11 Beach Outfit Ideas for Every Seaside Occasion

When warm weather hits, it’s time for flip-flops, bucket hats, tank tops, and stylish swimsuits — a few of our favorite things.

A beach day can be defined in a variety of ways. For some, it could mean trying out a new surfboard or enjoying some early morning yoga by the beach. For others, it's hiding behind an umbrella in a sun hat while reading a new book. While beach vacations are fun no matter what you're doing, one of the most difficult parts is coming up with fashionable beachwear that'll work for all of the activities on the schedule.

Obviously, beach looks can be as simple as a swimsuit and sandals, but there are plenty of different activities you might need to head to and it's always best to be prepared for whichever one shows up! Think on-trend swimwear, fun accessories, and breezy dresses to wear as the sun sets. To make sure you're set we've put together suggestions below that cover a wide range of possible beach events.

Overall, the styles below offer plenty of options for any beach plans you may have from now all the way through to the end of summer. Take a look at our cute beach outfit ideas before you embark on your summer adventures, whatever they may be.

The Classic Black Swimsuit

Any summer wardrobe should include a classic black one-piece suit. Choose a unique style with an asymmetric neckline or cut-out detail to shake things up. Finish the outfit with a wide-brimmed hat for extra style points and protection from the sun. Our Island Goddess Shirred One Shoulder One Piece is the perfect suit for this exact look.

Elegant and streamlined, our one-shoulder piece will have you looking like a movie star when paired with your straw hat. The shirred bodice provides further complexity to the sleek, asymmetrical lines by working at an ultra-flattering angle. This one-piece swimsuit is stylishly created to enhance your figure, just like your favorite suits. It also features removable cups, tummy control, and medium coverage that all contribute to a secure fit.

The Vacation Dress

If you're simply heading to the beach to have a chilled drink with pals then choosing a vacation-ready dress is the way to go. This will also allow you to head straight to dinner if you have plans afterward! Our Draped Darling High Neck Mini Dress is the perfect example of a versatile vacation dress.

This piece is set to become your new favorite travel companion. It offers a contemporary take on the little black dress and the over-the-shoulder neckline ties in the back for an adjustable fit. The hem hits just above the knees and has pockets and you can wear it as a stylish cover-up over your suit or mix it with shoes and statement-making jewelry for a night out on the town.

The Any-Which-Way Sarong

A scarf or sarong is a versatile swimsuit cover-up that allows you to style it in multiple different ways. It can be worn as a skirt or a dress, or even as a headscarf while sunbathing. We suggest the Ocean Oasis Pareo Wrap which has gorgeous tones of turquoise.

These take on an ombre effect in this pareo, inspired by the complexity of color in the deep blue sea. This sultry sarong looks amazing layered over bikini bottoms or one-piece swimsuits but can be styled in multiple ways. The one-size-fits-all design ensures a perfect fit, and the side tie conceals everything.

The Open-Weave Comfy Cover-Up

Go for a little peek-a-boo option with a crochet detailed cover-up. We recommend layering it over a bright bikini top that peeks out from behind the open weave for a laid-back beach look. The La Blanca Island Fare V-Neck Tunic is sweetly elegant, with just the right amount of coverage and a crocheted center panel in front to show off your swimsuit underneath. Crocheted trim around the neck, cuffs, and hem adds a touch of simple elegance to this pretty cover-up, taking you from the beach to brunch in style.

The Statement Sunnies

Sometimes, all you need for a bold look is a pair of statement sunglasses. Since summer clothing tends to be minimal, a beach outfit can be all about accessories. Your shades can communicate the total joy that beach days bring when paired with a patterned one-piece. Go for a statement color or silhouette, whichever you prefer, and pair them with our Twisted Bamboo Plunge One Piece.

It features a high-contrast stylized bamboo design inspired by Indonesian ikat fabrics but in a neutral palette. It has ladder straps linking the bodice in the midsection, which has a deep V-plunge neckline. You'll get all the support you need with removable cups and over-the-shoulder straps accented with square metal hardware.

The Bold Printed Swimsuit

Allow your boldest swimwear to stand out by pairing it with non-competing accessories like a woven tote — ideal for the beach because it's easy to wipe sand off. Check out our Tropics Of Tropez High-Neck Keyhole One Piece, a resort-ready one-piece suit that draws on the brilliant colors of Saint-Tropez while adding a tropical twist to channel your inner jet setter.

The removable cups and high keyhole neckline allow you to display as much (or as little) skin as you choose. Adjustable convertible straps keep everything in place while providing two looks in one. Back coverage is moderate, ensuring a secure fit. Pack one of these beachy swimsuits in your beach bag with some extra sunscreen!

The Wide-Leg Pants

One of the best beach outfit basics is wide-leg pants. When you layer high-waisted pants over a one-piece, two-piece, or somewhere-in-between swimsuit, it transforms into a full ensemble that takes you from relaxing in the sand to lunching at your favorite beach-front café in seconds.

Our Moonlit Silhouette Palazzo Pant is a fun option that has a bold pattern. These feature a striking black-and-white stylized flower print and a billowy wide-leg silhouette which is beautifully proportioned and ideal for slipping on after a swim to return to your lodge or to glide into town. They have a stretchy elasticized waistline, front pockets, and side slits for added mobility.

The Oversize Button-Down

A guaranteed timeless and stylish flowy summer beach look is simply pairing an oversized button-down shirt over your swimsuit, denim shorts, or midi skirt. Top it with a denim jacket when the sun goes down!

If it’s a little see-through, wear it over a fun-colored bikini for a fun pop through the shirt. Our Island Fare Resort Button Down Shirt is the perfect swimsuit cover-up camp shirt. It exudes elegance and has slits at the hem that offers you a cool feel on a hot summer night.

The Breezy Beach Dress

A cute and breezy beach dress is the perfect late-afternoon beach outfit, in our opinion. It's perfect for when your wet bathing suit comes off and you need an easy and lightweight dress that takes you from sunsets to beach walks and, most likely, ice cream. Our Isla Del Sol Off-The-Shoulder Cover-Up Dress has a bright tropical print that reflects the vibrant summer vibes and is nearly too hot to handle. It has a drawstring at the waist that emphasizes it and an off-the-shoulder silhouette that showcases your collarbones. The tiered skirt adds a touch of whimsy to the ensemble making it the perfect flirty summer dress.

The Rash Guard Set

Don't think you have to be a surfer to wear a rash guard. This long-sleeved top is perfect for anyone who wants to lay out in the sun or swim for a lengthy period of time. Wearing one also shields you from the sun's harsh rays whether you're wave hopping on a jet ski or hiking to a waterfall.

Try out our Tropics Of Tropez Half-Zip Rashguard; it’ll give you the extra coverage and it’s simple to put on and take off due to the quarter zipper. Pair it with the matching Tropics Of Tropez Shirred Band Hipster Bottom for a total look!

The Maxi Skirt

A trendy technique to "cover-up" while still showing off your swimwear is to wear a skirt with a dramatic, high slit. For the ultimate laid-back vibes, pair a lightweight, neutral maxi dress with a patterned bikini.

A great option to try out is our In The Tropics Maxi Skirt. It has a sultry and free-spirited feel, and due to its construction, it'll quickly become the most comfortable, flattering, and adaptable piece in your summer wardrobe. It's simply another day in paradise, with a provocative thigh-high slit in front and an allover tropical print.

Conclusion

With all these different outfit options, you’ll never run out of looks this summer. No matter what last-minute summer get-together you’re invited to you’ll always be prepared and ready to head out the door.

You can shop all the styles you need for your next vacation on the La Blanca website, and find all your perfect summer outfits!

Sources:

Best Beach Games: 32 Awesome Ways to Have Fun at the Beach | Cool of the Wild

20 Best Beach Reads for the Perfect Escape 2022 | Reader’s Digest

Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from the Sun | HealthyWomen