When the beach is calling, who are we to argue? Salt in the air, sun on your skin (with SPF 50 of course), and days that unfold as you want them – whether you’re spending the whole day at the beach or you’ll be heading for lunch or a stroll. In this article we show how you can shift your style from shoreline to sightseeing. This is all about dressing for those days when you’ll be stretched out on the sand for a while before heading for food and a wander. From bathing suits to easy, stylish, throw-on clothes, let’s take a look at the outfits for the beach you need.
We’ve been inspired by this season’s prints, textures, and natural fabrics. If you’re heading off on vacation, you’ll find the perfect capsule closet below to take with you. Choose your two favorite swimsuits, then add the dresses, pants, tops, shoes, and accessories that appeal most to you, and you’re good to go.
Modern one-piece swimsuits
Outfits for the beach start with the bathing suit, the foundation of any beach-day look, and the piece around which everything else builds. Whether you lean toward timeless stripes, soft florals, or textured crochet styles, your swimwear sets the tone for the entire outfit. Stripes bring a crisp, classic energy; florals add a touch of playfulness or romance; and crochet introduces a slightly nostalgic feel that always belongs by the water. The key is choosing something that feels like you, because once that’s in place, everything else, the layers, the accessories, the transition from sand to street, falls into place.
J.Crew Lana Classic Sculpt™ Eyelet One-piece – Boden Campania Cross-back Swimsuit – Boden Rhodes Cup-Size Swimsuit – Boden Arles Swimsuit
Nikki @40notfrumpy above looks super stylish in her gold one piece.
Recreate her outfit with this similar swimsuit (another option here), sandals and tote.
Bikinis and tank tops
You can choose a one-piece or opt for a stylish tankini. If you’re heading out snorkeling or you’ll be swimming for a while, opt for a rash vest with good coverage to protect your skin.
Boden Short Sleeve Rash Guard Top – Boden Rash Guard Swim Shorts – Boden Porto Tankini Top – Boden Porto Bikini Bottoms
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Band Collar Shirtdress – Boden Porto Tankini Top – Boden Porto Bikini Bottoms – TOMS Diana Wedge Sandals – Nordstrom Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag – Nordstrom Raffia Wrapped Flat Hoop Earrings
Relaxed linen layers
Relaxed linen layers are the heroes of any beachside wardrobe. Breathable, lightweight, and effortlessly polished, linen keeps you cool while still looking put-together. Think easy striped linen pants paired with a simple top, or a loose linen dress that works just as well as a swim cover-up as it does for a casual stroll. A relaxed linen shirt thrown over shorts adds that undone, breezy feel, while a slightly more structured linen dress can carry you into the evening, just add a few pieces of jewelry, and suddenly it feels much dressier. It’s all about versatility so your clothes move with you from beach to lunch to sunset plans.
COS Tie-detail Linen-blend Wrap Vest – Boden Kensington Linen Pants – Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Band Collar Shirtdress – Madewell Sleeveless Linen Maxi Dress
Suzie @suzie.richetti above looks easy, breezy, and stylish in her neutral outfit.
Crochet and textured pieces
Crochet and woven pieces are having a real moment, and they’re perfect for bringing texture and personality into your beachside wardrobe. There’s something effortlessly stylish about layering a crochet dress or loose-knit pants over swimwear, letting just enough peek through for that relaxed, sun-ready look. A woven or crochet bag is not just practical for carrying your towel, Kindle, and sunscreen, but adds that tactile, artisanal touch that elevates even the simplest outfit. And for easy styling, a crochet top paired with linen or denim shorts strikes that perfect balance between laid-back and put together. It’s all about texture doing the talking, turning simple shapes into something far more interesting.
Elan Open Stitch Cotton Blend Cover-Up Vest – J.Crew Crochet Cotton Beach Pant – Elan Stripe Cotton Blend Midi Cover-Up Dress – The Sak 120 Hobo Bag
Boden Arles Swimsuit – J.Crew Crochet Cotton Beach Pant – Naturalizer Brandy T-strap Sandals – Nordstrom Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag – Lack of Color Palma Wide Brim Straw Boater Hat – Hey Harper Daphne Huggies
Bold prints and tropical energy
Bold prints are where beach style turns up the volume, bringing that hit of tropical energy that feels made for sunshine and sea air. This is the perfect time to lean into prints you might shy away from elsewhere, vibrant florals, oversized palms, abstract swirls, and sun-drenched color combinations that instantly lift a look. Whether it’s statement print pants, relaxed shorts, or an easy dress, these are the stars of your outfit. You can keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the print take center stage, or go all in and mix within the same palette for something more playful (take a look at our article on print mixing if you want to go down that route). Either way, it’s about embracing color, confidence, and that carefree, holiday state of mind where a little extra feels exactly right.
Boden Belgravia Linen Shorts – FARM Rio Mixed Cherry Royalty Scarf Skirt – Billabong Tropic Breeze Straight Leg Pants – Elan O-Ring Halter Maxi Cover-Up Dress
Shauna @chicover50 above chooses a stunning, playful print dress perfect for a tropical vacation.
Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, bag, bracelets and sunglasses.
Sheer cover-ups
A sheer cover-up is the perfect option to wear over your swimsuit. You can always add pants to the shirt or mini dress or a top to the sarong if you’re heading to lunch or for sightseeing.
Nordstrom Cover-Up Shirt – Elan Cutout Trim Sleeveless Cover-Up Maxi Dress – Milly Jessie Bubble Wave Lace Cover-Up Dress – SITANO Siena Sarong
Nordstrom Cover-Up Shirt – Boden Belgravia Linen Shorts – Sam Edelman Bay Jelly Sandal – Rebecca Minkoff Half Moon Studded Straw Clutch – Katie Loxton Cochellia Necklace – Hey Harper Daphne Huggies
Oversized straw accessories
Oversized straw accessories are the final flourish that pulls everything together, equal parts practical and statement-making. A roomy straw tote becomes your beach-day essential, holding towels, sunscreen, and all the little extras. For a touch of detail, rattan or woven earrings add warmth and texture without feeling heavy. Then there’s the oversized hat, keeping your face protected while elevating even the simplest outfit. And when the day drifts into evening, swapping to a structured straw or woven clutch keeps the look cohesive while feeling just polished enough for dinner by the sea.
Nordstrom Large Handknotted Packable Tote Bag – Rebecca Minkoff Half Moon Studded Straw Clutch – Panacea Raffia Teardrop Earrings – Nordstrom Raffia Wrapped Flat Hoop Earrings – Lack of Color Palma Wide Brim Straw Boater Hat
Suzette @suzettepetrov above mixes linen and rattan in her beach outfit.
Check out this similar crochet top (another option here), shirt, shorts, tote, necklace, sunglasses and cap.
Beach shoes
For beach shoes to go with your outfits for the beach, think about how much walking you’ll be doing. If you’re just mooching by the beach for a while then flip flops or slides will be ideal. But opt for comfier sandals if you’ll be covering some ground while seeing the sights.
Naturalizer Brandy T-strap Sandals – TOMS Diana Wedge Sandals – Sam Edelman Bay Jelly Sandal – Jack Rogers Collins Sandal
Madewell Sleeveless Linen Maxi Dress – Jack Rogers Collins Sandal – The Sak 120 Hobo Bag – Panacea Raffia Teardrop Earrings – Katie Loxton Molten Luxe Waterproof Gold Bangle –
Waterproof jewelry
We love all the waterproof jewelry in stores at the moment. You can wear your accessories even if you’re going for a swim. The perfect finishing touches for all your beach outfits.
Katie Loxton Cochellia Necklace – Katie Loxton Molten Luxe Waterproof Gold Bangle – Hey Harper Daphne Huggies – BEN ONI Afiya Statement Ring
Jas @jaschanastylist above mixes red and black for a stylish swim look.
Get her look with this similar swimsuit, cover-up, flip-flops, bag, earrings and sunglasses.
Effortless coastal style
Below, you can see the clothes, shoes and accessories from above in one capsule wardrobe so you can easily see how you would put everything together for a beachy vacation. You can mix and match everything to create lots of outfit for the beach so you don’t need to overpack.
What outfits for the beach will you be taking with you on your next vacation? Let us know in the comments below.
Continue reading:
- The best bathing suits for women over 40 – swim suits that make you feel fabulous!
- Sand optional: Desert inspired dressing for spring and summer
- How to wear bold colors this season
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Feature imagae by Jas @jaschanastylist
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