously). It’s the kind of summer where your skincare is clean, your wardrobe is easy, and your vibe is chill but always polished.
Whether you're hopping between Sagaponack and Shelter Island, hitting the courts with cousins at camp, or just aiming for main character energy at your local club, this list has you covered. Clean products, timeless staples, and just enough prep to keep it fun.
Keep it uncluttered. Keep it ERLY.
