Dressing stylishly for the beach can be challenging, particularly if it’s really warm and you don’t want to bare too much. In this article, you’ll find all the best women’s beach outfits that will make you look and feel fabulous.
Of course, you’ll need a flattering swimsuit, and cover-up, but your beach outfits can incorporate so much more. You’ll find everything below to put together casual outfits for lazy beach days, through to ideas on how to go from beach to bar or restaurant, or inspiration if you have a beach event like a party or a barbecue to attend.
What is the beach trend in 2024?
The fantastic thing about beachwear is it’s incredibly timeless. So, you don’t need to worry about what’s on trend and what isn’t. You can simply choose the style and print that looks best on your body type.
How to look elegant on the beach?
If you want to look chic and elegant on the beach, then think about classic beach outfits like one-piece swimsuits in neutral shades or in red. Add a long beach cover-up and a big, floppy hat.
What can older women wear to the beach?
Anything you want to! There are no hard and fast rules. Wear what makes you feel confident. As with any of your outfits, it’s about detracting from the areas of your body you aren’t so keen on, and emphasizing the parts you do like.
If you want to cover-up a tummy, for example, take a look at our round-up of the best swimsuits to hide a belly. Plus, adding a cover-up can help you to feel more confident, as well as adding elegance.
How to put together your beach outfits
Before we look at some beach outfit ideas, what should you think about when dressing for the beach and choosing the best women’s beach outfits?
Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) wears a maxi kaftan with her swimsuit and stylish beach accessories.
Get her look with this similar kaftan (other options here and here), swimsuit, sandals, tote and sunhat.
How will you be spending your day
Will you mainly be relaxing on the beach with a good book, or are you planning a walk along the shore, or maybe you’re going from the beach straight for lunch. Think about your activities and how you can alter your outfit to suit.
What do you prefer to cover?
If you are happy to sit on your towel or lounger with your swimsuit, but prefer to cover-up when dining or walking, then you’ll need a great cover-up to add to your beach outfit.
Layering is key
Start with your swimsuit. Then you can layer over a dress or cover-up, or you could add a pair of pants and a shirt or vest so you’re ready for the whole day ahead.
Fly London Bani sandals, similar dress, cover-up and sunglasses
Don’t forget your accessories
Just because you’re at the beach, doesn’t mean you can’t accessorize. Your beach accessories should combine practicality and style. A great sunhat will help to protect your face, while a scarf could cover your shoulders, or double as a sarong.
beach outfits
Now let’s move onto some clothes, sandals and accessories you could wear to the beach. Thinking about your beach outfits as a whole clothing capsule is particularly useful if you are packing for a beach vacation.
tops
When choosing tops for the beach, a loose shirt can be worn in many different ways, from being tucked into your shorts to wearing over your swimsuit as a cover-up. Vest tops are summery and cool, and you can always layer your shirt over if you want to cover your arms. Plus, if you want to elevate your beach look, then look out for t-shirts that are a little bit of an usual, with details like twists, ties or ruching.
Proenza Schouler White Label Finley Stripe Tie-Dye T-Shirt – Emporio Armani Sleeveless Linen Blouse – Xirena Axl Twisted Back Tank – Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Tremarz Asymmetric Top
Karen @styledbykaren above chooses a simply, chic look with black shorts and a one-shoulder top.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top, shorts, sandals, bag and sunglasses.
bottoms
When it comes to the pants and skirts you choose for the beach, then you’ll want a great pair of shorts. If you prefer pants, choose cropped, cool styles made of natural material. You could also opt for a skirt. A wrap style will be easy to put on over your swimsuit.
Boden Tie Waist Linen Shorts – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Cuff Denim Shorts – J.Crew Kate Stretch Linen Blend Capri Pant – PatBO Nightflower Beach Maxi Skirt
dresses
A dress can make a great cover-up for your swimsuit, and can look particularly stylish if you want to give your beach outfit more of a formal look, perhaps because you have a party or you are heading to lunch or dinner after some time at the beach.
Eileen Fisher Striped Organic Linen Crinkle Sleeveless Shirtdress – Masai Copenhagen Orsola Printed Cuff-Sleeve Midi-Dress – Hutch Coast Tie-Front Dress – Marie Oliver Racie Abstract Knit Dress
Kimba @kimbalikes above looks fabulous in her floral dress and sandals. Perfect for an event or lunch at the beach.
Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), sandals, bag and sunglasses.
Cover-ups
Unless you’re happy to simply wear your swimsuit all day, you’ll want a stylish cover up. You might want to make sure your arms and shoulders are covered up, or perhaps you’re happy with a sleeveless option. Or, you could choose a sarong to cover up your hips and thighs.
Also take a look at the best bathing suit cover ups for women over 40.
Ramy Brook Raelynn Maxi Dress – Milly Viara Lace Cover-Up Minidress – Milly Patchwork Chevron Cover-Up Pants – Natori Ibiza Sarong
swimsuit
Of course, unless you are planning to stay completely out of the water, the most important element of your beach outfit will be a stylish swimsuit.
You can find more inspiration in this article on the best bathing suits for women over 40.
Below are some more stylish options you could try.
Evarae Summer Reverie Two-Tone One-Piece Swimsuit – Farm Rio Palm Fan One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit – Robin Piccone Amy Raglan One-Piece Swimsuit – CUPSHE Twist Front Bikini Set
Shauna @chicover50 above (read her style interview here) shows how you can wear clashing colors together for a beautiful effect.
Check out this similar swimsuit, cover-up skirt (another option here), sandals, sunhat, sunglasses, earrings, bracelet and necklace.
shoes for the beach
Of course, you may opt to go barefoot for part of your day. But, you’ll still need a great pair of sandals. Choose a waterproof pair if you want to walk down to the water. Or, opt for a pair of leather flip flops if you want to give your outfit a slightly more formal look.
Tory Burch Mellow Leather Sandals – GUESS Tashia Sandals – FLY LONDON Tull Sandals – Havaianas You Metallic Flip Flops
accessories
To go with your women’s beach outfits, you’ll want a beach bag to fit your towel, book and essentials in, as well as a sunhat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun. If you’ll be going straight out from the beach, or you are attending an event on the beach, you could elevate your look with a rattan or straw clutch, and some statement jewelry.
Marc Jacobs The Striped Jacquard Beach Tote Bag – MICHAEL Michael Kors Eliza XL Tote – Deepa Gurnani Bianca Earrings – Sterling Forever Fantaisie Genuine Pearl Post Earrings – Shaoan Sterling Long Chain Drop Necklace – Kate Spade New York 53mm VALERIA/S Cat Eye Sunglasses – Tinkeep Oversized Foldable Floppy Sun Hat
Jas @thefashionstylefile above chooses a wrap skirt with her tank top.
Get her look with this similar top, skirt, flip flops, clutch, earrings and sunglasses.
the best women’s beach outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see the beach outfits from above together in one capsule. You can easily mix and match the different clothes, shoes and accessories to get different levels of formality and coverage.
shop women’s beach outfits below:
Continue reading:
- Outfits For Summer: The Summer Capsule Wardrobe You Need This Season
- What To Wear In Summer – Our Top 10 Tips & Tricks
- The Best Bathing Suits For Women Over 40 – Swim Suits That Make You Feel Fabulous!
Like this article on women’s beach outfits? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Shauna @chicover50
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!