Coastal Style: What to Pack for a Seaside Getaway Anywhere

Whether you're jetting off to a sunny beach in the Caribbean, exploring the misty cliffs of Ireland, or exploring the rugged Pacific Northwest coastline, coastal travel style is a category all its own.

Not all Coasts are Tropical, How to Match Your Coastal Style to Your Destination

At 1923 Main Street®, we know that packing for the coast isn’t just about tossing in a swimsuit and calling it a day. It’s about curating a wardrobe that reflects your destination’s climate, culture and vibe—without sacrificing comfort or style.

Let’s break it down: how coastal style differs from your typical city vacation (or even a Disney getaway), and how to build your perfect shoreline look, from fabrics and colors to layering pieces and graphic tees.

City vs. Coast: It’s a Vibe Shift

When you're packing for a city trip or a Disney vacation, you're often focused on versatility, movement and weather changes over long walking days. Maybe denim, athleisure and structured pieces come to mind so you can layer for days exploring art museums, park hopping, or indulging in foodie adventures.

But when it comes to the coast, your suitcase needs to shift gears.

Coastal travel style is about ease, texture and embracing the natural environment around you. Whether it’s breezy and balmy or misty and moody, coastal destinations call for styles that move with the wind and echo the tones of the sea, sand or cliffs.

 

The Staples of Coastal Travel Style

1. Light, Breathable Fabrics

• Tropical coasts (like the Caribbean or Florida Keys): For warm weather tropical coasts, linen shirts, cotton sundresses, gauzy kaftans and soft-wash t-shirts are all great options. You want breathability and pieces that look better a little rumpled from the sandy beach, sea breeze or salty air.
• Cooler coasts (like the Pacific Northwest or the Irish coastline): Layering becomes key in these types of environments. Look for organic cottons, waffle-knit thermals and cozy hoodies. Lightweight waterproof jackets are also a must-have, or at least a consideration depending on where and when you’re traveling.

2. Soft, Coastal Colors

Coastal destinations are nature's own neutral color palette. Your wardrobe should reflect the coastal colors of your region. Consider the following:

• Beachy tropical coasts: Go for whites, sands, sea-glass blues, coral and palm green.
• Northern or rustic coastlines: Think misty greys, deep ocean navy, sage, foggy lavender and stormy teal.

Our 1923 Main Street® coastal collection of graphic tees and hoodies often draws from these palettes, with colors designed to complement ocean horizons and shoreline sunsets of all shapes and sizes.

3. Comfortable Layers

Weather on the coast (any coast) can change with the wind (and often does). Be prepared for the inevitable and always bring:

• A light sweatshirt or hoodie (especially one of our super-soft, travel-ready 1923 Main Street® designs)
• A long-sleeve tee for layering on cooler mornings
• A light scarf or wrap that can double as a beach blanket or an impromptu windbreaker

Destination-Specific Coastal Style

Tropical or Warm Weather Beaches 

For warm weather beaches, like the Bahamas, Florida, California, Maui, the South of France and so on, consider the following must-haves.

• Pack: Swimwear, linen cover-ups, wide-brim hats, flip flops or espadrilles
• Style tip: Go with relaxed fits and graphic t-shirts with a vintage surf vibe or palm-print accents.

Pacific Northwest 

Whether it’s the Oregon Coast or Vancouver Island, you’ll want to pack for a whole different style of coastline.

• Pack: Waterproof hiking boots, thermal leggings, cozy fleece-lined hoodies and even knit hats, in some cases
• Style tip: Layer a classic 1923 Main Street® hoodie over a graphic tee for coastal walks or campfire evenings

UK or Scandinavian Coastlines

The natural beauty and rugged terrain of these northern coasts beg for a little unique style of their own. Consider the following:

• Pack: A windproof trench or raincoat, wool socks, breathable base layers and sturdy walking shoes
• Style tip: Moody coastal vibes are perfect for darker-toned sweatshirts and subtle, literary-inspired travel graphics