What to Wear to the Beach: 5 Outfit Ideas
As I mentioned in yesterday’s article Top 10 Fabulous Beach Day Essentials, there are so many cute coverups and other options to wear to the beach. If you’re stumped for what to wear to the beach or just want a little bit of inspiration, here are five beach day outfit ideas.
Outfit #1
This outfit makes the quintessential “shorts and a top” look a lot more interesting. First, a black monokini doubles as a top when worn under denim shorts and a button-down white shirt left unbuttoned for maximum cool factor. A fun floral bag adds color and interest, while turquoise gladiator sandals are far more fabulous than basic flip flops.
Product Information: Shirt – Charlotte Russe, Monokini – Wet Seal, Shorts – American Eagle, Sandals – TopShop, Bag – TopShop, Sunglasses – Wet Seal
Outfit #2
This outfit keeps it simple in the best possible way. A loose white tee and shorts combine for the ultimate summer uniform, while a basic black bikini is universally flattering. Dark faux Wayfarers (or real ones if you have the cash) are just as classic. I love the addition of some metallic Havaianas sandals and a buffalo plaid bag for a little extra interest that still keeps it simple.
Product Information: Crochet Bikini – oldnavy.com, Tee – TopShop, Denim Shorts – Wet Seal, Faux Wayfarers – Amazon.com, Sandals – Havaianas, available at Piperlime, Bag – Wet Seal
Outfit #3
This look channels the 80′s trend that’s so popular right now with lots of brights and a hint of acid wash for good measure. This outfit would be a great way to play up a bright bikini. Neon aviators match a cute eco-friendly shopping tote that doubles as a beach bag, while basic Havaianas are simply a summer staple that go with everything.
Product Information: Tunic – TopShop, Bikini – Victoria’s Secret, Sunglasses – TopShop, Flip Flops – Havaianas, available at Piperlime, Tote – Forever 21
Outfit #4
This outfit reminds me of a mix between Charlotte York and Elle Woods – cute and preppy, but still fun. The overall look is very matchy-matchy, but that’s part of what makes it work. A pretty pink dress is the focus of this outfit, layered over a crisp white bikini with metallic accents. A wide brimmed hat adds style and sun protection for your scalp, while white and gold metallic accessories tie the whole ensemble together.
Product Information: Dress – American Eagle, Hat – e4Hats, Bikini – Wet Seal, Tote – Aeropostale, Bracelet – 1928.com, Sandals – Rampage, available at Piperlime
Outfit #5
I think this outfit is my favorite of the bunch: a forever classic white beach kaftan paired with some stud-embellished flip flops, Chanel-inspired sunglasses and a colorful tote. Perfect for the stylish city girl who doesn’t want to give up her basic black but still wants to embrace summer fashion.
Product Information: Kaftan – TopShop, Sunglasses – Bleudame, Bikini – oldnavy.com, Tote – TopShop, Flip Flops – Forever 21
Your Thoughts?
What’s your favorite outfit to wear to the beach? Do you like to keep it simple with a dress and flip flops, or mix it up a little more? Share your beach outfit ideas in the comments section.
Posted on on July 9, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Accessories, Beach, Denim, Essentials, Flip Flops, Havaianas, Ideas, Inspiration, Outfits, Sandals, Shopping, Summer, Sunglasses
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Sid
Since I really do make time to plan my outfits, I am always so thrilled when I find pre-put together ensembles that resemble what I actually wear. So thanks for posts like this. :) They’re extremely helpful.
Claire
Oh I love the bottom outfit! Studded flipflops? Amazing. I like the one with the metallic flipflops too.
Jessi
I love the idea of wearing white over your suit, because when you get wet and put your clothes back on, the top becomes see-through and shows off the suit a little without being immodest. It rbings a cool dimension to the outfit.
Zephyr
Sid – You’re welcome :)
Claire – Aah, I’m obsessed with those studded flipflops too! And those metallic Havaianas look equally amazing. Definitely planning to pick some up soon.
Jessi – Good point! I didn’t even think of that but it would add a different dimension to the outfit. Just make sure whatever you wear isn’t dry-clean only!
myvogue
I love outfit #4 – very chic and sophisticated. Great matches!!!
Jackie
I love outfit number 4! So cute ^^
Hannah
ah! i need that bag from outfit one! =D
Jennifer
I don’t think I ever wear more than shorts and a large t-shirt to the beach as a coverup. I have a wonderful umbrella I bring though, to help protect myself from the sun if I ever do get out of the water. Haha.
Jess
I love all these outfits…I live on a beach city where everyone just wear shorts and bikini tops..I love how these outfits are simple, yet super hot. Thank You
Dubai Stylista
Love this post! I’ve been in a rut lately with clothes I wear to the beach. Good to know there are more options than a pair of shorts!
lauren @ la petitefashionista
ah, you’re making me miss the beach!
love all of your suggestions, the first is probably closest to my usual beach attire!:) combined w/ a good bob marley playlist
Trista
i love outfit #4, that dress is adorable
caitlyn
i love outfit 4 and 2 they are sooooo cute i really like them
helen
I too love the idea of white with a suite underneath! Because white is a color of which doesn’t gather to much heat and it also looks great and just like jessie said it looks great afterwards when you put the white clothing back on because it shows a bit of the tank without it looking revealing and odd? All the outfits are great and i am deffonitly going to wear them when i am in greece next week
Katherine
Oh this was soooooooooo good! I go every year during Christmas Break (in CA!) and always find that I pack the complete wrong things, but I know what I’ll be packing this year!
callado
they are so super cute, i cant see on to decide on one but my heart is more centred around outfit #4. i think its simple and absolutely drop dead gorge. love your work, keep up the great work
james
PLEASE MAKE A MALE VERSION OF THIS!
roxana calvo
I AM GOING TO GO WITH 1 AND 2
CAUSE IM THINK THAT IT LOOKS MORE BEACHY
anna-kay
omg i love number 4 for its ao hot and so fit for the beach
Toni
I love outfit number 4 because it works better with my figure.. I am a little more hippy than others and a dress works super well with me when I go to the beach!