Summer is here so that means many people will be heading to the beach for vacation and relaxation. For me, choosing what to wear is one of the most exciting parts of the beach experience. LOL The perfect beach outfit should balance comfort, practicality, and style while being appropriate for everything from relaxing on the sand to grabbing lunch, sightseeing, or enjoying sunset drinks. There are so many outfit options when going to the beach and it’s a great time to experiment with color and print too! And if you want some book recommendations for your trip, here are some of the best books for a beach vacation. If you need some inspiration, today’s post will be a round up of beach outfit ideas to add to your suitcase.

4 Beach Outfit Ideas

A great beach outfit goes beyond just swimwear. It focuses on creating a look that feels effortless, practical, and put together – yet still comfortable and easy to wear in the heat/humidity. Choosing versatile pieces and breathable fabrics can make getting dressed effortless.  Building outfits around timeless staples and thoughtful accessories can help you create beach-ready looks that feel fashionable, functional, and appropriate for every part of your trip.

How To Look Chic At the Beach

Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

The fabrics that you wear in the heat will make all the difference when it comes to comfort. Opt for natural fibers and breathable materials like cotton and linen.

Stick to neutral, white, or coastal-inspired colors

Create a core group of outfits using neutral tones and then add in pops of color when needed. Neutral tones are usually brown ,black, white and cream but at the beach you can add blue in to that group of basic colors that can be worn year after year.

Wear relaxed pieces that look polished without feeling overdressed.

Flowy silhouettes and billowy pieces are great options for those long beach days. Sometimes oversized pieces can feel too casual but at the beach, these silhouettes can look effortless and chic.

Add stylish accessories such as a straw hat, woven tote, or oversized sunglasses.

My favorite part of beach attire are all the accessories!

Keep jewelry minimal and practical for the beach.

For a rule of thumb, opt for simple and practical jewelry. But if you are going somewhere extra fabulous and over the top, it’s perfectly acceptable to break out the statement pieces even with a swimsuit!

Prioritize comfort, as confidence is often what makes an outfit look effortlessly chic.

If you are constantly readjusting your outfit in any way, don’t wear it to the beach. Choose pieces that fit and make you feel comfortable with no adjustments needed.

What To Wear To the Beach

Swimsuits

When it comes to swimsuits, I am a firm believer that you should wear whatever makes you the most comfortable. There are so many amazing styles available these days so everyone can find something that works for them.

Linen shirts

Wear it alone or use it as a swimsuit coverup. Linen shirts are a beach outfit staple.

Cover-ups

Swimsuit coverups have come a long way from when I was younger. So many chic styles that will take you from the beach to lunch without needing to change!

Maxi dresses

A flowy maxi dress is always a great beach outfit choice. Comfortable and easy to dress up or down.

Matching sets

I love matching sets any time of the year but when at the beach, they can be such an easy way to instantly look put together.

Linen pants

It seems counterintuitive to wear long pants when its super hot out but I find that I am actually cooler in flowy linen pants than I am in shorts on the hottest days. I love the look of linen pants but it also helps to protect my legs from the sun beating directly down on them and that barrier does actually keep me cooler.

Denim shorts

Denim shorts will always be a beach favorite but try to choose a more relaxed style rather than something too short or too fitted.

Sandals

Invest in a simple pair of neutral toned sandals to wear with all your summer looks. Something more elevated than a flip flop but still casual enough to wear with shorts and a tee. Opt for a flat sandal rather than something with heels because summer overall is a more casual season and you will get more wear out of something you can comfortably walk in for hours.

Sun hats

Sunscreen is not enough all the time so investing in a sun hat is another great way to look chic while still protecting your skin.

Sunglasses

This is the part of a beach outfit where you can really have fun with different shapes and prints.

Woven Totes

A straw tote or rattan bag is a must have for the summer. I wear the same ones over and over each year and find that they never go out of style. And they look so much better styled with lightweight summer fabrics than suede or leather does.

4 Beach Outfits

One Piece Swimsuit with Pareo

Outfit 1: One piece swimsuit | Pareo | Sandals | Sunglasses | Tote Bag

The ultimate chic beach vacation look!

One Piece Swimsuit with a Cover-up

Outfit 2: One piece swimsuit (discount code: MAREE10) | Coverup | Sandals | Hat

I personally own this swimsuit and coverup so I had to include it in my roundup. The swimsuit is a cult classic for good reason and worth the splurge!

Maxi Dress with Sandals

Outfit 1: Dress | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses

I am in love with the soft muted floral print on this sundress! Keep the rest of your accessories neutral to let the print be the focal point.

Matching Set with a Straw Tote

Outfit 2: Shirt | Shorts | Sandals | Bag | Hat

The best part about a matching set is you can wear it together or break up the pieces. Wear the shorts with your bikini top or wear the top with some white linen pants as other outfit options.

Outfit details: Pullover | Shorts | Sneakers (similar) | Tote (similar) | Sunglasses

1. This new scent from Saltair is absolutely divine!!! I usually like to use a body oil during the winter but their body oils are some of the lightest I’ve ever tried. They absorb instantly and make my skin feel so soft.

2. I get sooooo hot when I sleep now (thanks, perimenopause) so I need all the cooling things to keep me comfortable. I wore these cooling pjs (top and bottom) the other night and they were AMAZING! I slept so well and didn’t wake up drenched in sweat like I do many nights.

3. Summer pants are so hard to find because if it’s not linen, then what is it?? I saw these shiny cropped pants and immediately added them to my cart! The color is so gorgeous but I love the finish of them.

4. Just placed my reorder for these plumping collagen toner pads that I’ve been using for the past 2 years. I’ve tried other collagen toner pads but always go back to these.

5. The new Rhode summer collection launched this week. I did a demo of all the products in this Tiktok video but if you have fair skin like myself, the bronzer shade in Pebble is a must have!! It’s a rosy toned blush that doesn’t turn orange or too warm. It is so unique and not like anything else I have in my bronzer collection.

6. I am not a powder bronzer fan BUTTTTTTTTT I saw a few videos of this newly launched powder bronzer which may convert me. It looked so smoothing and blurring on the skin – truly stunning.

7. I rarely break out but skin has already become so congested with the heat and humidity. I used this volcano mask the other night to give my skin a deep cleanse. It left it so clean but not feeling stripped or tight. (use code: MAREESYE to save)

8. I’m pretty basic when it comes to my sunglasses. However, I did just receive these which are absolutely fabulous. The colors are all neutral which I like but the shape is so flattering!

9. I love a fun ballet flat to dress up a simple outfit. These mesh flats with the embroidered flowers on them are speaking to me.

10. All my shelves are updated with new summer finds and new arrivals in my closet.

11. How cute is this crochet knit tank?!

12. Sephora is running a 20% off sale for all moisturizers this weekend!! Here are some of my top recommendations: this barrier strengthening moisturizer helps to heal my skin when it’s really irritated, the lighter weight version of Instant Angel is what I’m using every morning to deal with the heat/humidity and my favorite firming moisturizer that continues to be a top seller at Sephora.