20 Beach Outfit Ideas That Go Far Beyond Swimsuits and Sunnies—& Ways To Shop Them All
Warm weather is nearly upon us, folks, which means—if you’re lucky—there’s an ocean or pool in your immediate future. Whether you’re able to visit the sunny shores once in your lifetime or once a week, you’re bound to come across the ultimate conundrum: Other than a cute bikini or one-piece, what outfits do you wear to the beach?! Sure, we all don swimsuits and sunnies while sitting on the sand, but sometimes, you’re in need of something a little more. For times when you’re unsure of what the hell to wear while leaping away from (or into, depending on the situation) the incoming tides, it’s always best to turn to the experts. By this, of course, I mean bloggers, influencers, fashionistas and the like. They’re here to show us all a thing or two about how to dress when you’re headed to the beach, baby.
From beachy striped pants (a lot of beachy striped pants) and adorable ways to wear cut-off denim to Instagram-worthy maxi dresses and ideas on how to style the swimsuit you’re probably already wearing as you head to the shore, these stylish folks have myriad ways to amp up your beach vacation wardrobe. If you’re struggling to figure out the best way to pack your bags before you head on vacation and, unless a shopping spree happens, are most likely stuck with whatever you threw in your suitcase, this little guide is for you. I rounded up 20 of the cutest beach outfit ideas I could find—and ways to shop them all—so you can have inspiration for days. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
1. Comfy Romper + Utility Jacket
A striped romper and utility jacket might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about beach outfits, but this look is perfect for transitioning from the sand to dinner.
This navy striped romper can be worn with a utility jacket, denim jacket, cardigan or as-is. There are so many ways to style this piece for summer, so you should definitely snag it while it’s available.
2. Tropical Pants + Sunnies
Tropical pants are practically made for a tropical vacation. Pair them with fun sunnies and a graphic tee for an easy and beach-ready look.
If you want a tropical print but like to keep things neutral, these black and white palazzo pants are a fun option for summer.
3. A Cute Matching Set
The beauty of a matching set is that there are endless possibilities. You can wear the pieces together or pair them with other items in your closet for brand new looks.
This buffalo plaid matching set is bright, fun and super cute. Wear the crop top and skirt together, or separate them for more ensembles. You could even pair the wrap skirt with a bikini top for a seriously beachy look.
4. Semi-Sheer Romper + Belt Bag
When the weather is hot, you want as few clothes on you as possible. A semi-sheer romper lets in the breeze while still covering you up more than a bikini. Add a fun belt bag for a trendy touch!
This light blue, polka dot and semi-sheer romper checks all the boxes. Just grab a cute belt bag and you’re ready to go.
5. Wide-Leg Pants + Cami
It’s a classic combo, but one that really works. If you’re not a fan of shorts, try some wide-leg pants paired with an easy and breezy cami for a chic beach look.
A wide-leg pant in a neutral ivory is a summer wardrobe must-have. It pairs well with just about any top in your closet, and even transitions into fall.
6. Monochrome Vibes
Of course, you can never go wrong rocking some monochrome vibes at the beach. Try pairing some cropped pants with a minimalist tank and fun hat for an easy look.
Buy: Very V Top $92Make sure you have plenty of simple and neutral tanks in your summer wardrobe. They can be instantly elevated or worn under unbuttoned blouses.
7. Beachy Striped Pants + Hawaiian Shirt
Fun striped pants and a Hawaiian shirt are a match made in tropical heaven. Plus, it’s an easy way to pattern mix if you’ve been itching to try the trend.
These linen cropped pants are sure to keep you nice and cool no matter the temperature. They’re pull-on, too, so you can slip them on and off easily when at the beach.
8. Chambray Dress + Beaded Bag
The only thing that could possibly make a chambray dress cuter is a beaded bag. Add some oversized sunnies, too, and you’re looking at a near-perfect vacation ensemble.
This H&M denim dress is airy and fun—and sure to play well with just about any tropical accessory.
9. Overalls + Slides
Overalls are a beach necessity—and for good reason. You can wear them with a t-shirt underneath or throw overalls over your swimsuit. Either way, it’s a super cute look.
Buy: Denim Jumpsuit $92If you want a bit of an elevated overall look, you can go with this denim jumpsuit. It has the same effect, but it’s a little dressier for nights out.
10. Swimsuit + Belt Bag + Hat
If you want to wear a swimsuit but make it an ~outfit,~ try pairing your favorite one-piece with a hat, belt bag and sunnies. The accessories complete the look, and you can soak up the sun.
Buy: Twist Mio One Piece $175The best part about a white swimsuit is the fact that it can be paired with just about anything. You can stay minimalist or add bright accessories. It’s up to you.
11. Swimsuit + Sunnies + Your Fave Soda
Swimsuits these days are honestly so cute, they might as well be their own outfits. Try wearing your most fun swimsuit as a full beach look—just add some sunnies and your favorite soda for a photo-op.
The belt detail on this red plaid swimsuit makes it easier to consider it an outfit on its own. It’s just waiting for you to add some oversized sunglasses and attitude!
12. White Wide-Leg Pants + Cami
White wide-leg pants go with just about anything, but they look especially beach-ready when you pair them with a simple cami. After all, you wanna show off that tan!
These white kick flare pants add a little flare to classic wide-leg pants. They’re still as versatile, but have a little fun detail going for them, too.
13. Beachy Striped Pants + Graphic Tee + Hat
Here’s yet another example of how easy it is to style striped pants. If you don’t have many graphic tees lying around, this summer is the time to stock up. You can switch them out with striped pants and create new looks each time.
Let them know that this summer is about to be drama-free—unless you get bored, obviously. Pair this bright graphic crop top with striped pants, cut-offs or even bikini bottoms.
14. Tie-Front Top + White Shorts
A tie-front top allows you to show off your bikini while still giving you a cute beach outfit. Throw it on with some white shorts and a fun hat, and you’re ready for your close-up.
Buy: Paola Top $78Animal prints are basically neutrals—and perfect for summer. You can mix just about any pattern with this animal print tie-front top, so go wild (pun intended).
15. Denim Cut-Offs + Kimono
It’s likely you already have a pair of denim cut-offs in your closet, so make the most of them this summer. For a can’t-miss beach look, add a white tank and bright kimono.
It doesn’t get much more tropical than this lightweight kimono, folks. And the green is neutral enough to pair well with plenty of summer ensembles.
16. Polka Dot Romper + Woven Bag
Yes, another romper—but here us out. Rompers are so versatile, look ridiculously cute and make for great beach cover-ups. What more could you want in an outfit?
Sure, sometimes the beach is all about bright and sunny colors, but black and white do just as well in summery ensembles. This polka dot romper may be neutral, but it’s definitely not boring.
17. Hawaiian Shirt + Swimsuit + Hat
Hawaiian shirts aren’t just for tourist dads anymore, folks. Pair a tie-front style with a high-waisted bikini and hat, and let the compliments pour in.
These throwback Hawaiian shirts are made from vintage clothing, so you can be a fashionable, up-cycling queen this summer.
18. Beachy Striped Jumpsuit + Scarf Tied in Your Hair
Just like striped pants, a striped jumpsuit is a wonderful tropical outfit option. Add a fun scarf tied in your hair for a pop of color, and you’re set. Simple as that.
Buy: Strapless Jumpsuit $82.80Show off those shoulders with the Peixoto strapless jumpsuit. If you get chilly at night, you can always throw a denim jacket over it for an easy and chic look.
19. Denim Cut-Offs + Sheer Coverup
If you’re looking for a no-brainer ensemble, all you need is a sheer cover-up and some denim cut-offs. Throw the cut-offs and cover-up over your swimsuit, and you’ve got an Instagram-worthy outfit.
For those who like a little length to their shorts, try these on-trend cut-off Bermuda shorts. They still have that cut-off style, but cover up a little more of your thigh.
20. Oversized White Button Down + Hat
An oversized white button down can be many things: a dress, a cover-up, a blouse. At the beach, it serves as all three, and paired with a hat it’s an unbeatable casual outfit.
This oversized white shirt is linen—so it’ll keep you cooler during summer than most fabrics. We consider that a fashion win.
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A version of this article was originally published in June 2014. Updated June 2020.
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