Summer is here, and we’re ready to get out and enjoy it. But what do you wear on the beach?
Well, we have a couple of ideas for you! The first thing to remember is that you don’t have to dress up to look good on the beach. If you want to wear a bathing suit, great! Or if you want to wear shorts and a t-shirt, that works too. The second thing to remember is that you want clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. You want items that can withstand sand and water without becoming damaged or ruined by swimming in them. Finally, your clothes should make you feel good about yourself—even if they’re just your everyday outfit! You don’t need anything fancy or expensive; just make sure it fits well, looks nice (or at least okay), feels good against your skin, and isn’t going to fall apart when it gets wet or sandy.
For beach dates or beach activities like concerts or nighttime cocktail gatherings, beach attire with a touch of dressiness are ideal. When you want to visit the beach but don’t want to get in the ocean because you’re just admiring it from a distance, wear a casual beach outfit. You can be relaxing with friends or reading a fantastic book. Then there are those adorable beachwear choices you would make while strolling around Santa Monica or Venice Beach’s boardwalk in California.
Read on for some fashion advice and wardrobe ideas for the beach so you’ll be prepared the next time you visit.
I give one outfit shot and a little description for each of the next 21 adorable beach outfits. If you want to see additional pictures from a particular outfit, click on the image.
3 STEPS FOR COMBINING A PRETTY BEACH OUTFIT
Since there are so many gorgeous beach outfit alternatives, start by limiting your options based on the situation. What you dress to the beach for a cocktail event will be quite different from what you wear to the beach with your pals on the weekend. Wearing appropriate clothing can not only make you appear stylish but also show respect for the person hosting the event.
The next step is to pick what kind of outfit you wish to wear after determining the occasion. Do you want to appear sensual, young, bohemian, or traditionally chic? What do you want others to think of you from your beachwear? Make sure you’re sending the appropriate message because our clothing speaks for us before we do.
The actual things themselves and making sure they all match to form a beautiful and adorable beach outfit are the final step in putting together your ideal beach outfit. For advice on how to put together a well-balanced ensemble, see our article on How to Look Stylish Everyday – Your 5 Step Checklist. You probably want to look fashionable yet maintain a beachy vibe if you’re headed to the beach for a dinner date.
For instance, in the beach ensemble shown below, I matched a pair of blue shoes and a handbag with a printed blue and white chiffon maxi dress. I maintained the beachy vibe by choosing a thin fabric, a cute print, light colors, and occasion-appropriate accessories.
The 21 beach clothes listed below offer a range of looks for various settings. These clothes don’t just include dresses or bikinis. I wanted to make sure you could use this resource if you needed a stylish beach attire or something to wear when strolling down the boardwalk. These do include certain necessities for a beach costume, such as a chic cap, a pair of really adorable sandals, and of course, a hot swimwear!
Outfits to Wear on the Beach
Sunny days spent at the beach are unmatched, no doubt. But it can be kinda difficult to figure out what, exactly, to wear while hanging out in the sand. You’ll likely be sporting a swimsuit (for when the ocean ~calls your name~), some cute sandals, and a pair of go-to sunnies—so what else? Do you opt for a basic cover-up or just throw on an old T-shirt and go? The options feel limiting! Before you start digging in your pajamas drawer to find that 10-year-old tee, though, hear us out. There are so many actually cute ‘fits you can wear to the beach that’ll pair great with your swimwear. (Really!)
Whether you decide to completely cover up your swimsuit or incorporate it into your outfit, beachwear looks are low-key versatile. From adorable dresses and skirts to rompers and matching shorts sets (!), the possibilities for chic beach outfits are much more endless than you’d think. It’s time to pack those bags, slip into your fave summer shoes, and embrace the beach. Just don’t forget the SPF!
As you walk from car to beach to boardwalk to oceanfront restaurant, wear one of the 20 beachy ensembles below. Look cute, feel breezy, and soak up the summer vibes, bb.
1
THIS MATCHING SET
Raphael Boyfriend Shirt
HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960
Matching sets are one of the easiest ways to look chic without any effort. Toss this striped duo over your bikini for a fun and simple ‘fit.
2
THIS COZY ROMPER
Terry Romper
GOOD AMERICAN
This terry romper is basically a towel in clothing form. If you wanna stay cozy while looking kah-yoot, try this option.
3
THIS CRINKLE MINI
Cairo
RIELLI
Stretchy, comfy, and super hawt, this mini dress is a must for lazy days in the sand.
4
THIS CROCHET DRESS
x Sofia Richie Rowan Crochet Dress
HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960
Crochet is having a moment, so why not hop on board the trend? This neutral maxi is a great way to start.
THIS TIE-DYE SKIRT
Stacey Terry Maxi Skirt
FRANKIES BIKINIS
Wrap this adorable skirt around your waist and rock your bikini as a top. Paired with chunky sandals and beachy waves, you can’t lose.
6
THIS RUFFLY COMBO
Caroline Constas Ruffle Short
CAROLINE CONSTAS
These ruffle shorts and coordinating tie-front blouse make for such a cool combo. Wear ’em together and separately to get multiple outfits of it this set.
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7
THIS TROPICAL SKIRT
Robyn Wrap Skirt
BLACKBOUGH SWIM
If a maxi skirt isn’t really your thing, try this tropical mini that has seriously epic vacay vibes.
8
THIS GRECIAN VIBE
Forrest Halter Neck Top Twist Midi Skirt Two Piece Set
SHOWPO
Something about this skirt and top set reminds me of beaches in Greece. Wherever you’re roaming, though, you’ll look hot AF.
Cute Beach Vacation Outfits
With summer on the horizon, even the thought of packing a suitcase(opens in new tab) gives us that fuzzy feeling. But preparing for a beach vacation doesn’t end with finding the right swimsuit (or two, or three). Seasoned vacationers know that bringing the right cover-ups(opens in new tab), sandals(opens in new tab), and sunglasses(opens in new tab) for every occasion is just as important, but there’s one highly overlooked facet of beach-packing: The beach outfit. It can be tricky to transition from a wet and sandy bathing suit to normal clothing, so we scoured the internet for the all-time best beach outfits that’ll take you through this year’s beach days whether you’re planning a quick day at the shore or a full-out tropical vacation.
The Laid-Back Lounge Look
woman wearing orange crochet top
(Image credit: Getty)
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Being the typical Leo that I am, I love any excuse to get all dolled up, but it’s also nice to lay back and wear something soft and comfortable—particularly on a lowkey beach day with friends. But remember: You can lounge and look good at the same time! Slip on one of these ultra-cozy, ultra-airy sets while you’re on the beach, and accessorize with a simple gold chain or a chic pair of sunglasses if you need to dress it up for lunch or cocktails.
Gigi C Tess Bodysuit
$98 at gigicbikinis.com
Gigi C Lily Short
$75 at gigicbikinis.com
Monrow Linen Front Twist Top
$138 at monrow.com
Monrow Linen Pleated Pants
$175 at monrow.com
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Quay Call The Shots Sunglasses
$55 at quayaustralia.com
Child of Wild Gilded Layered Necklace
$132 at childofwild.com
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A Bright ‘Fit to Light Up the Beach
woman wearing orange crochet top
(Image credit: Getty)
There’s no time like summer to rock flourescent colors, and, with these sets, you’ll rival in the sunshine in how bright you shine. Couple the outfit with a neutral pair of sandals, or go all the way with a pair equally as bright as your clothes.
Asta Resort Paloma Crop in Opal
$70 at astaresort.com
Asta Resort Paloma Skirt in Opal
$110 at astaresort.com
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Alo Yoga Goddess Ribbed Cross Crop Top
$68 at aloyoga.com
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Alo Yoga Goddess Ribbed High-Waist Hot Short
$62 at aloyoga.com
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Franco Sarto Gia Sandal
$89 at francosarto.com
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Seychelles Note To Self Sandal
$89 at revolve.com
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The Dress that Doubles as a Cover-Up
woman wearing dress on the beach
(Image credit: Getty)
I try to be as low-maintenance as possible in the summer: The heat tends to make me feel languid, and, when I’m at the beach, any complicated outfit is bound to be undone by the wind and the sand, anyway. For this reason, my all-time favorite beach outfit is the dress-that’s-also-a-cover-up. It’s quick, easy, looks like it involved more effort than it actually did, and it doesn’t involve having to wiggle into a pair of pants! Top it off with a pair of strappy sandals and a the go-to summer purse of French It-Girl Jane Birkin, the beloved basket bag.
