If there’s one golden rule of mid-summer on the East End, it’s that getting to Shelter Island feels like slipping through a portal to a bygone era of chic, laid-back luxury.
On Saturday, July 25, the destination of choice was none other than the legendary Sunset Beach Hotel, where resortwear label Tombolo hosted the launch party for their new Tombolo x Sunset Beach collaboration. Editors, tastemakers, friends of the brand and the Celeb Secrets gals all came together for an easygoing celebration that felt like stepping into a Nancy Meyers movie —with a little more terrycloth and a lot more spritzes.
Naturally, the occasion called for an outfit that matched the effortless elegance of Shelter Island, and Hello Molly delivered. I slipped into the Sunlit Surf Knit Sequin Maxi Dress in Yellow ($129.95), which is a dreamy knit number that felt like it was made specifically for golden hour on the East Coast. I paired it with the Filipa Sandals Platina from Schutz, also available at Hello Molly for $145.95, along with Kendra Scott‘s Alexa Vintage Gold Statement Necklace in Ivory Mother of Pearl ($198.95).
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From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average fashion launch. Instead of rushing through racks of clothing or posing in front of step-and-repeats, the afternoon unfolded exactly how summer weekends should: slowly.
We wandered the boutique waterfront property with cocktails in hand, soaking in panoramic views of the bay while music drifted through the air. As golden hour crept closer, people in attendance kicked back on the beach, caught up with friends, browsed the collection, and watched sailboats glide across the water before the sky transformed into shades of pink and orange.
Of course, no visit to Sunset Beach would be complete without indulging in the hotel’s renowned restaurant. Throughout the evening, trays circulated with savory bites that somehow tasted even better with an ocean breeze — think perfectly crisp crab cakes, fresh tuna tartare, melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin and other elevated coastal fare that kept everyone coming back for “just one more.”
The cocktails were equally memorable, courtesy of Holiday Vodka. Whether you gravitated toward something bright and citrusy or preferred a classic pour, every drink matched the laid-back luxury of the afternoon. The premium Italian vodka brand felt like a natural pairing for the event, adding another polished touch to an already idyllic setting.
But while the views and bites were unforgettable, the real star of the afternoon was the exclusive Tombolo x Sunset Beach capsule collection.
Known for redefining vintage-inspired resortwear through its signature “escapewear,” Tombolo teamed up with one of the East Coast’s most beloved seasonal destinations to create an 11-piece collection that feels tailor-made for weekends spent chasing sunsets by the water. Drawing inspiration from Sunset Beach’s unmistakable yellow-and-white striped umbrellas, nostalgic seaside charm and iconic mermaid logo, the capsule effortlessly captures the carefree spirit of Shelter Island.
Fans of Tombolo’s signature cabana shirts will immediately recognize the brand’s playful approach, but this collaboration introduces fresh details that make the collection feel uniquely tied to Sunset Beach. The recognizable stripes are woven throughout the assortment, appearing on standout pieces like the Sunset Beach Towel Top ($218) and the America’s Coupe half-zip cabanas ($158), complete with whimsical cocktail-shaped sailboats floating beneath a setting sun. Elsewhere, Sunset Beach’s sunglasses-wearing mermaid makes playful appearances across the Resting Beach Face cabana ($148), coordinating swim trunks ($138) and an embroidered bucket ($78) hat that practically begs to be packed for a beach vacation.
One of the biggest highlights is an entirely new silhouette for the brand: a plush boatneck terrycloth sweatshirt. Equal parts cozy and coastal, the Sunset Beach Branzino Boatneck ($188) is the kind of effortless layer you’ll reach for after a long afternoon in the sun when the breeze starts rolling in.
The capsule also features souvenir-inspired T-shirts and easy accessories, making it feel less like traditional merchandise and more like wearable vacation memories. Prices range from $48 to $218, offering something for everyone looking to channel that effortless East Coast summer aesthetic.
More than anything, the collaboration works because both brands celebrate the same mindset. Tombolo has built its identity around creating clothing that transports you somewhere else, while Sunset Beach has long been the destination New Yorkers escape to when they want to slow down for a weekend. Together, they’ve created a collection that feels authentic rather than forced — equal parts nostalgic, playful and impossibly chic.
As the evening wound down, guests lingered a little longer on the sand, cocktails in hand, watching the sun disappear behind the water. It was one of those rare New York summer days you wish you could press pause on, as it reminded us that sometimes the best summer memories aren’t made through packed itineraries, but by finding the perfect spot to sit, stay awhile and let the day unfold naturally.
The Tombolo x Sunset Beach capsule collection is available now online, at Tombolo’s New York City retail locations, and inside the Sunset Beach Hotel boutique just in time for the final stretch of summer.
