Your Coast-To-Coast Guide To Memorial Day Dressing

From lobster bakes on the beach to sunset bike rides, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect excuse to lean into your favourite New England summer traditions. Keep things relaxed with navy shorts styled with a knitted polo, then add an extra layer as the temperature drops in the evening. For something slightly more polished that still feels effortless, try a striped shirt dress finished with a swish of nude lip gloss.

An extra day to the weekend is a great reason to stay out a little later, so if a party is on the agenda this Memorial Day, move beyond the floral mini dress and have some fun with a fluid ’70s-inspired co-ord instead. Just don’t forget to keep your favourite bikini close by for a late-night dip in the pool.

Tubing, boat days and brats on the grill – what better way to kick off summer? For a long weekend on the lake, don’t overthink it, packing pieces you won’t mind getting slightly damp. Denim cut-offs thrown over a swimsuit with cord sandals always work, while a lightweight cotton pullover is the perfect extra layer post-swim. And for easy beauty maintenance, don’t forget a nourishing leave-in conditioner.

With the school year almost over, Memorial Day is the perfect moment to host a big start-of-summer gathering. Invite friends and family over and lean into easy yet elevated staples – think white jeans paired with a delicate blouse or a fluid floral midi dress you can simply throw on and go. Chunky sandals and raffia accessories feel especially fresh right now, and will work hard throughout the season ahead.

From desert trails to Red Rocks, the long weekend is made for outdoor adventures. Practical yet easy, longline denim shorts styled with a flannel layer feel comfortable enough for all-day wear. Comfortable trainers and a roomy backpack are essential, especially when you’re clocking up 20,000-plus steps, while keeping water, SPF and snacks close to hand.

There’s nothing better than a beach escape to begin the season, and nowhere does it quite like the West Coast. The further north you travel, the more layers you’ll need, but in seasonless California, a striped linen set makes a fun throw-on over a surf-ready neoprene swimsuit. Or, for long walks along Venice Beach, try a simple tank dress styled with chunky slide sandals.