If you love small charming coastal towns, then a Great Lakes summer is for you! I know this post is a wee bit early as I know summer is still a few months away, but it’s a topic I’ve been wanting to share for awhile and I’m hoping that if you are planning a vacation to one of the Great Lakes this summer, this will help you to decide what to pack!

Summer in the Great Lakes region is the best time of year! The coastal shores just come alive with sailing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, biking, camping, bird watching, and so much more. Many people may not realize this, but the Great Lakes region also has an abundance of breweries and wineries!

The Great Lakes are the largest group of fresh water lakes and are referred to as the “inland seas.” The Great Lakes are so massive that they have their own weather patterns! I find that just fascinating. That also means that the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. When packing for summer on the Great Lakes, you can expect hot temperatures, however, being near the water does sometimes mean chillier evenings or adventures on the water. So you will want to pack a little bit of everything!

The Essentials

I think it goes without saying that a summer on the Great Lakes means lots of beach inspired apparel. We love our linen, swimsuits, cover-ups, rattan bags, woven totes, leather flats, Palm Beach sandals, striped tees, and Lake Erie inspired sweatshirts. I’m not sharing the items in this post, but don’t forget beach towels, a good beach read, sunscreen, bug repellant, beach toys, and anything else you enjoy doing near the water will be essential.

What to Wear

Sailing on the Lakes

One of my favorite things about the Great Lakes are all the sailboats! If you are heading to a Great Lake this summer, chances are you’ll find yourself on a boat at some point. It does get chilly on the lakes so I would opt for a pair of white linen pants, a classic striped tee, and a cozy Great Lakes inspired crewneck like this Lake Erie one from Shore Society (also comes in blue!). Don’t forget your sunnies, a tote filled with snacks, sunscreen, and a bathing suit, and your sandals! Shop this look here.

Beach Walk

If you have ever gone to the lake with me, you know that I love bringing home pockets of shells. I just love exploring the beach and walking the shoreline, looking for treasures. Lake Erie especially is known for its tiny conical shells that come from sharp horns nails. If we are at the lake in the early morning or early evening, I like to wear a swimsuit and linen shorts. I also like to have a crewneck sweatshirt with me just in case it’s chilly by the lake shore. This Great Lakes tan crewneck is from Erie and Anchor and this style is one of my favorites! Shop this easy beach look here.

Farmer’s Market

If you are heading to a local farmer’s market along the lakes this summer, a maxi dress in navy and white striped like this one paired with comfortable woven flats and a woven tote is a perfect outfit. Add some fun earrings and a cardigan (just in case!) and you’ll be comfortable and stylish while picking out some fresh local produce. Shop this look here!

Shopping on Main

Another favorite activity I love when visiting any of the Great Lakes is shopping! There are so many fun coastal towns along the shores of the lakes that sell cute coastal apparel, home decor, and gifts. I like to keep it casual and comfortable with a pair of striped linen shorts, this Shore Society sailboat and hydrangea tee, a cute woven tote, and leather flats. Also, don’t forget a raincoat! Because of the Great Lakes unpredictable weather and humid environment, you never know when a thunderstorm will roll in! Shop this look here!

Bird Watching

I will admit, I’ve never been bird watching (unless you count searching for white herons while on a boat)! So I’m not entirely sure what someone would wear bird watching, but if I was going to participate in this calming activity, this is the outfit I’d wear: comfy linen shorts, a classic tee, comfortable shoes (SSOLT gets you 10% off of these sneakers!), a cute bucket hat, and a practical crossbody. I did read that bird watchers tend to wear colors that blend in with the surroundings so I think this look would be appropriate. Shop this look here!

Lunch at the Vineyard

The Great Lakes region is very fertile and provides a great opportunity for producing wine and beer. There are so many delicious wineries and breweries that we’ve been to over the years, and we definitely have some favorites on Lake Erie! If you plan on heading to one of these vineyards or breweries for lunch, I’d wear a classic smocked midi dress, Palm Beach or Jack Roger Sandals and bring a cute rattan handbag. Shop this coastal look here!

Dinner on the Docks

You can’t vacation on the Great Lakes without enjoying a meal on the water. Most places are very casual, but I always opt on the side of being overdressed versus underdressed. A puff sleeve dress, Palm Beach or Jack Rogers Sandals, wicker handbag, and some fun rattan earrings make for a perfect outfit. Shop this look here!

Great Lakes Living

Hopefully this post will help you organize what you already own and perhaps offer a few new ideas for items missing in your closet. You can shop all of these items and more by clicking here, or you can click here for the individual looks.

And if you are looking for places to explore along Lake Erie specifically, check out this post about my favorite Lake Erie Beaches. I also have an entire post dedicated to Lakeside Chautauqua. And if you want even more Great Lakes content, be sure to check out the Coastal Ohio section on my site!

Happy vacationing!

Slainte,

Shannon