Summer Style Edit: Beach Days, Barbecues, and Staying Cool

Summer has a rhythm to it. From beach mornings to backyard evenings, or maybe a farmers market run that somehow turns into lunch downtown. Summer style means striking a balance: pieces that hold up to sand and sun but still look pulled together when you end up somewhere unplanned. That's the idea behind our Summer Style Edit. Read more to find pieces that make summer a little easier and a lot more stylish, from the hot days of July through Labor Day.

Start With a Great Hat

A wide-brimmed hat is the fastest way to look finished without trying, and it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your face and neck from the sun. Whether you're headed to the beach, pool, or just walking the dog before it gets too hot, a good hat does double duty. A great hat provides shade for your face and an instant style upgrade for whatever you're already wearing. Our hat collection rotates seasonally with straw, structured, and packable styles, so there's always something in stock that fits the moment. A visor and a brimmed hat from Sun’n’Sand are on our list of summer essentials.

Sunscreen Worth Reapplying

The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually want to reapply. We carry formulas that layer well under makeup, feel good on skin that's already a little sun-warmed, and smell like summer. Check out options from Hampton Sun – there’s something for everyone – and stock up before the season gets away from you. Browse our sun care edit here.

Sandals for All-Day Comfort

If you've owned a pair of Rainbow sandals, you've probably had them stolen off your feet by a teenager who "just needed them for a second." There's a reason they've become a warm-weather staple! The leather softens and molds to your foot over a season of wear, and they look just as at home on vacation as they do at a backyard cookout. Shop Rainbow sandals in the classic styles our customers keep coming back for and see why they’re on our list of summer essentials.

For something a little more polished, Olukai has become one of our go-to recommendations for anyone who's on their feet from morning coffee through sunset drinks. The brand's Hawaiian roots show up in the details with water-resistant materials, thoughtful arch support, and a laid-back look that transitions easily from daytime errands to dinner out. Explore the Olukai collection for both men's and women's styles.

A Beach Cover-Up That Does More Than Cover Up

The right cover-up gets worn as often as a sundress. Throw a beach cover-up over a swimsuit on the way to the pool, then keep it on for lunch afterward without a second thought. At The Cottage, we look for pieces with real texture and color, not ones tacked onto the swim section as an afterthought. Our online shop has bright prints from Lily Pulitzer and breezy kaftans from Spartina that carry you from sand to sidewalk.

Bags That Can Handle A Summer Day

Scout and Aloha Collection have become two of our most-reached-for brands for exactly this reason: they're built for a day that includes sunscreen, a wet swimsuit, a phone, and, somehow, snacks for everyone. Scout's totes are lightweight, durable, and roomy enough to serve as a legitimate beach bag, while Aloha Collection's splash-proof pouches are the ones our customers buy in twos and threes; beach, pool, travel—we've got you covered! Shop our new collection of beach and pool bags to find your new everyday carry.

Sand Cloud Towels Actually Live Up to the Name

A sand-resistant towel sounds like a marketing claim until you've used one. Sand Cloud towels dry noticeably faster than standard beach towels, pack down small enough to fit in a tote, and get softer with every wash rather than scratchier. Once you’ve tried one, we’re sure you’ll want more! It’s the summer essential you’ll wonder how you lived without.

With beautiful prints and different sizes, they're an easy addition to a beach bag and an even easier gift for the person in your life who's always leaving sand in the back seat. Browse our towel selection for the season's prints.

Don’t Forget a Great Summer Dress

No summer wardrobe is complete without a few dresses that require minimal effort to bring maximum summer style. Dresses you can pull on for a weekend trip, a bridal shower, or dinner out without changing a single accessory are a summer wardrobe essential. From Smith & Quinn floral styles to the latest styles from Z Supply, you’ll find it all in our dress collection. The Cottage builds effortless summer style in our dress selection season after season: breathable fabrics, flattering cuts, and prints that feel current without trying too hard. Shop online or at our Annapolis or Severna Park boutiques to find the ones you'll wear on repeat.

Shop Online or Visit Us In Person

Stop by our Severna Park or Downtown Annapolis boutique, or shop the full collection online any time. Our all-women team is always happy to help you put together exactly what this season calls for. 

Call us at 410-647-6742 or visit one of our boutiques in Severna Park or Downtown Annapolis.