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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 Home dresses are instantly recognizable, but people also wear more obscure designers that capture nautical New England vibes.
I’d consider myself a Cape Cod-style expert, and after seven years spent summering on the peninsula, I’ve curated this list of the most gorgeous summer sundresses that will help you look like a local. You’ll find options at every price range from some of your favorite retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Nordstrom, Quince and more. Whether you’re heading to P-town or hanging around Hyannis, no one will be able to tell you don’t live on the Cape year round, thanks to these pretty summer dresses.
17 Beachy Sundresses That Deliver Cape Code Vibes
1. Silhouette of Summer: Strapless sundresses are back and better than ever. This romantic option, with the cinched waist and flowy skirt, is what Cape Cod dreams are made of.
2. Personal Bouquet: The deep purple blooms on this floral corseted sundress resemble the iconic hydrangeas scattered across the region.
3. From Beach to Bar: This casual tiered sundress might just become the most versatile piece in your wardrobe because it can be worn as a beach cover-up or a dinner date getup.
4. Sunny and Summery: It’s impossible to feel blue when you’re wearing this happy yellow mini dress. The smocked bodice is stretchy and extra comfy, so you won’t ever feel constricted.
5. Dress It Up: Most people wear the same flowing silhouettes all summer long, but those who want to make a statement will switch to this curve-hugging fringe maxi for holidays and special occasions.
6. Swish Swish: Longer bodices that skim your hips elongate your midsection, helping you appear leaner and taller. This dress does just that, and the adorable gingham pattern was made for days spent in Chatham.
7. Sweet Scallops: You won’t just see scallops on your dinner plate in the cape. The scalloped neckline on this darling red sundress draws attention upwards towards your face.
8. Linen Dreams: When you are unsure of what to wear, this scoop-neck midi dress is a trusty fallback. The best part? It’s made with summer’s best fabric: 100% linen.
9. Wear Everywhere: Every single person I know on the Cape (a lot of people) own a version of this linen popover mini dress. It’s essentially the summer uniform.
10. Extra Breezy: Could this loose Abercrombie maxi be the best summer dress ever? Between the airy cotton fabric and loose, comfy fit, I sure think so.
11. Denim Fantasy: Denim shorts can skew more casual than stylish, so to jazz things up, I turn to this chambray babydoll dress. It even has hidden shorts underneath to prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
12. Old Money Vibes: The tailored fit of this striped maxi dress, which features a sharp collar, button-down silhouette and chunky belt, reminds me of the chic older women who have summered on the Cape for decades.
13. She Sells Seashells: People aren’t afraid to lean into the nautical vibes in New England. You’ll fit right in with the oceanic seashell-printed pattern on this dress.
14. Unofficial Cape Dress: Hill House Home and Cape Cod go hand in hand, and it’s no surprise I saw over a dozen people wearing The Cosima Nap Dress the first weekend of summer.
15. Best of Both Worlds: Boho and preppy styles are wildly different, yet this Free People dress blends both beautifully with the collared bodice and free-flowing skirt.
16. Attention-Grabber: The halter neckline on this smocked maxi creates a romantic seaside look that’s perfect for beach weddings or brunches.
17. Forever a Classic: Nautical stripes will always be in style when you’re on Cape Cod. What sets this dress apart is the cheeky back cutout to keep you extra comfortable on the hottest days of summer.
