What to Wear to the Beach – Casual & Chic Outfit Ideas for Women
The beach season is officially here, and with it comes the question on every woman’s mind: “What should I wear to the beach to feel stylish and comfortable?” Whether you're heading to a sunny vacation or spending the weekend near the coast, dressing for the beach requires the perfect mix of fashion, functionality, and personality.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Beach outfit ideas for different temperatures
- Casual beachwear essentials
- Accessories and shoes that work best for sand and surf
- FAQs on styling, colors, and fabrics
Casual Beach Outfit Ideas for Women
Whether you're sunbathing, walking along the boardwalk, or meeting friends for a beach picnic, these outfits offer both style and comfort:
1. Maxi Dress + Slide Sandals
A lightweight, flowy maxi dress is your beach-day best friend. Choose cotton or linen in bright shades or floral prints. Pair with minimal slide sandals and a straw tote.
2. High-Waisted Shorts + Bikini Top + Kimono
This three-piece combo is laid-back yet stylish. Add a long kimono or mesh cover-up for flair. Bonus: your bikini doubles as your top.
3. Wrap Skirt + One-Piece Swimsuit
One-piece swimsuits have made a comeback. Use yours as a bodysuit by pairing it with a colorful wrap skirt or sarong. Toss on some oversized sunglasses for the full look.
What to Wear in 70-Degree Beach Weather
In slightly cooler temps or during breezy evenings, layer your outfit to stay cozy without sacrificing style.
- Oversized linen button-down over tank tops
- Wide-leg pants or culottes with crop tops
- Denim jacket layered over a maxi dress
Always pack a light scarf or kimono — you’ll thank yourself when the wind picks up.
Best Colors to Wear to the Beach
Certain colors naturally complement the beach setting, reflect heat, and pop in photos.
- White, beige, and pastel blue – Perfect for airy and light vibes
- Coral, peach, and turquoise – Add personality to your outfit
- Avoid black – It absorbs heat and sand sticks easily
Want your Instagram to glow? Choose colors that contrast with the ocean and sky.
Best Fabrics for Beach Outfits
Not all materials are created equal for the beach. Stick to fabrics that dry quickly, breathe easily, and resist wrinkles.
- Linen – Ultra-breathable and timeless
- Cotton blends – Soft, lightweight, and easy to wash
- Rayon or viscose – Great for tropical vibes and prints
Avoid synthetic materials like polyester unless it's for swimwear — they trap heat and don’t dry well.
Must-Have Accessories for a Beach Day
Accessories complete your look and add functionality:
- Wide-brim hats or bucket hats – Sun protection with style
- Sunglasses – Go bold or retro
- Straw tote or mesh beach bag – Roomy and on-trend
- Stackable jewelry – Shell, pearl, or bead pieces are beach-approved
What Shoes to Wear to the Beach
Sand and waves call for practical shoes. But that doesn’t mean boring!
- Flip flops – Always a safe go-to
- Espadrilles – A chic upgrade for beach dinners
- Slides – Easy to remove and fashion-forward
- Barefoot sandals or foot jewelry – Trendy for beach weddings or content creators
Avoid heavy sneakers or anything with thick soles that traps sand.
Outfit Ideas for a Beach Party or Night Out
Transitioning from beach day to evening hang? Here’s how to do it effortlessly:
- Sheer beach dress over a bodysuit
- Jumpsuit with beach waves & layered necklaces
- Midi skirt + tank + light cardigan
Choose natural makeup, neutral colors, and let your accessories do the work.
What Not to Wear to the Beach
Avoid:
- Tight denim jeans – They absorb water and are heavy
- Complicated tops with too many straps or clasps
- Dark colors in direct sunlight
- Leather accessories – Salt and sun damage them quickly
Beach Outfit Checklist
Here’s a quick list to pack or prep before heading out:
- Swimsuit (1–2)
- Cover-up or kimono
- Hat & sunglasses
- Lightweight top or dress
- Breathable bottoms (shorts, skirt, or pants)
- Sandals or slides
- Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
- Beach bag
Women's Beach Fashion: Your Questions Answered
Q: What should I wear on a beach vacation as a woman?
A: Stick to breathable outfits like maxi dresses, bikinis with wrap skirts, linen tops, and wide-brim hats. Choose easy layers for sun protection and pack light sandals.
Q: What are some cute but casual beach outfits?
A: High-waisted shorts with a bikini top and kimono, or a simple romper with flat sandals and a straw bag.
Q: What to wear to the beach in 70-degree weather?
A: Go for wide-leg pants with a crop top, or layer a tank top with a breezy cardigan or linen shirt.
Q: Which colors look best on the beach?
A: Pastels, whites, and tropical colors like turquoise, coral, and yellow enhance your glow and photograph well.
Q: What fabric is best for a hot beach day?
A: Linen and cotton are breathable and ideal. Avoid heavy synthetics unless used in swimwear.
Q: What is considered casual beach attire for women?
A: Casual beachwear includes flowy sundresses, high-waisted shorts, crop tops, and swimsuits with simple cover-ups. Accessories like a straw hat and slides complete the relaxed look.
Q: Can I wear jeans to the beach?
A: It's best to avoid jeans at the beach. They trap heat and take too long to dry. Instead, choose linen pants, cotton shorts, or breezy skirts.
Q: What accessories are essential for a beach outfit?
A: Sunglasses, hats, water-resistant bags, lightweight jewelry, and beach sandals are both functional and fashionable.
Q: How should I dress for a beach bonfire or evening event?
A: Layer a long cardigan over a midi dress or wear a jumpsuit with espadrilles. Choose outfits that are stylish but warm enough for cooler beach nights.
Q: What is the best beachwear for plus-size women?
A: High-waisted bikinis, wrap dresses, and flowy maxi skirts are flattering and comfortable. Look for breathable fabrics and confident cuts.
Q: What to wear on a tropical beach vacation?
A: Lightweight sundresses, kaftans, swimsuits with sarongs, and colorful accessories are ideal for tropical vibes.
Q: How do I choose the right beach hat?
A: Choose a wide-brim straw or fabric hat for sun protection. Floppy hats offer more coverage, while bucket hats give a casual, modern look.
Q: What beach outfits photograph well?
A: Outfits in white, coral, turquoise, or pastel shades stand out in beach photos. Flowy fabrics and coordinated accessories enhance the aesthetic.