Whether you live near the beach or are simply planning a vacation there, summer is the perfect time to get out all those beachy outfits that haven’t seen the light of day since last August. If you’re not sure what to pack or what a beachy outfit even entails, then read on to discover the 10 wardrobe essentials that you absolutely should take with you to the beach next time.
1. Cover-ups
If you’re going to the beach, then you absolutely must have a cover-up to throw over your slimming swimsuit. Cover-ups come in many different styles and lengths, from revealing sheer fabric to what’s basically a dress (in fact, many of the other garments on this list make for great cover-ups!). If you’re going to a more family-friendly beach, opt for something with a little more coverage, but if you’re going on an adults-only trip, don’t be afraid to pick something a little more sexy. You don’t get a lot of chances to wear a beach cover-up, so embrace the possibilities.
2. Sarongs and Wrap Skirts
Nothing says “beachy” like a wrap skirt. We love a more revealing short sarong as a swimsuit cover-up, and a slightly longer wrap skirt as a versatile piece that you can wear out to a restaurant or by the pool. If you don’t want to mess with looking for a matching top, then consider a wrap dress instead, which makes for an excellent one piece outfit.
3. Maxi Dresses
If you didn’t wear a maxi dress, did you even go to the beach? It’s not hard to see why people love maxi dresses. They’re breathable for the hot summer weather and can easily be dressed up or down. Not to mention the full length hem offers protection in case your legs accidentally get sunburned. Maxi dresses come in many different styles, colors and patterns to suit all tastes, so pick your favorite (or several) and put it in your bag.
4. Palazzo Pants
Yes, you can totally wear pants in the summer and not melt in a puddle. The key is choosing a wide legged silhouette made of a breathable fabric such as cotton or linen so you don’t totally suffocate. Choose full length pants or a cropped version that ends above the ankle if you want more breathability. We love pairing some slightly high waisted palazzo pants with a crop top for the perfect beachy outfit that won’t make you overheat.
5. T-Shirt Dresses
Have you put on your favorite t-shirt and wished that your entire outfit could be as comfortable? Now it can be with a t-shirt dress! Just as the name suggests, t-shirt dresses are basically t-shirts that are dress length. They are perfect for more casual outfits and also make great women’s bathing suit cover-ups as well if you’re trying to be choosy about what you pack. Depending on the style, you might also be able to dress them up for a nicer dinner out with the right accessories.
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6. Linen Tops and Shorts
Linen is one of our favorite fabrics for summer because it always looks crisp and put together and yet is super breathable. That’s why we definitely recommend packing some linen shirts and/or shorts for your next beach vacay. Linen tops come in many different styles, from loose pullovers to cute button-ups, so pick your favorite and pack it along. We love to wear looser, wide legged linen shorts to stay cool and cute while at the beach.
7. Boyfriend Jeans
Some beach vacations may be too hot for jeans, but we really love having at least one pair in our suitcase to give us options. Opt for white jeans or a lighter acid wash (dark jeans are for winter, not for summer!) in a thinner denim fabric so they’re still somewhat breathable. We personally love a more relaxed style of jeans for the summer, especially for the seaside where everything is more casual. Pair it with a linen top and leather sandals and you’ll have the perfect vacay outfit.
8. Mini Skirts and Dresses
Show off your newly tanned legs with a mini skirt or dress. These garments hit mid-thigh length or higher, making them a great option when you want to display your sun-kissed glow to the fullest. Mini dresses come in all sorts of styles, so you can pack a more casual one or a more formal one (or both) depending on what your plans at the beach are. If you’re not quite feeling a mini skirt, then choose a knee length option that still shows off your legs but provides a little more coverage.
Source: Leonisa.com
9. Jumpsuits and Rompers
Jumpsuits are an entire outfit in one, making it super easy to get dressed in a snap. For beach vacations, we love jumpsuits with wide legs and cute details such as ruffles and lace. We recommend bright seasonal colors or fun prints such as florals, palm leaves and other summer styles. If you think a pants-length jumpsuit will be too hot, then try a shorts-length romper instead.
10. Crochet Dresses and Tops
While you may associate crochet more with music festival wear, it’s also the perfect material to wear to the beach — thanks to its bohemian vibes. A crochet dress makes for a great beach cover-up, or a more revealing dress for a night on the town. A crochet crop top is the perfect way to add some texture to your outfit and it looks awesome paired with those boyfriend jeans you also packed. Definitely don’t sleep on the crochet trend as you pack for your beach trip!
With these 10 wardrobe essentials in your suitcase, you will serve up all the beachy looks all day long. These outfits are perfect for the beach, the pool, the lake and anywhere you want to look a little bit summery.
Ft. img Source: Leonisa.com
