Beach outfits: create the perfect look with these beach accessories
Swimwear, such as a bikini or swimsuit, forms the basis of any beach outfit. By adding cute accessories, you can turn your swimwear into a stylish outfit for the beach in no time at all. If you have been thinking about what you should wear to the beach, then you will find some great outfit ideas and inspiration in this article. We’ll show you which pieces you can mix and match to create a beach outfit you’ll want to wear all day long.
Trendy outfits for the beach
Completing your beach outfit with the right accessories will give you a great look, which you can wear for sunbathing at the beach, taking a stroll along the promenade or heading to the beach bar.
Whether you want to show off plenty of skin or prefer something a bit more modest, there’s a beach outfit to suit every taste.
One-piece beach outfits
One-piece outfits are quick, stylish and practical. You can pair a one-piece beach outfit with a few small accessories to create a fashionable and comfortable beach outfit that you can wear all day long. Below you will find some ideas for one-piece outfits.
Beach dress: the classic beach outfit
You can get ready for a walk or a dinner at a beach restaurant in no time at all by simply slipping a beach dress over your bikini. A short beach dress or a breezy maxi dress are great choices. When it comes to necklines, a bandeau dress will give you a seamless tan, while styles with sleeves will protect your skin from the sun. You can also choose between elegant or casual styles.
Kaftan: loose-fitting beach outfit for a casual style
A kaftan is a loose-fitting and airy beach dress that is comfortable to wear and helps to protect you from the sun’s rays. You can choose between a short, knee-length or full-length kaftan. There are plenty of colours and patterns available, which will make it easy for you to find one that matches your swimwear.
Jumpsuits for a cheeky beach look
If you like wearing jumpsuits, you can keep wearing them on holiday too, because these one-piece outfits will always make you look great on the beach. Depending on your taste, you can opt for short jumpsuits that can be styled to look sexy or sporty, or choose a long jumpsuit that looks elegant or playful. Just slip into your jumpsuit after a day at the beach and you'll have the perfect outfit for your next activity.
Which beach outfit suits me?
You can choose anything that you feel comfortable in and has bright colours, patterns or lace. If you're still not sure which beach outfit would suit you the most, you could opt for items of clothing with a nautical style. This type of style is perfect for any beach holiday.
Beach cover-ups over your swimwear
Wearing a beach cover-up to protect your skin from harmful UV rays is a good idea when spending time at the beach. If you feel more comfortable covering up, then it is also a good idea to add a stylish pareo or kimono to your beach outfit. There is a wide range to choose from, which makes it easy to find something that matches your look.
Kimono: a stylish beach cover-up
Kimonos for the beach have a wide fit and they are tied with a ribbon above the waist and often have half-length sleeves. This keeps you protected from the sun and makes you feel more put-together on the beach. The relaxed cut of a kimono also looks elegant and flattering. There is a wide range of kimonos to choose from, such as long, short, as well as transparent and opaque ones.
Tunics: a classic choice for beachwear outfits
A tunic is a blouse with a wide neckline. This makes it easy to slip on and off as a beach cover-up. In neutral colours such as white or beige, a tunic goes with any bikini. If you prefer something more eye-catching, you can opt for tunics with bold prints or bright colours. On the other hand, styles featuring flounces and lace have a more girlish and playful look.
Pareo: a practical outfit for the beach
A pareo is a large piece of fabric that you can drape over your shoulders at the beach, knot into a top, or wear around your hips as a skirt. Here, you can also decide whether you’d prefer a light, sheer fabric or an opaque one to protect yourself from the sun or the sea breeze. When it comes to colours and prints, there is a wide range to choose from, so you are sure to find something that suits you.
Even if a beach cover-up protects you from the sun's rays, you should still apply additional suncream. Make sure you use a suncream with a high SPF and also make sure to reapply it regularly.
Beach outfits with trousers and skirts
Once you have chosen the right beach cover-up, you can combine it with matching trousers or a summery skirt. This way, you can create the perfect beach outfit that you can also wear when going out for dinner or on an excursion after visiting the beach.
Shorts are the perfect choice for a casual beach look
Shorts are always a good choice for hot summer days. When visiting the beach, it is a good idea to wear a pair of shorts that are airy and breathable. Materials such as viscose, linen or cotton are great choices. This way you won’t feel too hot, and you'll be able to move about in them comfortably. Shorts that are made out of spandex are close-fitting and have a more relaxed look.
Trousers are a great choice for an elegant beach outfit
Make your beach outfit stand out by opting for a pair of loose-fitting trousers. Trousers with wide legs are elegant and are particularly comfortable to wear. Long palazzo-style trousers are a good choice for the beach. If you prefer a more casual look, then models with a slit up the side of the leg are a great choice. High-waisted beach trousers look great paired with bikini tops, crop tops or bandeau tops.
Complete your beach look with an elegant skirt
Create a classy look for the beach with a light, flowing beach skirt. A maxi skirt looks elegant, whereas a shorter skirt will show off your legs. High-waist A-line skirts and wrap skirts are particularly flattering.
Tips: beach accessories to complete your look
Once you've decided on your beach outfit, you can add the finishing touches with a few accessories. A protective yet stylish hat, matching shoes, a big beach bag and sunglasses are an absolute must.
1. Headwear for the beach
The right headwear not only completes your beach outfit, but it also protects you from the sun's rays. The world of sun hats is quite extensive, so you are sure to find the perfect hat to suit your style:
Straw hats: a straw hat is a timeless classic. It's light and airy, looks elegant and can make your outfit stand out.
Cap: if you prefer a sportier look, then a cap is a great choice. You can even wear your hair in a braid underneath it.
Bucket hat: bucket hats are very trendy and a modern alternative to a classic straw hat. Different colours and patterns allow you to find the perfect one for your beach look.
Floppy hat: floppy hats are another true classic, which protect you from the sun with their wide brim and they look elegant too.
2. Sunglasses: a stylish must-have for your beach outfit
Sunglasses that suit you and match your outfit are a must-have for any beach look. Your sunglasses should ideally have UV protection in order to protect your eyes from the sun. In addition, any sunglasses that fully cover the eyes will offer you more protection.
3. Beach bag: more than just a beach accessory
Make sure your beach bag is big and spacious so that you can pack everything you will need for the beach. Bags made from natural materials such as raffia or rattan go particularly well with a summery beach outfit. However, canvas or jute bags are also a good option, as they can be easily folded up, making them ideal for packing in a suitcase.
4. The best footwear for the beach
Not every shoe is suitable for a day at the beach. Footwear for the beach needs to be comfortable when walking on sand and it should be able to handle a little moisture. Here you'll find a few practical and fashionable styles that go perfectly with different beach outfits:
Beach sandals: these rubber sandals, which often have a wide strap, will give your outfit a sporty look and good grip on the sand.
Flip flops: whether you are going for a sporty, elegant or casual style, flip flops come in a variety of styles, which makes them a great choice for any beach look.
Mules: mules with straps and a small heel are also perfect for the beach. Choose ones with a thick sole as they will offer the most comfort on uneven ground. Rhinestones, pearls, or a mix of materials will make your mules stand out.
View our range of summer shoes
Putting together the perfect beach outfit made easy
When putting your beach outfit together, choose clothes and shoes you feel comfortable in. With a beach cover-up or a beach dress, you can protect yourself from the sun and be ready in an instant for a stroll or a drink at the beach bar. To complete your stylish beach look, make sure to add a few chic accessories.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com
1st to 8th image: C&A
9th image: Drobot Dean – stock.adobe.com
10th image: C&A