How to Pack for a Cottage Weekend

Few pieces are more synonymous with a cottage weekend than a polo — bar maybe a swimsuit.

Whether the appeal lies in its rich nautical heritage (think JFK on Manitou, his iconic sailboat) or its effortless ability to look good through whatever outdoor adventures come its way, the classic polo has earned its place as a warm-weather wardrobe staple.

Relaxed enough for a morning on the dock, refined enough for dinner on the patio — it's the one piece every cottage-goer should have in their bag.

A reliable pair of slides is a cottage weekend non-negotiable. From spring through fall, there's little else that features as heavily in a cottage footwear rotation — and for good reason.

Effortless to slip on and off, and comfortable enough to feel like slippers once worn in, slides are the natural choice for everything from the dock to the boat to a stroll around the grounds. When in doubt, reach for the slides.

When day turns to night in cottage country, the age-old tradition of lighting a campfire is the perfect way to end the night. Toasting marshmallows, telling stories, staying up far too late — it's one of the great cottage rituals.

The best way to prepare? Suit up in sweats, top and bottom — and bonus points for a matching set. They'll keep you warm on cool nights next to the lake and, as an added bonus, cover enough skin to keep any mosquitoes at bay.

Outside the cottage, there's a good chance you'll spend more time in swimwear than anything else. A sturdy pair of swim shorts is an absolute essential — not just for a dip in the lake, but for catching rays on the dock, fishing off the boat, and cocktail hour on the patio.

The secret is finding a pair that dries quickly and passes for a simple, stylish short on dry land — so you can move freely between aquatic and dryland activities without a second thought, or a trail of water across that nice hardwood floor.

Getting out on the water is one of the great cottage pastimes — but whether you're driving the boat, riding along, or being pulled behind on a wakeboard or inflatable tube, the glare off the lake can be relentless.

A polarized pair of sunglasses is the obvious fix, though your best pair isn't necessarily your best option when you're zipping across the water at speed. Instead, reach for a pair equipped with a neck strap or extra-strong arms that hold tight through the wind and the bumps.

A perfect cottage weekend includes plenty of time spent under the sun, which naturally means you need to come prepared. One of the best ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays is with a baseball cap or other wide-brimmed hat.

Our advice? Try on a few different styles in-store to see which suits your face shape better. Generally speaking, those with more round faces look better in wide-brimmed hats, while those with more narrow faces look better in shorter-brimmed or structured hats.

From arrival to departure, day to night, lake swims to fireplace hangs, there’s a massive range of moments and activities to get excited about during a cottage weekend — and enjoying them all in style is what it’s all about.

Discover everything you need for you cottage weekend — from swimwear to skincare — all in one place at Harry Rosen.

View our Cottage Style page online or stop by in-store to explore more with a Style Advisor — book your appointment here.

Cottage Checklist