Beach season is the perfect time to experiment with your style and show off your favourite pieces under the sun. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day on the sand, a lively night-time party or you simply want to look fabulous while enjoying the summer, choosing the right outfit is essential. That’s why we’re leaving you here with 20 beach outfit ideas, which colours are best to wear and a few tips.

What are the best colours to wear to the beach?

The truth is there are no “best colours” to wear to the beach. That said, there is a list of the most widely worn colours or prints; in other words, there’s a general trend of wearing the following colours to the beach:

• Neutral colours: Neutral tones such as white, beige and grey are perfect for the beach, because they not only reflect the sunlight, helping you stay cool, but are also versatile colours.
• Pastel colours: Pastel tones such as pale pink, sky blue and mint green are perfect for summer; they’re soft, cheerful, romantic and somehow scream summer. Plus, they’re easy to combine with accessories and swimsuits in complementary shades.
• Neon colours: If you like eye-catching looks, neon colours – whether yellow, orange, green or electric blue – are an excellent choice. These bright tones capture the essence of summer and will make you stand out on the beach.
• Tropical and ethnic prints: Prints with tropical, floral or ethnic motifs are still on trend. These designs not only add an exotic touch to your look, but are also ideal for conveying a summery, cheerful vibe.

What to take for a day at the beach?

Getting ready for a day at the beach can make the difference between a relaxing day and one full of setbacks. That’s why here you have an essential guide to make sure you don’t miss anything so you can make the most of your day by the sea:

• Swimsuit: The key element for any day at the beach. Choose one that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and consider taking a couple of swimsuits to switch between if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water.
• Beach towel: Take a large, absorbent towel to dry off after swimming and to lie down on the sand.
• Lightweight clothing: Opt for cool, comfortable clothing such as summer dresses, shorts and T-shirts. Breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal for keeping you cool.
• Hat: Protect your face from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat that gives you shade.
• Sunglasses: Make sure to take sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the harmful sun rays and reduce glare.
• Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 before leaving home. Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Books, notebooks, magazines: Take some reading material to enjoy on the sand.
• Beach toys: If you’re travelling with children, include toys such as balls, spades and buckets to build sandcastles. These items can add fun to the day at the beach.
• Headphones and music: Music can accompany almost any moment, so a day at the beach is no exception.
• Water bottles: Stay hydrated by taking enough water bottles. The heat and sun exposure dehydrate you quickly.
• Snacks: Take light, healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, nuts or biscuits. Avoid foods that spoil easily without refrigeration.

Beach outfits for the evening

When night falls on the beach, style doesn’t have to be left behind. Here we offer you a few ideas for outfits that will let you look fabulous while enjoying the night-time breeze:

Long dress

Choose ribbed sustainable dresses in lightweight, soft fabrics that let you move freely, in pastel or neutral tones, though they could also have floral prints, which add a romantic and elegant touch. Complete the look with strappy barefoot sandals and subtle accessories.

Elegant jumpsuit

A jumpsuit in solid colours or with prints is a chic option for the beach at night. Opt for a design with interesting details, such as bows or ruffles, to give it that extra touch.

Long or midi skirt with a blouse

Choose a midi skirt with a flowing design and a blouse with details such as lace or sheer panels. This set is ideal for a dinner on the beach or an evening event. You can also combine it perfectly with flat sandals or heels, depending on your plans.

Evening kimono

A long kimono in a more luxurious fabric, such as silk or satin, can transform your beach look for the evening. Choose one with details such as embroidery or metallic prints for a glamorous touch. Wear it over a simple dress or a trouser-and-top set.

Dress with sheer panels

If you consider yourself a little bolder, dresses with sheer panels that reveal the bikini or swimsuit you’re wearing underneath are perfect for the evening. This type of garment is ideal for highlighting your figure and adding a touch of sensuality. Complete the outfit with eye-catching accessories and the most comfortable sandals you have.

Beach outfits for curvy women

Beach fashion should be inclusive and celebrate all body types. Here you have a few ideas so you can feel comfortable and confident on the beach:

Sarong skirt with a swimsuit

A sarong skirt is ideal for covering yourself in a flattering way while feeling comfortable. You can opt for a sarong skirt that fits your waist and falls softly over your hips, combining it with your favourite swimsuit.

Maxi dress

A flowing maxi dress is an excellent option for the beach, as it offers coverage without sacrificing style. Look for dresses in lightweight fabrics and designs that accentuate your figure naturally, such as those with empire waists or adjustable belts.

Wide printed trousers

Wide, printed organic cotton trousers are comfortable and flattering. Choose a design with an elastic or adjustable waist for extra comfort, combining it with a lightweight blouse or a top in complementary colours.

Shorts and a blouse or loose top

Comfortable denim shorts or sustainable women’s bermuda shorts combined with a loose blouse are among the most chosen options. Choose shorts with a high waist for a flattering fit and a blouse with details such as lace or embroidery to add a chic touch.

Oversize shirt

An oversize linen or cotton shirt can be worn as a lightweight layer over your swimsuit. Opt for a design that lets you move freely and complements your beach look with style.

Beach party outfits

Have a beach party and no idea what to wear? Don’t worry, we’ll give you a few ideas:

Short dress

This is the old reliable. Short dresses, being cool, are perfect for a beach party. Always opt for lightweight fabrics and cheerful designs, or for colours such as white, red or orange. This type of dress will let you move easily and stay cool throughout the party.

Boho-style jumpsuit

Any type of jumpsuit, whether simple or with boho details such as embroidery, fringes or ethnic prints, is a good option if you want to be more comfortable during the beach party. Combine it with platform or wedge sandals for a stylish yet casual look.

High-waisted skirt with a fitted top

A high-waisted skirt combined with a fitted top is an elegant and flattering option. Choose a skirt with details such as buttons or pleats and a top with straps or a V-neckline. Complete the look with low-heeled sandals or embellished flat sandals.

Kimono with a swimsuit or bikini

If you prefer a more relaxed look, a long kimono over your swimsuit or sustainable bikinis might be the right choice. Ideally it would be a kimono with eye-catching details, such as embroidery or shiny prints, to add a touch of glamour to your outfit.

Wide trousers and a crop blouse

Wide trousers with plenty of movement, with block-heel sandals, a strapless top and a statement necklace, are sure to feel comfortable and make you feel good. If the party plan is fairly relaxed, go for linen and neutral colours; if it’s something livelier, opt for colours such as yellow, green, red or even black.

Beach outfits for women aged 40 and over

When we look for outfits after 40, elegance and comfort are key, especially for beach plans. Here we offer you a few ideas to look fabulous on the beach:

Supportive one-piece swimsuit and a cover-up

One-piece swimsuits that offer extra support are ideal for this stage of life. Look for designs with structural details, such as control panels and bust support, to feel comfortable and confident. If you don’t feel comfortable on the beach with just the swimsuit, opt for wearing a cover-up on top or a shirt dress.

Elegant maxi dress

The maxi dresses are similar to shirt dresses, but slightly more fitted to the body. A flowing maxi dress is an elegant and versatile option for the beach. Choose a design that accentuates your figure in a flattering way, whether you want to highlight your hips, your waist or your bust.

Skirts and tops

The skirts don’t stop being an option just because you’re getting older and already “feel too old” to wear them. Opt for a quality skirt that fits your waist well and combine it with a bikini, a top or a blouse. You could also wear a matching set, like the one in the photo.

Viscose dresses

The viscose dresses are cool, comfortable and very durable, especially if they’re sustainable like the ones we make at Clotsy, a sustainable clothing shop. Opt for a short dress that makes you feel pretty and is cool on top, so preferably not long-sleeved, and combine it with matching sandals. Long ones with side slits are also an excellent option.

Soft-fabric shorts with a shirt or blouse

The soft-fabric shorts, combined with a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or blouse, are ideal for a casual yet elegant look. Opt for shorts with a good fit at the waist and blouses that offer adequate coverage without sacrificing style.

Tips for choosing the best beach outfits

Choosing the perfect outfit for the beach may seem simple, but the truth is there are several factors to consider to ensure a comfortable, functional look that makes you feel good. Our tips on this are:

• Prioritise comfort: The beach is a place to relax, so it’s essential to choose garments that are comfortable and let you move freely.
• Consider the weather and the time of day: For the midday sun, swimsuits, shorts and T-shirts are ideal. For the evening, consider long dresses, kimonos and kaftans that protect you from the sea breeze.
• Accentuate your figure: Select clothing that highlights your best features and makes you feel confident.
• Don’t forget the accessories: An elegant hat and sunglasses not only complete your outfit, but also offer you extra sun protection.
• Opt for versatile pieces: Choose garments that can easily be combined with each other.
• Make sure you feel confident and self-assured: The best outfit is the one in which you feel confident and comfortable. Try different styles and find the ones that make you feel good about yourself and let you make the most of your time on the beach.

Conclusion

In short, choosing the right outfit for the beach isn’t just about following the latest trends, but about finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Explore, have fun and don’t overthink it; clothes are there so that whoever wears them feels comfortable and good, so what matters is your opinion.