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As an avid traveler, I’ve been to Greek, Italian and Spanish beaches, but this year I’m venturing to the British coast — specifically Cornwall. My packing list looks a bit different from my previous European summer vacations. Rather than party-ready ensembles, I’m folding breezy linen sets, elegant dresses and even some lightweight sweaters into my suitcase, similarly to how I’d pack for Cape Cod.
Every beach destination has a different uniform, so if you’re also heading to the laidback shores of the UK — or just want to look like you are — you’ll want to shop this curated list of everything I’ll be wearing. With these picks, you’ll be confused for a local in one of Britain’s greatest treasures, and have everyone complimenting your easy-chic summer style.
21 Pieces to Nail British Coastal Style for Summer 2026
Dresses
1. A Bit of Blue: The water in Cornwall is crystal clear and disappears into a blue horizon. I plan on matching the ocean with a flowing maxi dress. The contrast detailing reminds me of the waves.
2. Keep It Simple: Every coastal trip requires a pristine white dress (I don’t make the rules!). This casual pick, with its tiered skirt, is perfect for waterside strolls.
3. Polka Dot Dreams: Navy and white are classic maritime colors, but instead of opting for nautical stripes, the hues get a trendy upgrade with Beach Riot’s linen and cotton polka dot maxi.
4. Pretty Pattern: Leaning into the seaside vibes, this striped dress embellished with beachy motifs — like beach chairs, lobsters and clams — is simply too cute not to pack.
5. One of Each: This 100% linen dress is so flattering and simple, I admittedly bought it in four colors, including navy, moonstone blue, gingham and olive.
6. Coverup and More: I originally bought Quince’s button-up linen shirt dress to wear as a coverup, but I find myself using it for more. It even comes in handy when I don’t know what to throw on after showering.
Matching Sets
7. Easy Breezy: Since Europe is in the middle of a heatwave, this linen pants set will keep me cool, and I love that I can get more wear out of it by pairing the top and bottoms with different pieces.
8. Coastal Chic: Any trip to the seaside calls for a striped set. This tank and shorts combo takes the nautical vibe to new levels with the rope-drawstring bottoms.
9. The Trendy Pick: Gingham prints are unavoidable this summer. PrettyGarden’s green gingham pant set feels calmer than the traditional red hue and will blend right in with the soft color scheme of coastal England.
10. Dress It Up: For special nights out, I’m pulling out all the stops — while still evoking an effortless vibe — with this vest halter top and palazzo pants set. The orange hue will look amazing against the sunset.
11. Feelin’ Blue: When I’m wandering around the coast, I’ll be wearing this embroidered blue and cream shorts set. The detail is impeccable for the price.
Linen Bottoms
12. Out of Office: Trousers aren’t just for the office anymore. This linen pair exudes a beachy aura that feels more relaxed than similar tailored styles.
13. Whimsical Vibes: One thing’s for sure — I can’t wait to frolic in the sand as this billowing linen and cotton skirt flows behind me like in the movies.
14. In Transit: My favorite thing about the 100% European Linen Pants from Quince? They’re the ultimate travel bottoms. Soft, stretchy and oh-so-comfy, I wear them on the plane and once I reach my destination.
15. Low Rise: Embrace the low-rise trend with some relaxed linen pants that won’t pinch or pull on your midsection.
16. Little Secret: Skorts are the ultimate bottoms to pack while traveling. The undershorts are hidden in Open Edit’s asymmetrical style, making it easier to dress up.
Lightweight Sweaters
17. Cutest Coverup: I love how this crocheted sweater doubles as a beach coverup for the chillier days I still want to spend beside the water.
18. Double Trouble: Be ready for any weather — warm or cold — with this convenient two-in-one cable knit sweater. It comes with a spaghetti strap tank and a cardigan embroidered with roses.
19. Fight the Breeze: Boat rides are always windy. Instead of bearing through the chill, I’m packing a batwing cardigan for instant warmth.
20. Casually Cool: Forget what your grandma told you, this slightly slouchy sweater doesn’t look frumpy. It’s actually the key to looking effortlessly chic, especially while on the Cornish coast.
21. Sneaky Hack: I’ve always struggled to pull off a sweater draped over my shoulder. This handy shawl helps me master the preppy coastal look.
After spending the most blissful first week of summer in Cape Cod, one thing’s for sure: Sundresses are part of the summer uniform here. However, the go-to styles are much different from what city influencers swear by. Cape Cod locals prefer breezy linen or cotton options with romantic necklines and pretty seaside patterns. Hill House […]
