Ready for some beach time? To be perfectly equipped for a hot day at the beach, flip-flops, bikinis, a beach bag and sunglasses are not the only essentials. Light, airy clothing that you can quickly put on and take off over your swimwear should definitely not be missing either. And what could be better suited than a beach dress that instantly adds a touch of summer vibes to your look while keeping you comfortable even in the highest temperatures? Beach dresses come in a wide variety of colours, cuts and materials, so you are sure to find the perfect style for you in our online shop.

Whether you are on holiday at a sandy beach, at your local swimming lake, in the garden or on the balcony: beach dresses can be worn in many different ways, especially because they come in so many variations. With their charming details, they are simply fun and put you in the mood for summer. A casual tunic or kimono, for example, can simply be slipped on when you want to grab something to drink between sunbathing and swimming. They are usually made from lightly to highly transparent fabrics and tend to reach just above the bottom.

Mini beach dresses come with eye-catching details such as fringes or tassels, asymmetrical cuts or lace elements at the neckline. This means you can style them for an evening at the beach bar and dance the night away in them. Bandeau dresses come without straps and let plenty of sunlight reach your skin. That also means: no more bikini tan lines! Swim dresses are made from water-repellent fabrics and are the perfect combination of a swimsuit and a beach dress. You can go swimming in them and then take a stroll along the promenade straight from the water.

Summer is colourful – just like your beach dresses. Playful floral patterns meet bold ethnic prints, romantic paisley patterns meet nautical stripes. Whether classic blue and white or with a romantic touch of rose or vanilla yellow on a white background: stripes are the trend of the year – and one that keeps coming back – and they go wonderfully with these light and airy dresses. Or do you prefer bold solid colours? Then you can choose from beautiful shades such as sunny yellow, cheerful orange, vibrant green, calming blue or fresh pink. For anyone who prefers a more understated look and likes to update their beach dress with accessories or a colourful bikini, subtle colours are a great choice, such as classic black or white. White beautifully accentuates lightly tanned skin, while black has an elegant effect and a beach dress in this colour can easily be styled for the evening.

Beach dresses are very lightweight and therefore fit into even the smallest holiday suitcase. They should also be crease-resistant and made from durable materials. These are fairly demanding requirements – but thanks to their special construction and materials, summer dresses easily meet them. Many airy beach dresses contain a higher or lower percentage of synthetic fibres such as polyester and polyamide. These synthetic fibres help the dress dry faster and provide an especially soft feel. Blends containing viscose or cotton are ideal for a particularly pleasant feel against the skin and also make the dresses more breathable. Transparent fabrics such as mesh or chiffon allow subtle glimpses of skin while letting plenty of air reach your body. A chiffon beach tunic lets your bikini top show through, offering plenty of styling possibilities, for example with striking colours or a distinctive design.

Whether mini, maxi or midi: one of the biggest advantages of beach dresses is that they come in a wide range of styles, allowing you to decide how much skin you want to show and what makes you feel most comfortable. Depending on your body shape, there are also a few tips you can keep in mind when choosing your new favourite dress:

• Short dresses are practically a must-have when temperatures rise. They are incredibly light and airy while also showing off your legs beautifully, giving your overall look a sexy touch. For anyone who prefers to show a little less skin, a knee-length mini dress is an ideal choice.

• Would you describe your body shape as petite? Then styles with gathers, ruffles and embellishments around the upper body or a V-neckline are a good choice, as they accentuate your bust. If you would rather draw attention to your lower body, flared summer dresses are the better option.

• Women with a larger bust and a slim lower body can benefit from a maxi dress. Empire-waist dresses are particularly flattering, as they create a beautiful waistline while concealing narrow hips. However, you can skip ruffles and flounces here.

• If you have wider hips, you can opt for a fitted style, whether you prefer a mini or maxi dress. You can also easily create this look yourself by pairing your favourite dress with a belt.

At the beach, sunglasses and something to protect your hair, such as a cap or colourful headband, are all you need. Match the design of your headband to the colour or pattern of your beach dress to effortlessly create a stylish look. You can also incorporate your sunglasses into your outfit – for example, by matching the colour of the lenses to your dress. If you wear your summer dress in the afternoon or evening, you can add a few more accessories. Large bangles, a necklace with colourful beads and large earrings with feathers, tassels or fringes are beautiful additions to a summery look and go perfectly with patterned hippie dresses and long dresses in an ethnic-inspired look. With a black beach dress, you can add a touch of sparkle for the evening. A simple dress, whether mini, midi or maxi, pairs beautifully with shimmering silver jewellery, and you can make a statement with it: a statement necklace with silver ornaments, charm bracelets, large rings with sparkling stones or oversized hoop earrings will make your casual beach dress stand out.

Salt water, sunscreen and moisture can put quite a strain on the fabric of your beach dress. That is why it is important to wash it as soon as possible after a day at the beach and give the fabric some extra care. If you do not have access to a washing machine while on holiday, it is best to use a mild washing paste; in an emergency, you can even use your shampoo. First rinse the dress with lukewarm water and then soak it in the detergent for ten to 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse it thoroughly so that no soap residue remains. To dry it, it is best to place it on a clothesline or lay it on the patio table. This prevents unwanted marks – and in summer temperatures, you can wear your beach dress again the next day.

At home, your beach dress belongs in the washing machine. Wash it at 30°C with a colour detergent on a gentle cycle to keep it clean while preserving its colours. It should also be dried flat. You should avoid using a tumble dryer under all circumstances. The heat can damage the fibres and cause the dress to lose its shape. Beach dresses can also lose their protective coating. Therefore, air drying is always the best choice. If you dry it on the patio or balcony, you can even enjoy a fresh scent afterwards.

Would you like to add one or two more beach dresses to your wardrobe, are you looking for some variety compared to last season's styles, or do you not have any beach dresses yet? Then take a look at C&A now and find your favourite summer outfits featuring beach dresses. From shirt dresses and printed dresses to jersey dresses, you can discover practical and stylish summer dresses for your next beach day. Have fun browsing and shopping!