Welcome to summer in New York City, where the ebbing, sweaty population of pretty young things makes a perspiring exodus every weekend to the throbbing, sand-strewn promised land known as the Hamptons. (And for those unfamiliar with the weekly great escape from the concrete jungle—be it by Jitney, personal vehicle, amongst tall-boy-toting brethren on the LIRR, or aircraft—this mass exodus happens every Friday afternoon.)
So why this crowded, too-close-for-comfort, and very hot trek? Why not simply head to the Rockaways, a charming port town in Maine, or even a quiet beach in Rhode Island? Hell, why not go to Coney Island? The answer is simple: Who needs calm and relaxation when there is Montauk and the Surf Lodge, a hotel-meets-bar-meets-club-meets Instagram location where city folk go to unwind and let loose from brunch until the wee-hours, creating the ultimate—and very unhinged—place to meet people who, like you, also live in the city. "It s almost like a college hot spot. People go there for the purpose of mingling," says Vogue.com Market Editor Chelsea Zalopany. "And it s the best time to let go of your stiff self and embrace the beachy, carefree atmosphere.” Though keep your wits about you—recent reports of rabble rousing have left the locals less than pleased. All the more reason to go now, before someone shuts them down!
So what to wear among a group of young professionals who have reverted back to a pack of hormonal, ready-to-buy-you-a-drink, salivating university students? The idea stands as it always has: Don t try too hard. There may be a velvet rope—yes, a velvet rope in sleepy, fisherman village Montauk—and a scrum of girls in platform heels and bottom-revealing rompers outside it, but you’re above all of that. Coming back from a day of biking, still slathered in sunblock, and in a pair of Timberlands? Make like Leo’s latest model paramour and don t bother with makeup: Just roll up and get yourself a cocktail in a plastic cup. Been there since brunch? Your bathing suit, wide-brim hat, and tote still fit right in with the evening crowd. You can even arrive in full retro-inspired togs, your flares and a crop top will be a hit with whatever band is playing that night. After all, the world is your oyster—and if you re at the Surf Lodge, someone has most likely already ordered you a plate of them.
