Beach Outfit Ideas to Steal for Your Summer Vacation (2024)

last updated 25 May 2023

Boston Red Sox Confetti Icon '47 Clean Up Women

Short of a sports game itself, there’s no better opportunity to rep your favorite team (or your favorite city) than when you’re out in the sun. This classic strapback baseball cap from quintessential sports brand ‘47 features an embroidered sports logo on the front—in this case, the logo for the Boston Red Sox—along with a tiny icon on the lower left that somehow represents the city or region in question. The cap itself has a relaxed fit and an adjustable back strap, and is made entirely of breathable cotton twill.

Banana Republic Eliza Linen-Blend Muscle Tank

This muscle tank is made to be loose-fitting and comfortable, yet its crewneck style and straight hem add an element of structure that will keep you from feeling disheveled as you’re trudging through the sand. This linen blend is also made to feel cool and airy, a quality that’s enhanced by the piece’s creamy white color. I love the knitted look of this top, which is balanced out with its sheer finish that allows others to glimpse a hint of your bathing suit underneath.

Lee Women's Legendary Denim Boyfriend Short

These classic denim shorts from Lee are ideal for just about any occasion—they’re short enough to keep you cool, but longer than the quintessentially itty bitty daisy dukes of summers past. The pantlegs on this piece are also wide to prevent uncomfortable chafing or tightness, and are ideal for pulling onto your still-damp, sandy legs after a swim in the ocean. Made from airy, soft, comfortable cotton, they’re also relatively thin, according to reviewers, and customers with wide hips and legs say they’re delighted to find that this pair never rides up.

Customer Review: "I have a big booty and have trouble finding jean shorts that don't go up my booty. These shorts don't and bigger leg openings for plumper thighs. I love them." -Lee

Cougar Soprato Luxmotion Leather Water-Repellent Sandal

I never thought a beach shoe could be chic until I saw this pair from Cougar. It’s made from soft nappa leather—one of Kennedy’s preferred fabrics for a beach outfit—and is resistant to water and stain damage. The pair is made for optimal comfort, with a padded sole and strap meant to cushion your feet during long walks on the beach, boardwalk, or side of the pool. Plus, they’re anti-slip, so there’s no need to worry while you’re traversing wet, slippery terrain.

Customer Review: "The perfect sandal! I can dress them up or down and I ALWAYS get compliments. Super comfy, lightweight, and give just a touch of added height!" -Cougar

Cuyana Wide Brim Panama Hat

Cuyana is a sustainable, ethical, woman- and BIPOC-owned brand that also happens to make many of the most comfortable items in my closet. They specialize in basics with a unique twist, and their clothing and accessories never fail to earn me compliments wherever I wear them. This hat in particular was hand-woven in Ecuador, with a shape that looks structured enough to transition from the beach to a restaurant. It also comes in five different colorways, including this classic beige.

Londre The Button Down Shirt Dress - Flat White

Londre is another of my favorite brands, in terms of both their swimsuits and their resortwear. The latter is filled with basics and one of a kind pieces alike, like this long, billowing take on the classic oversized button-down. And while you can, of course, repurpose one of the button downs already hanging in your closet as a beach cover-up, this style will protect your legs from the sun, keep you comfortable when temperatures drop at night, and make you stand out among the beach crowd. It also comes in black.

Customer Review: "This fits, feels and looks amazing! The fabric is so soft. It will look great open over a swimsuit or buttoned with sneakers!" -Londre

Milaner The Travel Elena Woven Handbag

I absolutely love this woven leather bag, both for its style and for its practicality. It’s made for travel, equipped to fit sunscreen (a must-bring!), a change of clothes, books and devices, and more, and it comes in nine different colorways as well as the option of nappa or suede leather (though for the beach, I would stay away from suede). You can also choose to have the bag monogrammed so that everybody at the beach can know exactly who the stylish one is.

The Row Fisherman Woven Leather Sandals

Minimalist, art-inspired brand The Row designed this pair for comfort, durability, and style. These sandals are made from soft Italian leather, complete with rubber soles that will prevent you from slipping while you walk from the pool or beach, or while you’re shuffling across the tile floor of a hotel. Inspired by fisherman style sandals but embellished with a geometric twist, the pair is also formal enough to wear to work in the summer or out to dinner while at a resort.

SEE 2594 Sunglasses

SEE Eyewear is my personal go-to spot when I need new, fashionable prescription glasses, including prescription sunglasses. Their looks range from classic and simple to daring and attention-grabbing, and this option is a blend of the two, with its mix of Italian acetate and stainless steel accents. Its cat eye style also flatters a number of different head shapes and gives any outfit a retro, feminine look.

Monica Vinader Deia Lyre Medium Hoop Earrings

This is my personal favorite pair of earrings. I wear them nearly every day because of the simple, minimalist element of glam that they bring to my ensembles, whether I’m going to work, to brunch, to a party, or to enjoy some much-needed sunshine. Inspired by ancient Greek mythology, these unique hoops are each shaped like a lyre, the instrument that the Greek god Apollo is said to have played. These hoops are also made responsibly from recycled gold—the true full package.

Poupette St Barth Isabelle Romper

Summer is the ideal time to break out flower child-inspired prints like this one, which lend your look a laid-back feel that’s sure to match the level of relaxation you feel after spending a day at the beach. The halterneck style also brings an element of modesty (read: a lack of cleavage) that may very be welcome after a day spent in a bikini. I also love the universally flattering shade of blue on this romper, which mimics the color of the ocean itself.

Chinese Laundry Yanti Slide Sandal

As Kennedy pointed out, subdued accessories, including shoes and eyewear, are the way to go when styling a busy romper like the Poupette St Barth option listed here. Chinese Laundry’s simple, elegant three inch heeled sandals are just the ticket for an outfit like this. The shoes come in four different colorways, including white, blue, and orange, but when pairing with a patterned or bright colored piece, I always go for classic black.

Asta Resort Fifi Mini Dress in Incas

This 100 percent cotton halterneck dress is perfect for throwing on over a bikini as you’re leaving the beach—especially since it ties on the back of the neck and therefore lines up perfectly with most bathing suit styles. Soft and knitted, the dress also resists chafing and offers some relief after spending a hot day in a bathing suit, which may leave you with irritated skin. I own this dress myself, and am always complimented on its bright color and flattering fit.

Melissa Odabash Ashley Eyelet Detail Cotton Cover-Up Tunic

If you’re in the market for something a little looser and more modest, consider this option from luxury swimwear brand Melissa Odabash. Made from 100 percent cotton, it’s an especially breathable option that can also be adjusted at the neck to reveal or hide as much skin as you’d like. Reviewers say that the colors (it comes in seven flattering colorways) are beautiful and even more striking in person, but warn that it runs rather large. So, if you’re between sizes or unsure, size down.

Customer Review: "This is more beautiful in person! Flowy fit but perfect as coverup! Nice fabric and eyelet detail worth the price." -Nordstrom

Tach Meryl Crochet Dress

Uruguay-based clothing brand Tach produces all of its designs locally, ethically, and sustainably using high-quality materials like cotton and wool, which are knitted or crocheted by hand. Their ethos is to make long-lasting pieces with sexy silhouettes, inspired by textile traditions. This dress is knitted with hand-crocheted detailing along its hem, giving the piece a whimsical feel that’s offset by its structured colorblock pattern. With a classic silhouette and comfortable fit, it will never fail to garner compliments, nor will it ever go out of style.

Londre The Only Long Dress - Sea Rainbow

This is one of my favorite summer dresses of all time—I’m always looking for an excuse to wear it. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, resulting in a smooth, moisture wicking fabric that feels like a super-soft bathing suit. Thus, it’s perfect for long walks on the beach, because if it gets wet, it doesn’t look stained and dries in a flash. Plus, it’s unbelievably flattering and elegant, and the fabric is thick enough that you can’t see one’s nipples through it. It comes in six colorways, but my personal favorite is this ocean-inspired pattern of cool colors.

Gooseberry So Chic One Piece Black

Everybody needs a black one piece in their swimsuit arsenal. It’s classic, stylish, and flattering—and this option makes it even more so, with its sculpting fabric, plunging neckline, and high-cut leg. It also features adjustable shoulder straps, so it can work even for those with big busts, and all of its hardware is an opulent, classic yellow gold. Wear it on its own at the beach, and then as a bodysuit when you throw shorts, linen pants, or a shirtdress over it after.

Ably Apparel Alana Women's Linen Woven Pants

These linen pants are an absolute summer staple, with an adjustable drawstring waist and spacious front pockets that make them both stylish and functional. Plus, this linen blend promises to repel stains and odors and to dry quickly, making them ideal for the messiness of the beach. They’re machine washable, too—something that I, along with my wallet, always appreciate. While the pants come in other stylish colorways like beige, blue and white stripes, and olive, I’m always a sucker for classic white.

Customer Review: "They’re great—durable, comfortable, and you don’t need to wash them anywhere near as often as conventional active wear." -Ably Apparel

Marc Fisher Zesty Wedge Sandal

There are few shoe styles that scream summer more than the wedge. This pair is especially resort appropriate, with its woven heel and strappy, gladiator-like design. It comes in four colorways, including black, white, metallic gold, and this burnt sienna shade of orange, all of which are versatile enough to be worn with countless ensembles, day or night.

Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Silk Scarf

When I asked Kennedy how fashion aficionados can incorporate this year’s summer trends into their beach outfits, she said, “Silk scarves are a great accessory for the beach this year.” She explains, “They are very versatile and can be worn as a mini skirt, top, hair accessory or simply an added pop of color to your bag.” This Dolce & Gabbana scarf is the perfect example of that, with its rosy floral print and polka dot pattern. It brightens up an outfit otherwise composed of neutrals and can be tied up in your hair or on the strap of your favorite beach bag.

Anaiss Yucra Lunar Set in Lilac

One of my all-time favorite summer styles is the crocheted look. It's intricate, never goes out of style, and adds some much-needed texture to any outfit. This set from ethical, Latinx-owned brand Annaiss Yucra is hand-crocheted over the course of about nine days, and includes a top, cropped jacket, and skirt. This set’s gentle lilac color and floral detailing looks sweet and romantic, and is sure to be a hit at any beach party.

Anaiss Yucra Passion Flower Bucket Hat

While you’re shopping for that Annaiss Yucra set, why not complete the look with this matching hat? Kennedy says that the crocheted bucket hat is one of the hottest trends of the season. Not only will it keep the sun from your face and prevent you from burning (though you should still wear sunscreen, hat or no hat), but it also looks fabulous and shields any beach-induced frizz from view. Made from 100 percent Peruvian cotton, it, too, is crocheted by hand.

Saylor Eliah Set

I love Saylor's matching sets. They're unique, comfortable, and high quality enough to last for summers on end. This set, which includes a cropped tank and on-trend high waisted shorts, boasts a sunny yellow color that’s perfect for hot summer days. And to offset its whimsical look and loose cotton fit, it features a structured straight neckline and an adjustable tie belt. I love it for lunch on the boardwalk during a particularly steamy day, and it’s a breeze to dress up or down.

Open Edit Lilah Know Slide Sandal

When wearing a matching set, I like to opt for a simple pair of neutral colored shoes that doesn't take away from the rest of my outfit. These slide sandals are easy to slip on and off, and are perfect for pairing with any clothing style or color. Plus, because they're flat, you won't have any trouble walking in them while traipsing through the sand. They’re also available in vibrant green and tan mocha.

Madeleine Kennedy