Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and with it comes the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re heading upstate for a quick overnight trip, catching a long-haul flight for a much-needed getaway, or enjoying some me-time with a staycation, now is the perfect time to wake up your summer wardrobe.
Vogue’s Summer Weekend Essentials List:
The Essential Tee
Flore Flore Jill Baby Tee T-shirt – $105 at NET-A-PORTER
The Cozy Crewneck
J.Crew perfect cashmere crewneck – $148 at J.CREW
The Daily Go-To
Nike Pacific sneakers – $80 at NIKE
The Sun Shielder
Polo Ralph Lauren twill sport cap – $55 at SHOPBOP
The Classic Jean
Levi’s 501 ’90s jeans – $110 at LEVI’S
The Best Dressed Guest
Tove gathered chiffon gown – $1,240 at NET-A-PORTER
From a road-trip-friendly outfit to a chic wedding guest look, and a city ensemble perfect for quiet cultural exploration, we’ve put together ten looks for every kind of weekend escape. They feature plenty of the season’s must-haves—capri pants, beaded bags, and colorful flip-flops. Summer is the time to have fun and be bold with your wardrobe. Go for bright colors, new silhouettes, and statement accessories to elevate your basics. Wherever you’re headed, here’s how to do it in style.
Staycation
Long weekends are a great chance to rediscover your own city. Visit those usually crowded exhibits and shows, and finally snag that impossible dinner reservation. Black capri pants feel very now—pair them with a classic white tee, a mini tote, and a colored shirt tied at the waist.
– Flore Flore Jill Baby Tee T-shirt – $105 at NET-A-PORTER
– The Park Allison capri scuba pants – $395 at NET-A-PORTER
– Valesque Thea satin-shell tote bag – $195 at NET-A-PORTER
– Almina Concept oversized shirt – $158 at ALMINA CONCEPT
– Khaite Liria sandals – $880 at KHAITE
– Thistles The AL sunglasses – $275 at THISTLES
Rooftop Barbecue
A boho top and jeans is the ultimate BBQ cheat code. It’s comfy enough for seconds (and thirds), while still looking cute and put-together.
– Dôen Traveler embroidered blouse – $220 at NET-A-PORTER
– Levi’s 501 ’90s jeans – $110 at LEVI’S
– Celine Eyewear triomphe oval-frame sunglasses – $510 at NET-A-PORTER
– Pretty Ballerinas round toe ballet flats – $239 at NORDSTROM
– Miu Miu Beau woven leather bag – $5,100 at MIU MIU
– Burberry cropped gabardine mayfair jacket – $2,050 at BURBERRY
Lakeside Escape
For a laid-back weekend by the water, keep things casual but thoughtful. Playing with color is key here: Everybody World’s turquoise shorts are relaxed with a twist and pair perfectly over a bright red bikini for spontaneous swims. A baseball cap offers sun protection—and hides bad hair days—while Miu Miu’s flip flops are perfect for hopping from dock to dock.
– Celine Triomphe bikini set – $1,080 at CELINE
– Everybody.World long Tubular shorts – $64 at EVERYBODY.WORLD
– Noah washed baseball cap – $78 at NORDSTROM
– Kallmeyer cottage tote – $695 at KALLMEYER
– Miu Miu thong sandals – $775 at NORDSTROM
– Allude wool and cashmere-blend sweater – $300 at NET-A-PORTER
Americana With a Twist
If you’re going to a Memorial Day parade this weekend, go for a classic Americana look with a fashionable twist. Pair a white matching set with red and blue accessories. Think holiday-ready, but not too obvious.
– Merlette Safar top – $320 at MERLETTE
– Merlette Maribel skirt – $440 at MERLETTE
– Le Sundial Venice tasselled carnelian earrings – $545 at NET-A-PORTER
– Banana Republic cashmere sweater – $180 at BANANA REPUBLIC
– Reformation Britt ballet flats
$278 REFORMATION
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Rue de Verneuil
Striped leather canvas tote
$480 NET-A-PORTER
The Long-Haul Flight
Make the most of the long weekend by putting your frequent flyer miles to good use—a trip to Europe has been overdue. Stick to a carry-on only and keep your travel outfit simple. A comfortable pair of jeans, a white tee, and a leather bomber that you can wear again at your destination. Your airport outfit doesn’t need much thought.
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Twill sport cap
$55 SHOPBOP
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Nour Hammour
Rios leather jacket
$1,875 NET-A-PORTER
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J.Crew
Boyfriend jersey t-shirt
$45 J.CREW
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Gap
Low rise 90s jeans
$90 GAP
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Rimowa
Cabin luggage
$975 RIMOWA
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Nike
Nike Pacific sneakers
$80 NIKE
The Beach Escape
For a simple beach look, try a black one-piece swimsuit, airy linen separates, classic flip flops, and Staud’s wood-beaded bag for a timeless style.
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Eres
Les Essentiels Aquarelle swimsuit
$470 NET-A-PORTER
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Staud
Baja wood beads
$295 STAUDE
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Everlane
The Must-Have shirt
$98 EVERLANE
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Tory Burch
Curiosity shell necklace
$300 TORY BURCH
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Gap
Easy wide-leg pants
$80 GAP
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Madewell
The Iggy sandals
$88 NORDSTROM, $88 SHOPBOP, $88 MADEWELL
The City Tour
Memorial Day is the perfect chance to visit a friend or family member in a nearby city. Let them show you around—not just the sights, but the local galleries, cafes, and best restaurants. A sleek outfit with thoughtful details can take you wherever the day leads.
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Chloé
Cropped cardigan
$1,190 CHLOÉ
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Leset
Barb wide-leg pants
$260 NET-A-PORTER
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A.Emery
Ora sandals
$260 SHOPBOP
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Quince
Italian leather bucket bag
$144 QUINCE
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Madewell
The 90s crewneck t-shirt
$45 NORDSTROM
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Sophie Buhai
Nile beaded necklace
$750 NET-A-PORTER
The Road Trip
In the spirit of Memorial Day, take a road trip through a state you haven’t explored yet! Flore Flore’s white tee and Leset’s Kyoto pants will be cozy enough for the car and stylish when you step out—with plenty of new restaurants and sights to discover along the way.
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Flore Flore
Jill baby tee t-shirt
$105 NET-A-PORTER
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Leset
Kyoto pants
$280 LESET
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Andrea Gomez
Amelia leather ballet flats
$375 NORDSTROM
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Balenciaga
Le City bag
$2,590 BALENCIAGA
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J.Crew
Perfect cashmere crewneck
$148 J.CREW
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Thistles
The Lex sunglasses
$365 THISTLES
A Nautical Afternoon
When the summer heat calls you to the water, go for a maritime look with a striped bathing suit, board shorts, and boat shoes. The ocean spray might make it a bit chilly, so keep a nylon jacket handy for when you’re out in the open.
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Prada
Lightweight re-nylon jacket
$2,200 PRADA
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Frame
Ritz stripe swimsuit
$398 FRAME
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Made Some
Nylon micro shorts
$225 MODA OPERANDI
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Loewe
Medium Swing bag
$1,990 LOEWE
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Miu Miu
Bleached leather deck shoes
$1,070 MIU MIU
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Tory Burch
Runway bracelet
$375 TORY BURCH
The Wedding Weekend
For those attending a loved one’s wedding, we suggest investing in guest attire you’ll want to wear again this summer—like Tove’s beautifully draped yellow dress, Neous sharp pumps, and Saint Laurent’s black sunglasses.
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Tove
Gathered chiffon gown
$1,240 NET-A-PORTER
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Sophie Buhai
Osiris earrings
$550 NET-A-PORTERSave to wishlist
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Neous
Hamal pumps
$795
NEOUS
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Saint Laurent
52mm round sunglasses
$495
NORDSTROM
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Alexis Bittar
Asterales floating cuff bracelet
$225
NORDSTROM
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Lizzie Fortunato
Gala bag
$550
SHOPBOP
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about 10 weekend outfits to try this Memorial Day written in a natural tone with clear concise answers
FAQs Memorial Day Weekend Outfits
1 Whats the general vibe for Memorial Day weekend outfits
Answer Its a mix of casual patriotic and summerready Think comfortable pieces like denim shorts sundresses and white jeans often with a touch of red white and blue
2 Do I have to wear red white and blue
Answer Not at all Its a popular theme but you can skip the full flag look A simple white top blue jeans or red accessories is enough to nod to the holiday without being over the top
3 Whats a good outfit for a backyard BBQ thats both cute and comfortable
Answer Try a flowy sundress with flat sandals or a pair of highwaisted denim shorts with a striped tee and sneakers Both are easy to move around in and keep you cool
4 How can I dress up a simple outfit for a Memorial Day dinner or party
Answer Swap your shorts for a white or navy midi skirt and add a nice blouse Then dress it up with wedges or block heels and some statement earrings A linen blazer over a tank top also instantly elevates the look
5 Whats the best way to incorporate patriotic colors without looking like a costume
Answer Choose one main color and use the other two as small accents For example a white dress with a red belt and blue sandals or navy pants with a white top and a red lip
6 I live in a hot climate Whats a breathable outfit option
Answer Go with linen or cotton A linen buttondown shirt with white shorts or a linen jumpsuit is perfect Avoid heavy fabrics like denim jackets if its scorching
7 Are white jeans really a must for Memorial Day