What Outfit Should You Wear to the Beach? 🏖️

Would you like to look stylish during your summer vacation? Are you in search of the perfect outfit to wear over your swimsuit for a day at the beach?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I really love summer fashion, which showcases a variety of fabrics and patterns.

Today, I invite you to explore a variety of beach outfit ideas, whether you're going for a long walk in the morning, relaxing in the afternoon, or enjoying a lovely vacation evening by the shore.

To make the most of your day by the sea, I recommend choosing comfortable, lightweight, and easy-to-wear clothing. Whether you opt for a short dress, a long dress, a jumpsuit, or denim shorts, go for bright and cheerful colours. This is also a great opportunity to wear white to showcase your tan, or to sport some lovely colourful prints. You might also consider wearing striped shirts, especially if it’s a bit chilly. Lastly, don’t forget to carefully select your accessories: a hat, sunglasses, a tote bag…

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Fabrics and materials to choose to stay cool in the summer,
• Comfortable and stylish outfits featuring beach dresses,
• How to wear a kimono at the beach,
• Examples of practical and trendy beach outfits for movement,
• A wealth of tips and tricks to mix up your outfits and enjoy a fantastic summer!

Bright Colours and Flowing Fabrics

As the warm days arrive, it is often customary to pack away winter clothes to make room for summer attire. Unlike the heavier winter layers, summer clothing features a wide variety of lightweight fabrics and bright, vibrant colours.

The same goes for the clothes you can wear by the sea: it’s during the height of summer, while on vacation, that you can indulge in the lightest and most comfortable outfits.

Beachwear is typically characterized by:

• Bright colour gradients,
• Patterns like tie-dye,
• The constant presence of white to complement your tan,
• Styles that showcase your curves and figure: slit skirts, crop tops, backless designs…

👉 Since you’re not at work or in a place where you need to wear formal attire, it’s the perfect time to choose an outfit that is comfortable and light that you enjoy and that flatters you! The great thing about the beach is that everyone dresses as they please and can show off their bodies without fear of judgement. Now you can finally dare to wear that top that’s a bit too low-cut or that skirt that’s a tad too short, which have been sitting in your closet for ages! 😉

3 Perfect Beach Dress Ideas for a Day by the Ocean

Easy to slip on and lightweight, this dress seems to be the perfect outfit for heading to the beach and enjoying strolls along the shoreline. In the following lines, I will share some inspirations to help you find the ideal dress to pack in your suitcase!

A White Bohemian Beach Dress to Show Off Your Tan

Has a subtle tan started to enhance your complexion? It’s the perfect time to wear a light and flowing white dress. In fact, pristine white is the ideal colour to contrast with your tan and make it stand out. This colour evokes a sense of freedom, and when paired with a slightly loose fit, it gently highlights your curves while remaining very comfortable.

To switch things up from a classic white dress, I recommend mixing patterns and textures by wearing different fabrics, including some that are sheer. Dresses featuring lace details, in a bohemian style, are a great choice to highlight part of your figure. For instance, a lace neckline will beautifully accentuate your décolletage, while a lace-trimmed skirt will elongate your legs and enhance their shape.

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bohemian white beach dress summer

A lovely short dress with a print

The short dress, sitting above the knee, is perfect for the beach, as it allows you to walk in the water without worrying about getting your clothes wet. Additionally, it is very practical for changing, as you can slip it on before putting on your swimsuit, giving you a bit more privacy while you get dressed.

If you’d like, you can opt for a dress with a lovely pattern or a cheerful colour that will make you look fresh and vibrant.

➡ If you have a curvy figure, I recommend wearing a looser dress that you can cinch at the waist with a slim belt.

➡ Are you petite (under 5'3")? If so, you can wear a dress that is fairly fitted, with a slight flare at the bottom.

➡ If you are tall, a backless dress will be perfect for enhancing your figure!

😊 If you have any sunburns, I recommend avoiding dresses in warm tones, especially reds, as they will only highlight the sunburn. Instead, opt for a blue or green dress.

chic bohemian dress for seaside vacations

A Colourful Long Dress

We often think that a long dress isn't suitable for the beach since it can be cumbersome when walking in water or on sand. However, it can actually be quite practical for avoiding sunburn and sitting on the sand without getting it all over your clothes.

If you want to stroll in the water, you can opt for a dress that is not too long, falling above the ankles, or simply, you can hike it up.

To achieve this, all you need to do is keep a safety pin in your beach bag and use it to lift the front of your dress slightly. It’s that easy!

👉 In the same bohemian spirit, a colourful long skirt that's fitted at the waist is also perfect for a beach outfit. I recommend pairing it with a short top, like a crop top, to enhance and flatter the proportions of your figure.

A practical and comfortable jumpsuit

Do you feel like going for long walks on the beach or in the dunes? Are you planning to get a bit of sweat-breaking exercise? A jumpsuit is just what you need. This all-in-one outfit is perfect for staying free to move on the beach while looking stylish. You can choose it in prints or solid colours.

It is also perfect for young mothers who need to be comfortable in their clothing while taking care of a baby or small child at the beach.

👉 Are thigh chafing bothering you while walking on the beach? Consider choosing a slightly longer swimsuit, which will help prevent this discomfort and allow you to enjoy your vacation!

Denim Shorts Paired with a Kimono: Perfect for an Active Day at the Beach

Like the jumpsuit, this outfit combines comfort and simplicity. It’s perfect for those days when you want to go for a stroll, work out, or simply feel comfortable in your movements. You can pair your denim shorts with a tank top, a light blouse, or a crop top, depending on your preference.

To add a stylish touch, you can wear it with a long kimono, which will protect you from the sun without making you too warm.

A pair of canvas pants for cooler days and long walks

You’ve decided to take a stroll along the beach, but it’s a bit chilly? In that case, you might want to consider a pair of ankle-length cotton pants (or capris). The loose fit will flatter your figure, especially if you’re on the taller side.

If you're petite, I recommend pairing it with a belt. You can tie a knot that draws attention to your waist and enhances your overall look.

Depending on the weather, these types of pants can be paired with a blouse, a t-shirt, a lightweight tank top, or even a long cardigan or kimono.

A Striped Sweater to Celebrate Nautical Spirit and Holidays

Synonymous with seaside vacations for many of us, the sailor shirt is timeless! Whether predominantly white or blue, its iconic pattern is easily recognizable and brings back fond memories for many. Comfortable and practical, it's easy to style and pairs particularly well with jeans.

👉 If you’d like, you can also wear vertical stripes. It’s not quite a classic sailor’s top, but if they're blue, it still gives off a nautical vibe while flattering your silhouette at the same time!

Beach Accessories

To wrap things up, I have a selection of perfect accessories for the beach to complete your summer outfit!

A Hat to Protect You from the Sun

Both stylish and essential for avoiding sunburn, a wide-brimmed hat can add a vacation vibe to all your summer outfits. I recommend choosing a light shade that will be easy to match and bright, without causing you to overheat. A hat made from woven material, such as straw, will be breathable and help keep your head from sweating.

Finally, I recommend that you select your hat in-store or take the time to measure your head circumference to choose the right size. If it’s too small, it may easily fly off, while if it’s too large, it could obstruct your vision.

Trendy Sunglasses

Along with a hat, sunglasses are a must-have accessory for enjoying a great day at the beach. The ocean is highly reflective, and staring at it without protection can damage your eyes and cause fatigue.

There are now many original styles of sunglasses available: opt for large lenses to ensure maximum comfort and protection. When it comes to the frame, you can go for colourful and unique frames in the summer, or choose a fine gold frame, which is very trendy right now.

A Colourful Tote Bag

Nothing beats a tote bag for carrying your beach essentials! If you're going for a walk, you might also choose a smaller bag to keep your delicate and important items safe: wallet, car keys, smartphone…

The trendy materials for summer are straw, as well as natural fabrics like cotton and linen. To achieve a stylish look, make sure to match your bag with your outfit. You can also have it embroidered to make it personal! This is a great gift idea for a holiday keepsake.

Costume Jewellery

To enhance your outfit, you can adorn your body with beautiful jewellery, which you can either buy at beachside markets or make yourself. Take advantage of the summer season, it’s the perfect time for macramé woven bracelets, seed beads in all colours, as well as colourful and natural costume jewellery.

💍 Avoid bringing valuable jewellery, whether gold or silver, to the beach. It's so easy to lose them in the sand, and that would be a real shame.

Proper Footwear... or No Footwear at All!

When it comes to footwear, you have several options: flip-flops, sandals, canvas sneakers... but the simplest and most enjoyable option, especially when walking on sand, is definitely to go barefoot. To avoid hauling extra weight during your day at the beach, be sure to bring along some lightweight shoes that can easily be packed away in your bag once you hit the sand! 😉

I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect outfit for a trip to the beach so you can make the most of these great moments.

While we wait for warmer days to return, I invite you to discover more about the kimono, which has been mentioned several times in this article. To learn more, I recommend checking out this other blog post, which is completely dedicated to the topic. You can also find kimonos in our online store, which focuses on bohemian fashion!