Summer is coming, which means the arrival of beach days. There are a lot of experiences I relish in life (such as finding the perfect pair of shoes or jetting off to somewhere new), but nothing beats going to the beach. There’s something magical about soaking up the sun while waves crash against the sand. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that getting to the beach is far from magical. I live in New York, so logistically speaking, it’s always a bit of a trek to the water. Then, there is another dilemma: what to wear. Sure, a swimsuit is an obvious move, but if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to look like everyone else on the beach. So, what does someone actually wear to look stylish at the beach?
In search of that answer, I scoured Instagram to find 13 beach outfit ideas approved by the fashion set, and I shopped out the key pieces so you can create the looks for yourself. Replicating these ideas—from effortless summer staples styled with trendy swimwear to classic bikinis worn with extravagant accessories—will ensure you’re serving a look seaside all summer long.
Linen Set + Layered Jewelry
Linen is the summer fabric, so it only makes sense that you’d want to turn to this trusted formula when considering what to wear for a beach day. Opt for a matching set and layer on the jewelry to make this staple feel a bit more trend-forward without trying too hard.
Dissh
Lune Fondant Shorts
You can wear this to the beach or the bodega.
A necklace that’s on-brand for wearing by the sea.
Bikini + Matching Cover-Up Set + Tinted Shades
The easiest way to elevate your bikini this summer is by styling it with a matching set (ideally in the same hue) in a lightweight fabric like mesh or linen. Throwing a skirt and cardigan over a colorful suit will keep you warm post-swim and bring the heat to your look.
Toast
Signature Knot Bikini Top
SZADE
Downtown Sunglasses
LIONESS
Soul Mate Maxi Skirt
Kerchief + Bikini Top + Jeans
Creating a worthy seaside look comes down to styling. A simple white bikini can be transformed with a unique pair of jeans and a scarf.
Same Los Angeles
Rosette Bandeau Top
The rosette detail on this bikini takes it from basic to beautiful.
Dior
Oblique Diortwin 70 Square Scarf
AGOLDE
’90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
You won’t regret investing in a great pair of jeans for the summer.
Oversize Button-Down + Printed Bikini + Choker Necklace
Not to overstate the obvious, but the fashion set loves a good oversize button-down. Frankly, can you blame them? This is the ideal piece to layer over a printed bikini and pair with a choker necklace for a day by the beach.
A top that’s ready for the beach and the boardroom? I’m buying this ASAP.
MARTHA CALVO
Gold- and Silver-Tone, Enamel and Crystal Bag Charm
Spice up your favorite swimsuit with this necklace.
j.crew
New French Bikini Top
I’m drooling over the idea of this vibrant tropical-print bikini peeking out of a crisp white button-down.
Headscarf + Bikini + Cover-Up + Platform Sandals
If you were looking for an excuse to buy those platform shoes, consider this your permission slip. Platform shoes are ideal for the beach, as they elevate your look. Pair them with a bikini, a low-rise skirt, sporty sunglasses, and a scarf. You’ll be soaring above them all like a seagull.
Sanori Swim
White Rib Bikini Top
Monday Swimwear
Cape May Skirt in Ivory Crochet
A crochet skirt as fresh as the sea breeze.
Dolce Vita
Yandy Platform Sandals
I’m dreaming of wearing these bad boys to a resort.
Baseball Cap + Bikini + Low-Rise Pants + Body Chain + Slides
If you want to ease yourself into the return of low-rise hemlines, I can’t think of a better place to start than at the beach. Style low-slung pants with a bikini, a baseball cap, and slides, and you’ve got the perfect trendy look that took no time to put together.
Black bikinis never go out of style.
Reformation
Olina Linen Pant
FYI, these pants come in four other colors.
Nordstrom
Carolina Slide Sandal
Perfect for lounging poolside.
Cutout Maxi Dress + Wide-Brim Hat + Straw Bag
Just because you’re beachside doesn’t mean you have to bare it all. In fact, the easiest way to show a little skin but still be mostly covered is by opting for a maxi dress with cutouts. Bonus points if you finish the look with a wide-brim hat and a straw bag.
Free People
Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
A hat is a must-have for a day by the water.
This simple dress is bound to secure a spot in your forever wardrobe.
j.crew
Como Woven Straw Tote
The coolest bag at the beach.
Bikini Top + Denim Shorts
When in doubt, the easiest thing to wear to the beach is a pair of denim shorts. The key to making them feel fresh is styling them with fun accessories and picking a standout swimsuit to really make the look feel as crisp as the salty sea breeze.
Léa the Label
Pelagia Top in Azure
Tie-up elements are arguably the easiest way to make a beach outfit feel fancier.
Shop the matching Pelagia Bottom ($85).
The fit of these shorts will ensure you are comfortable while walking around after taking a dip.
BURBERRY
Equestrian Knight Crochet-Knit Bag
Add a quirky touch to your bikini and denim shorts by pairing them with this crochet bag.
Cowboy Hat + Bikini + Cover-Up + Flip-Flops
After scrolling through Instagram in search of beach outfit ideas, I’m convinced that the fashion set’s new secret styling hack is adding a cowboy hat to every beach ‘fit. Sure, you can’t go wrong with styling a cute bikini with an interesting cover-up skirt and flip-flops, but adding a cowboy hat gives you a look to be giddy about.
PSA: Cowgirls go to the beach too.
Monday Swimwear
Palma Top
Monday is a go-to for people with a bigger bust size.
These will look great with your go-to suit.
One-Piece + Chain Belt + Oversize Sunglasses
Possibly the easiest way to elevate any one-piece suit is by styling it with a chain belt and oversize sunglasses. You’ll feel like a supermodel, and your suit will get the shine it deserves.
Bottega Veneta Eyewear
Original Cat-Eye Acetate and Gold-Tone Sunglasses
You’ll wear these for years to come.
Norma Kamali
Super Low Back Mio Swimsuit
B-Low the Belt
Madelyn Chain Leather Belt
You can style this belt with swimsuits in the summer and tailored suits in the fall.
Crochet Top + Cardigan + Jeans
You don’t always have to wear a swimsuit at the beach. In fact, if you plan to attend a barbecue or eat at a scrumptious seafood restaurant by the water, you’ll want to opt for something more covered up—enter the outfit above. Styling a light-wash pair of jeans with a crochet top and cardigan is the perfect way to give off beachy vibes, and when the sun sets, you’ll still be warm.
Blanknyc
Twinkle Toes Blouse
This will fit seamlessly into your summer wardrobe.
Jenny Bird
Large Staple Hoops
A great pair of hoops is worth every penny.
Citizens of Humanity
Paloma Baggy Jeans
I will be wearing all white until further notice.
Knit Maxi Dress + Bangles + Woven Bag + Sandals
If wearing jeans to the beach isn’t your thing, there’s another modest option worth trying—enter the maxi dress. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with wearing a longer dress to the beach. Just be sure to lean into the beach theme by finishing off your look with a stack of bangles and a raffia handbag.
LOEWE
+ Paula’s Ibiza Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote
A beach day is the perfect excuse to buy a Loewe bag.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
Citara Maxi Dress
Perfect for showing off your swimsuit.
Ben-Amun
Ryan Set-of-Two Resin Bangles
Bangles at the beach? About it.
Sporty Sunglasses + Bikini + Netted Skirt
Last but not least, a fun way to dress up for a day at the beach is by being unafraid to pair your favorite swimsuit with trend-forward pieces. Why not wear sporty sunglasses or a crystal-embellished netted cover-up? Summer is all about having fun in the sun, and there’s no better way to do that than getting creative with what you wear to the beach.
Poppy Lissiman
Caidyn Sunglasses in Grey
Don’t forget to pack a pair of fun sunglasses for your beach day.
Frankies Bikinis
Cola Bikini Top
Camila Coelho
Krina Maxi Skirt
Just add a bikini and you’ll be channeling Rihanna.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
