Ultimate Beachwear Style Guide: From Chilled Beach Days to Sunset Sips
There’s nothing quite like a lazy, sun-soaked day on a beautiful beach, knowing you’ll have a picture-perfect lunch spot and a prime position to sip sundowners as the sky turns golden. Whether you’re lounging on a deck chair, enjoying the perfect beachside café, or sipping a chilled glass of wine as the sun sets, your beachwear needs to strike the balance between comfort and effortless style. This guide is all about looking chic without breaking a sweat, with interchangeable pieces that take you from a beach towel to a trendy beach bar with ease. Here’s how to create the ultimate stylish-yet-relaxed beach look.
My Suitcase Edit - Beach Edition
The Essentials
Polarised Sunglasses: Protect Your Eyes with Style There’s no denying that a pair of chic sunglasses can elevate any look. Polarised lenses are a must to reduce glare, protect your eyes from the sun's harsh rays, and bring that touch of elegance to your beach outfit. I swear by the Chanel Polarised Sunglasses for those striking yet sophisticated vibes—they’re perfect for both beach reading and sneaky selfies. I’ve had the same pair for years, they’ve travelled with me all over the world and survived many beach days.
The Perfect Bag: A Stylish, Yet Practical Straw Bag A beach bag is essential—specifically one big enough to carry your beach essentials, but small enough to transition seamlessly from the shore to a trendy lunch spot. The Prada Large Raffia and Leather Bag is a personal favourite. It’s spacious, sturdy, and effortlessly stylish—an ideal companion for a day at the beach that rolls into a casual evening out.
Effortless Beach to Bar Style
The Trusty White Cotton Shirt: An All-Rounder Classic A good white cotton shirt is an absolute staple for any beach trip. I’m a huge fan of a M&S Pure Cotton Shirt—I honestly buy a fresh one every summer, and it never lets me down. It’s lightweight, breathable, and easy to throw on over a swimsuit. This is my go-to for when I need to look a bit more polished at lunch.
Denim Shorts: A Timeless Favourite Nothing says beach-ready like a good pair of denim shorts. They’re comfy, versatile, and flatter everyone. The Agolde Parker Denim Shorts are my pick—perfectly distressed for a relaxed vibe but smart enough to wear to lunch or cocktails. They’re a beach-to-bar essential you’ll be reaching for all season.
Footwear to Suit Every Occasion
Fancy Sandals: For a Touch of Elegance Sandals that feel luxurious but are practical enough for the beach are hard to come by, but the Aspiga Starfish Sandals strike the perfect balance. They complement a sun-kissed tan and add a touch of glamour without being over the top—a chic alternative to flip-flops that will carry you from the sand to a stylish lunch spot without missing a beat.
Waterproof Footwear: Keeping Feet Cool and Comfy When the sand is scorching, you’ll be grateful for a pair of waterproof sandals. Birkenstock’s Arizona Beige sandals are a classic that’s both comfortable and timeless. They’re perfect for protecting your feet from the scorching sand while still looking effortlessly stylish.
Swimwear and Stylish Cover-Ups
A Swimsuit that Pops: Bright, Comfortable, and Chic A great swimsuit can make you feel instantly glamorous. I always go for a vibrant, tropical colour that suits the summer vibes, and the Hunza Sadie Swim in Aqua ticks all the boxes. It’s not only comfortable but also incredibly flattering, making it the perfect choice for lounging on the beach or taking a quick dip.
Cover-Up Options: When the Sun’s at its Peak A lightweight cover-up is essential for those moments when you need a break from the sun. My go-to is a fine kaftan or a beach dress that’s breezy yet elegant. The Missoni Beach Dress is simply stunning—its intricate patterns and light fabric make it ideal for those hotter hours, and it’s elegant enough to wear to a stylish beach bar.
Sun Hat: Fashionable and Protective A sun hat not only adds that chic touch to your beach outfit but also protects you from those harsh rays. I never leave for the beach without my Melissa Odabash Sun Hat in Tan. It’s the perfect accessory to complete a beach look and adds a hint of glamour while keeping you shaded.
Bringing It All Together: Tips for Effortless Beach Chic
Keep it light: Stick to breezy fabrics like cotton and linen that let your skin breathe.
Be bold with colours: A pop of colour in your swimsuit or sandals can make all the difference.
Accessorise smartly: Choose pieces that add style but are practical for a beach setting—straw hats, chic sunnies, and lightweight jewellery are always winners.
Go for interchangeable items: Pieces that can transition from beach to bar will keep your packing light and stylish.
Where to Shop: Your Beachwear Cheat Sheet
Sunglasses: Chanel Polarised Square Sunglasses Ref.5482H C622/S8 – Chanel.com
Straw Bag: Prada Large Raffia and Leather Bag – Prada.com
Fancy Sandals: Aspiga Starfish Sandals – Aspiga.com
Waterproof Sandals: Birkenstock Beach Shoes - Arizona EVA Eggsshell – Birkenstock.com
Cotton Shirt: M&S Pure Cotton Shirt – Marks & Spencer
Denim Shorts: Agolde Parker Denim Shorts – Agolde.com
Sun Hat: Melissa Odabash Sun Hat in Tan – Odabash.com
Beach Dress: Missoni Cover-up Dress in Zig Zag Lamé Viscose – Missoni.com
Swimsuit: Hunza Swimsuit Square Neck Swim Aqua – HunzaG.com
This beachwear guide is all about finding the right balance between comfort, style, and practicality. Whether you're lounging in the sand, grabbing a quick beachside bite, or sipping cocktails as the sun sets, these versatile pieces will ensure you look effortlessly chic and feel fabulous all day long. Happy beach days!
