Warm shoulders, salt drying on your skin, a long day by the water: what you wear should keep up with all of it without needing a rethink every hour. Most beach days move between lying on the sand, walking a boardwalk with a cold drink, and heading straight to dinner, so I plan outfits that survive all three. The pieces that keep showing up are breathable cloth, cover-ups that work as clothes, and swimsuits that can pass for tops. Crochet, wide-leg linen, sheer sarongs and a good hat are everywhere right now. Below are 35 beach babe outfits, each one complete from hat to sandals, and many of them built from things already in your suitcase.
Sheer Layers Don't Stop a Sunburn
Many of the prettiest cover-ups here, crochet, mesh and chiffon, look protective but let a lot of sun through. A crochet dress can leave its own pattern burned onto your shoulders. If coverage is the point, here's how I judge a piece.
- Hold it up to the light. If you can see shapes through it, UV gets through too.
- Tight weaves and darker colors block more sun than loose weaves and pale colors.
- A UPF label on swimwear or a rash guard is the only real measure; UPF 50 blocks the large majority of UV.
- Cotton and linen lose some protection when wet, so a soaked shirt protects less than a dry one.
My approach is to treat the open-weave pieces as style and put sunscreen on underneath them, while the linen shirt, the shirt dress and the duster do the real covering in the middle of the day.
1. Crochet maxi dress beach outfit
A hand-crocheted maxi dress in cream or ivory is mostly about its texture, so I keep everything under and around it plain: a matching bikini or a solid one-piece that shows through the open weave. Flat tan leather sandals, a straw tote big enough for sunscreen, a towel and a book, tortoiseshell sunglasses and a few fine gold chains finish it. Crochet stretches when wet and can sag at the hem, so I don't swim in it; I take it off at the towel. It goes from the sand to a café lunch, and the neutral color looks good in soft late-day light.
2. High-waist bikini with sarong beach outfit
Try a high-waist bikini in terracotta or sage under a sheer chiffon sarong knotted at the hip. The diagonal hem the knot creates makes the legs look longer, and it covers enough for the walk to the snack bar. Flat tan thong sandals and slim oval sunglasses give it a 90s feel, and a straw clutch with a couple of gold anklets finishes it. I like that a sarong is two pieces of styling in one: if plans change, retie it around the neck as a halter dress for the boardwalk.
3. Floral maxi dress beach outfit
A light floral maxi with a smocked bodice and a tiered skirt is the dress I'd pack for arrival day. The smocking stretches, so it fits after a long flight, and the tiers move in the wind instead of clinging. Woven espadrille flats, a big straw hat with a black ribbon, a natural canvas tote and small pearl drops are all it needs. Watch espadrilles near the water; jute soles soak up moisture and lose their shape. Good for a beachfront brunch, a sunset walk or a day in a coastal town.
4. Oversized linen shirt as a beach cover up
An oversized white or pale blue linen shirt over a black bikini is the cover-up I'd recommend to anyone who swims a lot. Leave it open with the sleeves rolled twice, or do up one middle button for shape. Linen dries quickly, and the shirt protects your shoulders between swims. Black rubber flip-flops or leather slides, a canvas or mesh tote, a baseball cap and wayfarers keep it practical. It also covers you for the drive home.
5. Crop top and high-waist shorts beach outfit
For a day that's more town than beach, I swap the swimsuit for a light cotton crop top in white or butter yellow and relaxed high-waist linen or denim shorts. The high waist means the crop only shows a narrow strip of skin. Flat sandals with a small gold buckle, a mini raffia crossbody, hoops and round sunglasses finish it. Denim shorts get heavy if they get wet, so linen is the better pick if you might end up wading. This is my outfit for ice cream, a market and an hour on the pier.
6. Slip dress for the beach
A midi slip dress in champagne, sage or soft coral is the most dressed-up thing on this list, and it packs into almost nothing. The bias cut drapes over the body and moves when you walk, which is why it looks expensive. Wear it over a simple triangle bikini or a strapless bandeau, add slim leather slides, a structured straw bag and sculptural gold earrings for a resort dinner. Keep the neckline bare except for one pendant. Satin-finish slips show water spots, so I put this one on after the swim, not before.
7. Matching bikini set with mesh cover up
A matching bikini in one bold color, like mango, cobalt or fuchsia, with a sheer mesh cover-up in a related tone makes a cohesive look in two pieces. The mesh adds texture and a slight reveal. Barely-there strappy sandals, a clear beach bag, sleek oval sunglasses and a high ponytail keep it sharp. I'd save this for a pool party or beach club, where the swimsuit is supposed to be seen.
8. One-piece swimsuit with linen pants beach outfit
A black or navy one-piece with a low back or an interesting neckline works as a bodysuit when you pull on high-waist wide-leg linen trousers in cream. That's my beach-to-street formula. A brown leather belt marks the waist, flat leather sandals and an oversized woven tote keep it easy, and mixed-metal necklaces with cat-eye sunglasses add a retro touch. The trousers cover your legs from the sun and slide off when it's time to swim. The one drawback: a one-piece means a full undress for the bathroom, so plan accordingly.
9. Romper beach outfit
A short romper in cotton or a linen blend solves what to wear in one move. I look for a solid sand color or a fine stripe, with a tie waist or rolled cuffs to give it some shape. Flat espadrilles or slides, a floppy straw hat and a woven leather crossbody leave your hands free. It's good for days spent walking and exploring, and it goes to a casual dinner without a change. If you're long in the torso, try before you buy; rompers that are short in the body pull uncomfortably when you sit.
10. Button-front shirt dress beach outfit
A white or striped shirt dress is the most respectable cover-up you can own. Roll the sleeves, leave the top buttons open to show a little swimsuit, and cinch it with a thin leather belt. Tan woven mules or flat sandals, a structured straw tote, gold hoops and a low bun keep it clean. Cotton poplin breathes and blocks more sun than most cover-ups, and it's as at home at a beachfront restaurant as on the shoreline.
11. Off-shoulder top and denim skirt beach outfit
An off-shoulder peasant top in white cotton with a small ruffle, over a high-waist denim mini, gives a flirty shape. I add lace-up sandals that tie at the ankle, a compact straw bag, big hoops and a stack of thin gold bangles. Hair in loose waves or a messy bun softens it. Check the elastic on the neckline; a weak one slides down every time you lift your arms. It suits a boardwalk, a beach fair or a casual lunch.
12. Tank top and linen pants beach outfit
A fitted ribbed tank tucked into flowing high-waist linen pants in oatmeal or clay is my outfit for beach days when swimming isn't the plan. Reading on a blanket, a pier walk and coffee by the sea all fit. Flat leather sandals, a large straw tote, slim rectangular sunglasses and a fine chain finish it. Linen pants keep you cooler than shorts in direct sun, and the tank can come off for a bikini top later in the day.
13. Crochet dress worn over a bikini
A mid-length crochet dress in natural or pastel over a solid bikini has a strong boho feel, with the swimsuit visible through the openings. Flat gladiator sandals, a round rattan bag, a wide floppy hat and beaded bracelets add texture. I pick the bikini color carefully here; it shows through the whole dress, so a print can look busy behind crochet. This works best at a tropical resort or a beach festival, where a free-spirited look fits in.
14. Board shorts with rash guard beach outfit
For surfing, paddleboarding or beach volleyball, a rash guard and board short combination in a bright color-block or tropical print is the practical choice. A rash guard blocks sun and stops board rash on the stomach and arms, and modern board shorts come in a high-waist cut that stays put in waves. Sporty slides, a waterproof dry bag, a high ponytail, wraparound sunglasses and water-resistant sunscreen finish it. I'd always choose a long-sleeve rash guard over short sleeves for a full day on the water.
15. Two-piece linen set beach outfit
A cropped linen top and high-waist wide-leg linen trousers in a pastel or neutral make a relaxed set. Flat sandals with a small metallic detail, a woven bucket bag and cat-eye sunglasses go with it, plus one gold cuff. From a packing point of view, sets are the best value in a beach suitcase: the trousers go with a bikini top the next day, and the crop goes with denim shorts. Linen breathes in humidity and dries fast, which is why I choose it for hot, sticky destinations.
16. Halter bikini with wrap skirt
A halter bikini with high-waist bottoms and a flowing wrap skirt tied at the side gives a long, graceful line. Choose a solid or a small print and let the skirt fall unevenly. Flat sandals with ankle ties, a small straw bag, a few thin necklaces and gold hoops finish it. Halter ties put weight on the back of the neck, so if you're large-busted I'd look for a halter with a back clasp too. The skirt comes off in seconds at the pool.
17. White one-piece with crochet cover up
A white one-piece with a square neckline looks clean and modern, and an open-weave crochet cover-up in cream or beige adds texture without breaking the color story. Tan leather slides, a straw hat with a black ribbon, round sunglasses, a raffia clutch and a thin gold anklet complete it. Before buying a white swimsuit, check it wet: unlined white goes see-through. A fully lined one is worth looking for.
18. Floral bikini with ruffled cover up
A floral bikini with ruffled straps and a sheer cover-up in a matching pastel gives a soft, romantic look. Clear or pink jelly sandals, a mini straw bag with a handle, pearl studs and tinted lip balm finish it. Ruffles stay crisp longer on a swimsuit if you rinse it in cool fresh water right after the beach. This is a sweet outfit for a day with friends or an easy boardwalk walk.
19. Oversized tee with biker shorts beach outfit
An oversized vintage-wash band tee knotted at the front, black biker shorts and chunky white sneakers is a model-off-duty look for cooler coastal days. Add a cap, a small nylon crossbody and sporty oval sunglasses. No swimsuit change is needed between the car and the sand, and the tee doubles as a cover-up over a bikini. I'd choose biker shorts with a thicker, matte fabric; thin shiny ones show every sand mark.
20. Halter-neck one-piece with wide-leg pants
A halter one-piece in deep navy or olive under flowing wide-leg trousers in a neutral makes a long line, because the swimsuit reads as a bodysuit. Wedge sandals give height and grip on sand better than a stiletto would. A natural-fiber tote, a few long pendants and rectangular sunglasses complete it. The halter frames the shoulders, so this is my pick for a sunset dinner on the sand.
21. Cropped knit top and maxi skirt beach outfit
A cropped knit tank in a soft neutral with a printed maxi skirt mixes textures in a way that feels unexpected at the beach. A fine cotton knit breathes; a wool knit doesn't, so check the label. Flat woven sandals, a canvas tote, a simple choker and a few thin rings finish it. I'd wear this for a bonfire or a casual dinner by the water, when the evening cools down.
22. Wrap dress beach outfit
A short wrap dress in a bright solid or a playful print goes over a swimsuit or on its own. The V-neck and adjustable tie suit a wide range of shapes, because you set the waist yourself. Wedge espadrilles, a mini crossbody, gold hoops and loose waves complete it. In wind, a wrap dress can blow open at the skirt; I put a small safety pin at the overlap on breezy days. It works from daytime exploring to evening drinks.
23. Sheer kaftan over bikini
An embroidered or printed sheer kaftan in a vivid color makes a plain triangle bikini look dressed. Flat metallic sandals, a small raffia bag, big statement earrings and a bold lip suit pool lounging or a beach club. The kaftan billows in wind, so I belt it at the waist when I want shape. It's one of the few pieces that turns any swimsuit into a finished outfit with no other effort.
24. Linen blazer with bermuda shorts beach outfit
An unlined linen blazer in cream over a bralette or bikini top, with tailored bermuda shorts in the same tone, gives a sophisticated coastal look. Keep the blazer open with the sleeves pushed up. Flat leather sandals, a leather tote and slim angular sunglasses finish it. Unlined matters; a lined blazer traps heat. I'd wear this to a waterfront lunch at a smarter resort.
25. Fringed kimono beach cover up
A floor-length fringed kimono in a bold print or jewel tone, worn open over a basic black or nude swimsuit, brings movement and a bohemian edge. Embellished flat sandals, a simple clutch, layered boho necklaces and a wide-brimmed hat finish it. Long fringe tangles and picks up sand, so this is better for a beach festival or a music night by the sea than for lying on a towel.
26. Straw hat and linen duster beach outfit
A wide straw hat with a long linen duster worn open over a high-waist bikini gives a classic, elegant line. Keep the swimsuit neutral, cream, beige or soft rust, and let the hat and duster carry the outfit. Flat sandals, a large woven tote, a gold pendant and aviators complete it. Between the brim and the long sleeves, this is one of the most sun-protective outfits here, which matters on a long resort day.
27. Corset crop top and wide-leg trousers beach outfit
A structured corset crop top in white or black with flowing wide-leg trousers in a contrasting neutral is the most fashion-led outfit here. Heeled mules or platforms, a sleek mini bag, statement earrings and a slicked-back bun keep it sharp. Boned corsets get hot and stiff in humidity, so I'd keep this for an evening at a seaside restaurant or a rooftop bar, not a day in the sun.
28. One-shoulder swimsuit with sarong skirt
A one-shoulder one-piece in a bright solid with a matching sarong tied at the waist looks coordinated and elegant. The single strap adds interest, and the sarong covers you but comes off fast. Metallic flat sandals, a small straw clutch, sculptural gold earrings and a low ponytail finish it. One-shoulder suits give less support than two straps; if you plan to dive or swim hard, bring a backup.
29. Mesh maxi dress over bikini
A floor-length mesh maxi in black or white over a matching or contrasting bikini is edgy and a bit dramatic. Strappy flat sandals, a mini bag, layered silver or gold necklaces and dark oversized sunglasses complete it. The mesh shows the swimsuit clearly, so the bikini is part of the outfit, not hidden. I'd wear this to a beach party or for photos at sunset.
30. Tropical print co-ord short set beach outfit
A matching button-down shirt and short set in a bold tropical print, palm leaves, hibiscus or abstract motifs, takes the thinking out of getting dressed. Wear the shirt open over a solid bikini top or buttoned as its own outfit. Flat sandals, a straw bag and gold hoops are all it needs. I pack a set like this on every warm trip, because each piece also works alone: the shirt over white shorts, the shorts with a plain tee.
31. Denim shorts and button-down shirt beach outfit
High-waist denim cutoffs with an oversized white button-down worn open over a bikini top is the grab-and-go outfit I trust most. Tie the shirt at the waist or tuck just the front. Leather flip-flops, a canvas tote and aviators keep it relaxed for boardwalk wandering or tacos after a swim. It's familiar, easy and looks intentional. Wet denim takes hours to dry, so I put the shorts on after swimming.
32. Strapless maxi dress beach outfit
A strapless tiered maxi in a bright solid or a fine stripe feels breezy and summery. Flat sandals, a structured straw handbag, bold cocktail earrings, a stack of bangles and a wide-brimmed hat finish it. The strapless cut shows the shoulders and collarbone, and the long length looks elegant. Look for silicone grip tape inside the top edge; without it, a strapless dress needs constant tugging. It suits a sunset dinner or a beach wedding.
33. Sporty one-piece with board shorts
A sporty zip-front one-piece swimsuit in a bright color-block with matching low-rise board shorts is built for surfing, kayaking or a beach run. The front zip lets you vent heat and makes it easier to get on and off wet. Water-friendly slides, a waterproof backpack, wraparound sunglasses and a high ponytail finish it, and it still looks fine at a beachfront café afterward. Rinse the zip after salt water, or it stiffens and corrodes.
34. Sheer blouse over high-waist bikini beach outfit
A sheer chiffon blouse worn open over a high-waist bikini in a coordinating color gives a soft, romantic line. Wedge sandals, a small rattan clutch, layered gold necklaces and soft curls finish it. The blouse adds just enough coverage for a walk to lunch or an hour at a beach bar, and the high-waist bottoms give support. Chiffon snags easily on rattan and wicker chairs, so watch where you sit.
35. Crochet tunic cover up beach outfit
A knee-length crochet tunic in ivory or warm rust over a string bikini covers more than most cover-ups while staying airy. Flat leather sandals, a raffia crossbody, round sunglasses and beaded bracelets and anklets complete it. I'd take this to a beach market, seaside yoga or a slow afternoon reading in the shade. Crochet should be hand-washed and dried flat; hung wet, it stretches.
One Carry-On, Seven Beach Days
You don't need all 35 outfits on one trip. For a week, I pack around a small set of pieces that mix with each other, and I keep the colors to two neutrals plus one accent so everything matches.
- Two swimsuits, so one can dry while you wear the other
- One linen shirt or shirt dress as the main sun layer
- One cover-up that's purely for looks: crochet, mesh or a kaftan
- Linen trousers and a pair of shorts
- Two tops that work with both bottoms
- One dress for dinners, ideally a slip or wrap that packs small
- Flat sandals plus one wedge or espadrille for evening
- A packable hat that springs back after being folded
Roll the linen and knits instead of folding them, and wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane.
Rinsing Salt and Sunscreen Out of Swimwear
Salt, chlorine and sunscreen break down swimsuit elastic faster than wear does. I rinse every suit in cool fresh water as soon as I'm back, press the water out in a towel instead of wringing, and dry it flat in the shade, because direct sun fades color and weakens the stretch. Mineral sunscreen can leave yellow marks on white suits and pale cover-ups; a pre-wash soak usually lifts it. Never put a swimsuit in the dryer.
Start With the Swimsuit and Build Outward
A beach outfit doesn't need rules, just pieces that keep you comfortable from the first swim to dinner. Whether you like crochet, rash guards, linen sets or loud prints, the common thread is breathable cloth, a shape that suits you and a few accessories that finish the look. Mix these ideas to suit your body, your taste and your plans. Start with a swimsuit you love, add a cover-up that can also be worn as clothing, pick sandals you can walk in, and add a hat and sunglasses. Pack that way and every outfit on this list is a few minutes from ready.
Related posts:
