Cora When the thermometer climbs and the temperature sizzles, there’s no better way to stay cool and collected than by spending a day at the beach. But just because you’re laid-back and relaxed doesn’t mean you needn’t think about your look. With a little careful planning, you can put together a myriad of cute beach outfit ideas that let you look your best while you’re enjoying the sun, sea, and sand.
So what do you need to think about when choosing outfits for the beach? Well, naturally you’ll need swimwear, even if you don’t seriously intend to take a dip. Beach outfits with shorts are also a good option as they let you show off your sun-tanned legs in style. And of course, you’ll need a covering layer to protect your sensitive skin from the burning rays of the harsh sun.
Cute Cover-Up Ideas
Traditionally, the mainstay in cover-up ideas has been sarong-style tunics and these are enduringly popular because of their loose styling and feather-light fabrics. Short versions let you cover up while still displaying your legs, but if you prefer the longer style there are plenty of options.
For a short cover-up, try a light chiffon design with monochrome print for beauty and freedom, or branch out with a black off-the-shoulder romper with tasseled fringing. A tunic-style sundress with a drawstring neckline and featuring striped panels also looks great, or consider a pastel-striped jumpsuit with three-quarter sleeves for covering up without too much concealment. Longer designs such as a simple sarong with luxuriant fringing and a cool white sarong with a lacy border. Or you could try a wrap-around lacy mini-skirt with tasseled hemline together with a classic denim buttoned shirt tied at the waist for a cute playful feel that’s totally feminine.
Cute Swimwear
The most important rule when choosing your swimwear is to pick something you can wear with confidence. If a skimpy bikini isn’t for you, then take a look at the one-piece options or perhaps a retro-style bikini that covers a little more. But for many women, the teeny-weeny bikini is the ultimate in beach style and there’s certainly plenty to choose from.
Monochrome is a deservedly popular choice as it shows off your tan to perfection – try a little black and white triangle bikini for a sophisticated air, teamed with a sheer monochrome gown for a unified feel. For a touch of vintage flair, choose a salmon-pink bikini sprinkled with white polka dots – the bandeau top and frilled bottoms exude a beautifully feminine feel. Monochrome stripes are also a superb choice, catching the eye enough to make an impact without shouting too loud, whilst monochrome gingham makes the perfect material for a pretty bandeau bikini with little bow detail. And a simple white bikini with black border details is the essence of understated elegance.
Cute Shorts Beach Outfits
The beauty of wearing shorts is that you can ring the changes by changing your choice of top. A pair of little shorts can look equally as good with a bikini top, crop top, stretch tee or matching top, so you get several beach outfits for the price of one. Classic blue denim never loses its appeal and gives the coolest of beach looks. The team ripped denim shorts with a simple triangle bikini top, or wear them as a cover-up over your bikini, twisting a simple sarong over the top to add an air of exoticism to a straightforward outfit. A pair of white frayed denim shorts works beautifully with a pastel striped off-the-shoulder top, whilst a matching shorts and bikini top set in a colorful tropical print capture the spirit of beach style completely. Or why not choose loose monochrome patterned shorts together with an off-the-shoulder broderie Anglais blouse for the peasant look?
And Don’t Forget The Hat…
There’s nothing less flattering than a red sunburned nose, so avoid the Rudolph look with a gorgeous hat that not only keeps the sun away but makes you look fabulous as well. Wide brims are the order of the day here and the traditional straw sun-hat is hard to beat for simplicity and authenticity. Choose between natural shades such as cream or white or make more of a statement by going for black or a bright rainbow shade to match your outfit. You can always liven up a plain hat by adding decorative features such as a matching or contrasting ribbon.
Featured photo: Throw on a shirt over a bikini and shorts to get Leonie Sophie’s classic beach chic! This striped boyfriend shirt looks casual and flirty paired with denim mini shorts and a bandana.