12 Easy Beach Outfits It Girls Wear on Repeat

Summer is in full swing, which means the arrival of beach days. There are a lot of experiences I relish in life (such as finding the perfect pair of shoes or jetting off to somewhere new), but nothing beats going to the beach. There's something magical about soaking up the sun while waves crash against the sand. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that getting to the beach is far from magical. I live in New York, so logistically speaking, it's always a bit of a trek to the water. Then, there is another dilemma: what to wear. Sure, a swimsuit is an obvious move, but if you're anything like me, you don't want to look like everyone else on the beach. So what does someone actually wear to look stylish at the beach?

In search of that answer, I scoured Instagram to find 12 beach outfit ideas approved by the fashion set, and I shopped out the key pieces so you can create the looks for yourself. Replicating these ideas—from effortless summer staples styled with trendy swimwear to classic bikinis worn with extravagant accessories—will ensure you're serving a look seaside all summer long.

Linen Set + Layered Jewelry
beach outfit ideas, woman wearing linen set

Photo:

@fiahamelijnck

Linen is the summer staple, so it only makes sense that you'd want to turn to this trusted formula when considering what to wear for a beach day. Opt for a matching set and layer on the jewelry to make this staple feel a bit more trend-forward without trying too hard.

Shop the key pieces:

You can wear this to the beach or the bodega.

A necklace that's on-brand for wearing by the sea. 

Bikini + Matching Cover-up Set + Tinted Shades
beach outfit ideas, woman wearing mesh set over bikini

Photo:

@emnitta

The easiest way to elevate your bikini this summer is by styling it with a matching set (ideally in the same hue) in a lightweight fabric like mesh or linen. Throwing a skirt and cardigan over a colorful suit will keep you warm post-swim and bring the heat to your look.

Shop the key pieces:

You can style this crochet cover-up over a yellow, white, black, or printed bikini. 

Pair with the matching St. Barth's Skirt ($84).

Main character energy, attained. 

Cuup's swimwear is ideal if you want more support. 

Shop the matching high-waist brief ($78).

Kerchief + Bikini Top + Jeans
beach outfit ideas, woman wearing bikini top and jeans

Photo:

@nitsanraiter

Creating a worthy seaside look comes down to styling. A simple white bikini can be transformed with a unique pair of jeans and a scarf.

Shop the key pieces:

The cinch detail on this bikini takes it from basic to beautiful. 

You won't regret investing in a great pair of jeans for the summer. 

Oversize Button-Down + Printed Bikini + Choker Necklace
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@ironnsalt

Not to overstate the obvious, but the fashion set loves a good oversize button-down. Frankly, can you blame them? This is the ideal piece to layer over a printed bikini and pair with a choker necklace for a day by the beach.

Shop the key pieces:

A top that's ready for the beach and the boardroom? I'm buying this ASAP. 

Spice up your favorite swimsuit with this necklace.

I'm drooling over the idea of this vibrant tropical-print bikini peeking out of a crisp white button-down. 

Shop the matching Blue Floral Tropical & Colorful Stripes Bikini Bottom ($85). 

Headscarf + Bikini + Cover-Up + Platform Sandals
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@lefevrediary

If you were looking for an excuse to buy those platform shoes, consider this your permission slip. Platform shoes are ideal for the beach, as they elevate your look. Pair them with a bikini, a low-rise skirt, sporty sunglasses, and a scarf. You'll be soaring above them all like a seagull.

Shop the key pieces:

Pro tip: Opt for a minimalist swimsuit to make your platforms really pop. 

Shop the matching Brazilian bikini bottoms with bows ($30).

I'm dreaming of wearing these bad boys to a resort. 

Baseball Cap + Bikini + Low-Rise Pants + Body Chain + Slides
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@cassdimicco

If you want to ease yourself into the return of low-rise hemlines, I can't think of a better place to start than at the beach. Style low-slung pants with a bikini, a baseball cap, and slides, and you've got the perfect trendy look that took no time to put together.

Shop the key pieces:

Black bikinis never go out of style. 

Pair with the matching dipped tie bottoms ($36).

FYI: These pants come in four other hues. 

Cutout Maxi Dress + Wide-Brim Hat + Straw Bag
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@spiritedpursuit

Just because you're beachside doesn't mean you have to bare it all. In fact, the easiest way to show a little skin but still be mostly covered is by opting for a maxi dress with cutouts. Bonus points if you finish the look with a wide-brim hat and a straw bag.

Shop the key pieces:

A hat is a must-have for a day by the water. 

This simple dress is bound to secure a spot in your forever wardrobe. 

Bikini Top + Denim Shorts
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@mobinapeiman

When in doubt, the easiest thing to wear to the beach is a pair of denim shorts. The key to making them feel fresh is styling them with fun accessories and picking a standout swimsuit to really make the look feel as crisp as the salty sea breeze.

Shop the key pieces:

Tie-up elements are arguably the easiest way to make a beach outfit feel fancier. 

Shop the matching Pelagia Bottom ($85).

The fit on these shorts will ensure you are comfortable while walking around after taking a dip. 

Add a little shine to your bikini and denim shorts by pairing them with these starfish studs. 

Cowboy Hat + Bikini + Cover-Up + Flip-Flops
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@yoyokulala

After scrolling through Instagram in search of beach outfit ideas, I'm convinced that the fashion set's new secret styling hack is adding a cowboy hat to every beach 'fit. Sure, you can't go wrong with styling a cute bikini with an interesting cover-up skirt and flip-flops, but adding a cowboy hat gives you a look to be giddy about.

Shop the key pieces:

PSA: Cowgirls go to the beach too. 

You'll stand out in this cobalt blue suit. 

Pair with the matching devon terry side tie bikini bottom ($19).

These will look great with your go-to suit. 

One-Piece + Chain Belt + Oversize Sunglasses
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@xbibigul

Possibly the easiest way to elevate any one-piece suit is by styling it with a chain belt and oversize sunglasses. You'll feel like a supermodel, and your suit will get the shine it deserves.

You can style this belt with swimsuits in the summer and tailored suits in the fall. 

Crochet Top + Cardigan + Jeans
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@aniyahmorinia

You don't always have to wear a swimsuit at the beach. In fact, if you plan to attend a barbecue or eat at a scrumptious seafood restaurant by the water, you'll want to opt for something more covered up—enter the outfit above. Styling a light-wash pair of jeans with a crochet top and cardigan is the perfect way to give off beachy vibes, and when the sun sets, you'll still be warm.

Shop the key pieces:

This will fit seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. 

A great pair of hoops is worth every penny. 

I will be wearing all white until further notice. 

Sporty Sunglasses + Bikini + Netted Skirt
beach outfit ideas

Photo:

@annarvitiello

Last but not least, a fun way to dress up for a day at the beach is by being unafraid to pair your favorite swimsuit with trend-forward pieces. Why not wear sporty sunglasses or a crystal-embellished netted cover-up? Summer is all about having fun in the sun, and there's no better way to do that than getting creative with what you wear to the beach.

Shop the key pieces:

Don't forget to pack a pair of fun sunglasses for your beach day. 

Just add a bikini and you'll be channeling Rihanna. 

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next up, 4 Outdated Swimsuit Trends I'm Ditching and the Timeless Ones I'll Wear Instead