At this point, who isn’t desperate to get away? While I’ll always love a city break, or a good old fashioned road trip, when it comes to truly relaxing and taking the time to recharge, a beach is an absolute essential. Sure, I’ll take the gorgeous coves of a Greek Island, or the tropical sands of the Caribbean, but the British coast will serve me well, too. After all, seaside towns like Cornwall have only continued to grow in popularity, thanks to the gorgeous beaches and the new crop of stylish restaurants and rentals.
But a beach demands a specific kind of wardrobe, one that normally involves pieces you wouldn’t typically wear on a day-to-day basis. I won’t even begin to vent about the ridiculousness of the “beach body” conversation. What’s important is to focus on finding styles that you feel undeniably confident in, whatever that may look like. The good news is, this summer there are plenty of options to choose from, and our favourite tastemakers are proving that there are countless ways to style your favourite pieces to create a holiday-ready look.
Dressing for the beach does require some thought for practicality. Light fabrics like linen and cotton are a must if you’re headed to tropical climates, while layers are essential if you’re spending a day in a more temperamental spot, like the English coast. Holiday dressing can be the perfect time to get bold with colour, and this season it looks like bright pinks, reds and greens are going to be popular options. But if you’re a committed minimalist, you’ve got plenty to choose from, too—linen sets in earthy tones always look effortlessly chic when layered over a black or white swimsuit.
Here, I’ve pulled together 6 influencer looks that absolutely nail the beach dressing mission—and found the perfect pieces to recreate the ensemble. All that’s left is to book your tickets.
1. Knitted Set
Style Notes: This is the perfect outfit for visits to the British coastline—can’t you just picture wearing this over your swimsuit in Cornwall? The oversized jumper and loose knit shorts feel both classic and fresh, especially when paired with the raffia tote, which is one of summer 2024’s must-have items.
Shop the look:
EVERLANE
The Cotton Honeycomb Square Crew
£113
Perfect for layering against the sea chill.
FRENCH CONNECTION
Lumi Mozart Crochet Shorts
£39
You could also go for the full striped set.
MANGO
Natural Fibre Shopper Bag
£50
Plenty of room for all your beach essentials.
MANGO
Raffia Strap Sandal
£36
The raffia detail beautifully ties in with the bag.
CELINE EYEWEAR
Triomphe Cat-Eye Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
£400
The chicest finishing touch.
2. Bold Colour Bikini + Matching Sarong
Style Notes: On the opposite end of the beach style spectrum is this look, which screams island vacation. This is the kind of outfit that you is destined for a stylish beach club where you’ll be dancing all day with a cocktail in hand. Sign me up.
Shop the look:
HUNZA G
Gina Metallic Seersucker Bikini
£165
Hunza G bikinis have become a firm favourite among the fashion set.
CLOE CASSANDRO
Printed Silk-Georgette Sarong
£126
This would also look so gorgeous styled over a white swimsuit.
ASOS
Heatwave Toe Thong Kitten Heeled Sandals in White
£22
Not exactly made for walking on sand, but very much made for visiting the beach club…
FENDI EYEWEAR
Baguette Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
£420
Pink sunglasses really complete the Barbiecore look.
3. Cream Bikini + Crochet Trousers
Style Notes: Crochet is a material that keeps popping up each summer, and for good reason—it’s understatedly chic with a beach-appropriate bohemian vibe. Take inspiration from Allison’s look and style with a very on-trend beaded necklace to complete the outfit.
Shop the look:
AILA BLUE
Aila Blue Daisy Bikini Top
£98
I love the crinkled texture.
AILA BLUE
Aila Blue Dandy Bikini Bottoms
£108
The perfect pairing.
BLUE TASSEL
Blue Tassel Crochet Trousers
£70
You could also get the matching top to create a full crochet look.
FREE PEOPLE
Somewhere Only We Know Strand Necklace
£24
The ultimate bohemian finishing touch.
4. Brown Bikini + Oversized Shirt + Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Olivia’s outfit is a breezy summer dream. Bandeau bikini, striped shirt and drawstring linen trousers? Sign me up.
Shop the look:
TOAST
Toast Signature Cinch Tube Bikini Top
£60
A strapless bikini is so classic.
TOAST
Toast Signature Cinch Bikini Bottoms
£54
Such a great fit.
MASSIMO DUTTI
100% Linen Striped Shirt
£60
This shirt could go from the office to the beach.
REFORMATION
Olina Linen Pant
£178
A summer holiday essential.
FENDI EYEWEAR
Roma Oval-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
£290
You’ll love these forever.
5. Lace Dress + Slides
Style Notes: Understatedly sexy, this is such a chic look from Camille. The lace white dress lets the black bikini poke through, but the white slides keep the whole thing feeling elevated.
Shop the look:
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
+ Net Sustain Baja Ruched Stretch-Econyl® Bikini Top
£101
I’m a big fan of this bikini, largely because it’s made from materials crafted from regenerated fishing nets and plastic waste.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND
+ Net Sustain Pacific Stretch-Econyl Bikini Briefs
£91
The good thing about a black bikini is that you can mix and match with bottoms that best suit you.
MANGO
Floral Lace Dress With Opening – Women
£36
RAYE
Hillie Sandal
£135
A packing essential.
6. White Shirt + Trousers
Style Notes: Brittany wore this simple yet striking white set for a sunset beach picnic and really, is there anything more perfect? This is the kind of refined, understated look that is perfect for end-of-the-day beach gatherings.
Shop the look:
COS
Broderie Anglaise Western Shirt
£95
You could also style this with denim shorts for city strolls.
COS
Broderie Anglaise Wide-Leg Trousers
£115
But why wouldn’t you get the matching trousers?
LE SPECS
Outta Love Oval-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses
£55
Such a cool shape.
AEYDE
Penny Leather Sandals
£240
The kind of sandals that go with absolutely everything.
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