The palette (never loud, always luxe)

Navy, cream, stone, dune, sea-green, chocolate, white. Add one accent: faded red or soft yellow.

Fabrics that feel right

Linen, brushed cotton, oxford cloth, merino/cashmere knits, canvas, raw denim, fine terry. Summer weight, natural drape.

Key pieces

• Tops: Oxford shirts, linen camp shirts, knitted polos, Breton stripes, fine terry sweatshirts.

• Bottoms: Pleated chino shorts, straight chinos, tailored drawstring linen trousers.

• Layers: Lightweight cable-knit, navy blazer (unstructured), Harrington jacket, chunky fisherman cardigan.

• Swim: Mid-thigh trunks in solid navy/olive or tasteful stripe.

• Footwear: Boat shoes, leather loafers, espadrilles, clean white canvas sneakers.

• Accessories: Tortoise sunnies, woven belt, canvas tote, understated cap, slim metal watch.

Outfit formulas (plug & play)

• Beach club: Linen camp shirt + pleated chino shorts + espadrilles + tortoise shades.

• Harbor stroll: Oxford shirt (open collar) + straight chinos + loafers + unstructured blazer.

• Sunset chill: Breton stripe tee + linen trousers + fisherman cardigan + canvas sneakers.

• Swim & sip: Solid trunks + knitted polo + leather slides + canvas tote.

Surf twist (so it’s not just preppy)

Add a faded terry hoodie, a rope bracelet, or a sun-bleached cap. Keep logos minimal and colors muted.

Fit & care

Relaxed-tailored (not oversized), sleeves to the wrist bone, shorts mid-thigh. Steam, don’t over-wash. Let linen wrinkle—charm included.

Shop the look

Knitted polo • Linen camp shirt • Pleated chino shorts • Solid mid-thigh trunks • Cable-knit sweater • Espadrilles • Canvas tote

2) 6 Surf Clothing Styles (Beyond Old Money)

Excerpt: From retro glide to techy dawn patrol—pick a style that matches your waves, weather, and mood.

1) Retro ’70s Glide

Vibe: Sun-faded nostalgia.
Pieces: Short trunks, ringer tees, corduroy overshirt, varsity jacket, check bucket hat.
Colors: Mustard, rust, teal, cream.
Wear when: Small, fun days; longboard sessions.

2) Minimal Monochrome

Vibe: Clean, camera-ready.
Pieces: Boxy tee, straight black denim, off-white hoodie, leather sneakers.
Colors: Black, white, charcoal, stone.
Wear when: City-to-coast days, coffee after a surf.

3) Tech-Performance

Vibe: Function first.
Pieces: UPF tops, quick-dry shorts, waterproof windbreaker, trail sneakers.
Details: Taped seams, zip pockets, packable shell.
Wear when: Dawn patrol, windy points, travel.

4) Boho/Artisan

Vibe: Handmade & relaxed.
Pieces: Textured linen shirt, crochet knit, wide drawstring pants, leather sandals, beaded details.
Colors: Sand, olive, indigo, clay.
Wear when: Sunset hangs, beach markets, festivals.

5) Street/Skate x Surf

Vibe: Park-to-pier.
Pieces: Graphic tees, carpenter pants, overshirt, snapback, chunky skate shoes.
Colors: Washed primaries + neutrals.
Wear when: Errands, boardwalk, mellow sessions.

6) Eco-Essentialist

Vibe: Low-impact, high-quality.
Pieces: Organic tees, recycled nylon shorts, undyed hoodie, hemp tote.
Rule: Buy less, buy better; neutral palette.
Wear when: Always—capsule wardrobe.

Quick chooser

• Love timeless pieces? Old Money or Minimal.

• Travel and wind? Tech-Performance.

• Longboard soul surfer? Retro ’70s or Boho.

• City surfer? Street/Skate.

• Sustainability first? Eco-Essentialist.