Whether you’re escaping the bitter cold for a tropical vacation or making the most of the summertime’s sweet sunshine, there’s nothing quite like spending a beautiful day at the beach. Since a trip to the shoreline is all about having fun, it’s the perfect excuse to get a little playful with your style, too!
From cute one-piece swimsuits, to gauzy tops, to oversized sunnies and more, we’ve put together a whole bunch of outfit inspiration for the next time you’re not sure what to wear to the beach.
Pair a flattering one-piece swimsuit with a silky sarong for a flirty yet tasteful look.
While history might paint them as boring and dowdy, nowadays, one-piece swimsuits are flirty, fun and anything but basic. Pick a flattering style with special details (like a metallic finish, sweet bow or ruffles) and add a silky sarong for an easy look that feels fresh and put-together. This staple combo is also super easy to transition from day to night. Throw on a pair of hoop earrings and pull your hair into a sleek bun for a chic look that begs for some after-hours fun.
Fluffy tassel earrings are perfect when paired with a ruffled bikini and beach waves.
Beach days are all about going with the flow, so why not rock pieces that move with you and the rush of the waves? If you’ll be spending the day shoreside instead of swimming in the water, you can have a little extra fun with your accessories. Fluffy tassel earrings feel loose and freeing and look especially playful when styled with cute swimsuits that have ruffled details. Let the salty air enhance the natural texture in your hair. Tousled strands feel effortless and so appropriate for this look!
Look like an old Hollywood starlet with oversized sunnies and a silk scarf for your hair.
A style that’s inspired by Hollywood glamour feels sweet–not stuffy–now that hair scarves are back on-trend. Just as famed starlets would tie their hair back for a car ride, use a hair scarf to protect your locks from those whipping shoreside winds. A pair of oversized sunglasses complete the look–bonus points if they’re a cat-eye shape! These old school accessories complement all types of bathing suits–from one-pieces to string bikinis.
Wear a gauzy, flowing top over a one-piece suit for a breezy outfit that feels fresh.
Cute one-piece swimsuits give you the chance to flaunt your gorgeous gams in a fun but tasteful way. To keep yourself from getting too much sunshine on a long day, without overheating from heavy fabric, layer on a gauzy long-sleeved top that’s loose and breathable. Tie your hair up and add a pair of Birkenstock-style sandals to complete the look.
Take your look from day to night with a flowing maxi dress and strappy sandals.
If you plan to turn your beach day into a night on the boardwalk, bring along a flowy maxi dress for a summery look that’s still dressy enough for a nice dinner. Opt for a style in a lightweight material and choose a bright color or print so that the overall outfit doesn’t feel too “done.” When it’s time to leave the sand on the shore, tie your beach waves back into a tousled chignon, add a pair of sandals, swipe on a layer of lip gloss and you’re ready to hit the town!
Give off major festival vibes with a tie-dye bikini, hoop earrings and a loooong, loose braid.
It’s been a long time since tie-dye was reserved for hippies or kids at summer camp and today’s unexpected, subtle color pairings for the print are just so new and now. Take tie-dye into the 21st century with pastel prints and a pop of color with lucite hoops. Tie your beach hair back into a long braid for a festival feel with a hint of sporty edge.
Get sporty by styling your suit with colorful athletic shorts and chunky sandals.
Athleisure is still majorly trendy. Not only can you find colorful clothing separates inspired by this on-the-go style, but there are also so many new and cute swimsuits inspired by the concept! For a fun (and functional) outfit, pair a solid swimsuit with athletic shorts and a sporty pair of sandals. You’ll look just as ready for a day of sunbathing as you will be for an afternoon of beach volleyball with friends!
When planning what to wear to the beach, it’s important to put together an outfit that’s both pretty and practical! If you’ll be swimming most of the day, dangly chandelier earrings will, at best, get in your way. If you’re headed out to dinner afterward, you’ll probably need to cover up in more than just a towel. Be sure you’re prepared to not only have a great time in the summer sunshine, but also take care of yourself. Bring along a bucket bag to hold your sunscreen, leave-in conditioner, sunglasses and water bottle and you’ll be ready for a fun day in the sun!
