It’s beach trip season and I’m craving an ocean, cocktail and a good beach nap. It’s been quite some time since I just lounged on a beach soaking up the sun. I’m craving a little getaway lately. If you’re heading to a beach soon, or even a pool, here are some great things to wear to the beach over your swimsuit. From easy breezy cover up dresses from kimonos, caftans and shirtdresses, to effortless sarongs and skirts. And don’t forget about the sunglasses, SPF and a cute beach bag to carry all the things.
What To Wear To The Beach
Cover Up Dresses, Kimonos and Caftans
I love a good breezy coverup dress for the beach. They’re easy to throw on and be done. Whether you’re into a caftan style, kimono style, or button front dress, there’s so many options. I don’t like to spend a ton of money on cover-up dresses because they can easily get ruined by sunscreen. I just picked up this one from Amazon (never usually buy their clothing, but I make the exception for cheap coverups) and it’s kind of perfect. Plus, check out this big post on my favorite coverups for the pool or beach.
Shorts, Skirts and Sarongs
I’m usually a sucker for denim shorts and a white linen button-down when I head to the beach. I go for denim shorts, but also a great pair of linen ones are nice and light as well. They’re also perfect to pair with one-piece swimsuits so it’s a complete look and you don’t need to worry about a thing. Pull them on and voila, perfect outfit. The same goes for a simple skirt or sarong. You don’t need to fuss much with it which is great!
Hat
Whether you want one for a fashion statement, or to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your skin, a hat is always a good idea. I like to make sure my hat is snug on my head and won’t blow away. I swear by my Brixton hat and also love Hat Attack or Lack of Color. If you’re bringing a hat though, you HAVE to get one of these TOPTOTE hat clips. Game changer. Keeps your hat secure and attached to a bag so you don’t have to carry it around. Never not with this whenever I travel with my hat.
Sunglasses
I’m never without a pair of sunglasses no matter where I go. Typically I live in my Karen Walker Harvest sunglasses. But for the beach, I like to bring along something less expensive that I’m willing to part with incase it gets lots in the ocean or scratched up from all the sand. Here are a few favorite affordable sunglasses to throw in your bag that you won’t have to worry about.
Sandals
When it comes to a beach sandal, I like something I can just slide my foot into and be done. Comfort is key too. I’m not a big flip flop person, but prefer a great leather slide. These can be worn to the beach, and then with all your beach outfits throughout your vacation.
Beach Bags
I have two beach bags that I swear by. This big jute tote literally can hold EVERYTHING and can just as easily be a tote for the day. And this one from H&M that’s old but here is a similar one. A beach bag should be nice and big so it can hold your towel, sunscreen, book and all the snacks.
Beach Outfit Ideas
Everyone has their own personal beach style. So here are a few ideas to get you inspired for when you head out to the beach. From super feminine pieces, to classic styles and more minimalist beach style ideas. No matter which direction you go, just don’t forget the SPF and a great straw hat.
Classic Sarong
Throwing a simple sarong over a one-piece or two-piece bathing suit is perfection. It’s classic, simple, and you can pick and choose from so many prints. Go classic and minimal in a solid or a stripe. Or have a little fun with your beach style and go for a bold color or print. I like a sarong for when you’re wearing a two-piece bikini because then you can control how much you want to cover your body. Sarongs can easily be tied up around your natural waist, and even around your chest too so you can wear them as a dress.
Maxi Dresses
A great maxi dress can keep your body covered for when you want to escape from the UV rays. Plus, these easily go from beach to lunch or dinner in a pinch. I love this pink printed one that’s from Amazon. It comes in a few colors too. Wear it as a coverup to the beach, then to grab lunch al fresco. The perfect addition to your suitcase.
Linen Button Down
Whether it’s a linen button down shirt, linen button down dress, anything in between, white linen is a must for the beach. This is my go to piece grab when I’m heading out into the sun. It’s light, breezy, dries quickly if it gets wet, and is simply classic. If you go shirt route, pair with denim shorts and a hat for a complete look. If you grab a linen button down dress, just add a great sandal and you’re good to go.
