Summer is here which means ‘New England Summer’ is also here. I’ve lived in New England my entire life and while I’ve always known that it’s a special place, I don’t think I ever anticipated the scale of interest the region has gotten these last few years. From brand trips to viral Instagram trends, it’s nearly impossible to open a social media app and not be immediately confronted with what to do in New England, where to stay, and how to achieve a New England Summer experience at home.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m a little torn putting this together: New England is my favorite place in the world and I am so glad it gets so much love. On the other hand, so much of this region is special because it’s defined by a down to earth, ‘if you know, you know’ charm that can’t be recreated, bought, or curated. Also, beach parking is getting worse every year we’re trending. But far be it from me to gatekeep, New England summer–and whether you plan to indulge the trend by making a trip north to one of our myriad gorgeous destinations, or you want to bring a little bit of New England to wherever you are, I’ve got you covered.

Made In New England

Like New Englander’s themselves, New England based brands are known for products that are adaptable and built-tough, and that are no-fuss but still stylish. This includes brands like Frank Clegg; founded in 1970’s the leatherworks company has been handcrafting everything from wallets to luggage; handbags to briefcases for decades. With a dedication to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, Frank Clegg stands for everything quintessentially New England–their pieces are simple and elegant, leather goods that look as in-style today as they did fifty years ago and that will still be enviable fifty years from now. If you’re packing for a summer vacation to the New England coast, you might consider investing in one of their duffle bags; if you’re looking to achieve that earthy, unpretentious feel of the New England aesthetic from anywhere, their saddle bags and leather totes are the perfect fit.

If you’re looking to get your steps in on your upcoming trip to New England, why not do so in a pair of New Balance sneakers? The brand is headquartered right here in Massachusetts, where they’ve called Brighton home since 2015–in fact, if you travel via the Mass Pike at any point, you’ll likely have seen the brand’s home base. For the stylish shopper, the brand’s newest 204L model is ultra lightweight and easy to style with trendier pieces; the brand’s Numeric style tennis sneakers can be worn as easily with athleisure as they can a sundress.

A little further South and you’ll find yourself near the Matouk Factory store; the luxury linens brand has their factory right here in Fall River, Massachusetts where skilled craftspeople meticulously make everything from pristine and crisp bedsheets to plush bath towels. The local brand just got a nod from New York Magazine’s Strategist where Lauren Ro said, “The first thing I noticed was just how nice they were — lightweight, beautiful, smooth, and cool to the touch, like the platonic ideal of high-quality, ‘elevated’ percale. And they washed well, too.” A staple in New England homes, Matouk not only represents New England on their ‘Made In’ label, but in their commitment to simplicity, quality, and quiet elegance. Looking for a souvenir from the region that you’ll put to good use? Treat yourself to a set of Matouk sheets or pillowcases; for something a bit more novelty, their mini pillows and cocktail napkins bring some whimsy to everyday routines. They even have a selection of summer essentials: lightweight bedding and quilts to keep you cool.

And no trip to New England nor overview of iconic made-in-New-England brands would be complete without a nod to L.L.Bean, famous for its Boat and Tote, its Bean Boot, and for being the unofficial backpack, lunchbox, and winter jacket supplier for school children throughout the region. This year, the brand is bringing it’s quintessentially Maine hospitality to Newport Rhode Island’s Bowen Wharf from June 26 through June 28 for a brand experience; visitors will be able to check out some of L.L.Bean’s most popular summer items including linen and seersucker styles, hand-sewn footwear, rugby shirts, beach essentials and of course–Boat and Totes.

New England To-Go

Let’s say a trip to the northeast isn’t in the cards for you this summer; you can indulge in the New England sensibility no matter where you are. There are some key New England style principles–pieces I’ve spent my whole life seeing that are now, thanks to the virality of New England summer, must-have’s. A good boat shoe, for example, is as ubiquitous as beach parking stickers here; while you can of course go for a classic Sperry, I have thought of little else but this interpretation of boat shoes from luxury brand, Tod’s. A pair of simple, walkable flip flops (my preference is for Archies which are supportive but minimalist), or a Birkenstock is also a non-negotiable. And for lobster dinners on restaurant patios, Cole Haan has a selection of timeless silhouettes with the added benefit of supportive insoles.

Then there are some clothing items that are both ideal to pull of the New England summer aesthetic, and that will look great in your wardrobe all year long; oversized button down shirts (my go-to is Ralph Lauren and for linen, I love Left on Friday), crisp cotton trousers, (Donni and Leset have this market locked down) and breezy, comfortable sundresses (in my experience, few beat the comfort and practicality of a Hill House Nap Dress.) I also love to grab some affordable trendier pieces every summer; the weather here from June through August is beautiful but can still be unpredictable so pieces that look cute but that I don’t have to be too precious with are critical. You’re looking for everything from soft graphic tees and loose blouses to throw over a bathing suit to breezy skirts and affordable, simple knitwear perfect for summer nights, (you truly cannot have enough big cozy sweaters and knits for a New England summer.) Even my nightwear changes in the summer; if you want to feel like you’ve just checked into an ultra luxe Rhode Island cottage, or a seaside Maine resort–this nautical theme slip from Petite Plume or their striped pajama set is the perfect vibe.

And you can’t forget accessories; I am never without something to pin my hair back–whether it’s heat, humidity, or both, trust me, it’s a must have–and I love the quiet simplicity of Machete’s selection. They’re just preppy enough that they go with everything and add a touch of refinement to your look. Sunglasses, like the sleek silhouette from LeSpecs and sun hats like the enviable styles from Janessa Leone are the perfect simple but chic finishing touches to any outfit; toss on some shell or sea-life themed jewelry or add a crafty charm to your purse (pocketbook, as we say) and you’re ready for a bowl of clam chowder. And if you really want to get into the nitty gritty details, I even switch to barely there underwear like the seamless thongs from Honeydew; Simone Perele’s bra’s are pretty enough to peak out from a sundress but supportive enough to keep me comfortable all day.

To really commit to the New England summer vibe, you can even outfit your home in office with seaside motif pieces like Rifle Paper Co.’s Beach Club collection; serve meals off nautical dinnerware, incorporate elegant but lived in details to your home to channel New England vibes or add a quintessentially New England floral arrangement to your table. And Gluggle Jugs might be a British staple, but they’re available at gift and home stores throughout the region for good reason: few things say New England as clearly as a fish jug.

A (New England) Hot Girl Summer

New England might not be the tropics, but it still gets hot here–and humid, and so in addition aesthetic considerations there are some self care and skincare choices I make to accommodate hotter New England days. When it comes to makeup I skip the dark eyeliner and mascara and opt for a look that stays put in the heat and never feels heavy or tacky on my skin. Lately, I’ve been reaching for Rhode’s new highlight milk and bronzer because it’s completely weightless on the skin and can be worn both as skincare and as part of a natural makeup routine. When I want to add a little ‘zhush’ I rely on my Lisa Eldridge eyeliners and eyeshadow palettes; for evening in New England, her products deliver the perfect pared down glam. Before heading out, I use a spritz of Vacation’s new Gelée fragrance which is sexy and nostalgic. And as a steadfast DIY-manicurist, I find the neutral pinks and whites from Dazzle Dry make perfect minimalist everyday shades and when when I want a pop of color that isn’t over the top, their bright red and pinks are my go-to’s.

There are also a number of skincare essentials I can’t live without. This article in The Cut gets it right: “Of all the possible skin-care steps, a face mist may seem the most frivolous. But unlike big water bottling and selling something that doesn’t need to be bottled and sold, there’s real merit to many face mists on the market.” That’s why I always keep a mini bottle of Tower28’s SOS Spray on me, it’s perfect to make you feel fresh after sweating. Really, anything that can be sprayed on is a yes for me in the summer as well–that includes Avene’s Thermal Water and Hanni’s Water Balm. And speaking of sweating, I’m never without Megababe’s mini Body Dust as well as their miraculous cream to powder formula; Nécessaire’s new Eucalyptus mist and wipes are also ideal for a midday refresh.

Finally, the most important New England essential whether you’re visiting the region or channeling it from somewhere else is our attitude: we might not be the friendliest people, but we know how to adapt, and how to be there for each other. Don’t get upset when your weekend gets rained out–just hit the outlets! Two hour long wait at the fish joint you’ve been dying to try? Get it to go and eat it on the beach instead. Lend a water bottle, a lawn chair, or a bag of Cape Cod chips to the person sitting next to you and remember to throw a sweatshirt in your Boat & Tote for that New England summer night chill.