Sun, sea, and sand. When the heady combination of sunshine, shimmering waters, and soft, powdery sand beckons, do you rush right in or hesitate because you don’t know exactly how to dress for the occasion?
Find out what you should include in your wardrobe for a fantastic beach getaway.
From billowy dresses to fabulous kimonos and cover-ups, there is always that one outfit perfect for every day you spend at the beach.
Beachwear Basics
When you’re off to enjoy a vacation at the beach, you should also think about your wardrobe must-haves. There are other fashionable ensembles that you can put together aside from the obligatory swimwear. Besides, there are other activities that you can do that will require a change of outfit.
With so many events happening at the beach nowadays – corporate events, festivals, weddings – there are also more reasons to dress up. Balmy weather is not a hindrance because there are wardrobe options that make use of designs and fabrics more suited for the beach.
There is a wide range of choices when it comes to beach or resort wear. It’s not just about swimwear, board shorts, or dive suits anymore. Nowadays, you can have your pick from chic casual attires to elegant ensembles that work as daytime and evening wear. You can even choose to wear ethically sourced and sustainably made clothing.
Here are some pointers on what wardrobe items you should pack with you to the bach:
1. Beach dresses
Imagine yourself strolling along the seashore in an off-the-shoulder embroidered white kaftan. Don’t you think you would look like a romantic goddess out for a walk in your billowy attire?
Stylists usually recommend bringing a white dress as a beachwear staple. An embroidered mini dress with lace inserts, for example, can give off a carefree vibe during the daytime.
For evening affairs, a tiered maxi dress will help you exude effortless elegance. If you’re feeling more adventurous, opt for vibrant colors, bold tropical prints, or the good old’ little black dress.
The key is to choose fabrics that are light and airy. Beach weather can be quite tricky. Most times, it can be hot and humid, so cotton, chambray, chiffon, linen, or rayon are good choices.
2. Blouses and tops
If you want to be comfortable yet classy while checking out the souvenir shops or having a leisurely lunch at the villa, you can go for blouses and tops that you can easily mix and match with beachwear bottoms.
A dressy top like a frilled-neck blouse with raglan sleeves or a laced strap-top with a flirty back can add pizzazz to casual shorts or flare pants. For more formal activities, a round-neck pintuck blouson in 100% cotton voile would be perfect. Alternatively, a boho-style blouse with tone-on-tone embroidery, puffed sleeves, and frills can be your go-to top for carefree outings.
3. Bottoms and shorts
You should also pack items that allow you to easily move around, such as an easygoing pair of high-waisted linen shorts. These short pants can be perfect companions for a dressy top or blouse. Use a self-tie belt, bandana, or scarf to lend an artsy flair or express your personality through these comfy pants.
If you only have space for one, opt for something that can effortlessly switch from casual to formal. White cotton shorts with a cord waistband and embellished with lace inserts are excellent examples of versatile beachwear bottoms.
If you’re more into lengths, then pair your bikini top with wide-leg cropped trousers. Choose one made of lightweight material such as frayed textured cotton or linen, and you’ll be ready to roam around with friends or family.
4. Cover-ups and kimonos
Be ready to hit the beach in style. Cover up with stylish kimonos and breezy cover-ups that lend a certain mystique to your beach get-up.
Sashay your way to the beach with a delicately beaded transparent cover-up. Go for one in cotton mesh fabric and deep-V neck design for that airy feel. You can also beat the heat with a mini dress with ladder lace inserts and made from cotton, viscose, and nylon fabrics.
If you want to bare some skin, a piece with a soft pintuck panel at the back accentuated with handmade applique and embroidery will surely turn heads. Better yet, why not go all out with a backless number? Radiate some scorching fashion heat with a bare-back, semi-sheer long kaftan that’s open on the sides.
Cover-ups and kimonos will also work for chilly evenings or when formal occasions call for a more demure look. A versatile hand-embellished waistcoat can pair perfectly with wide-leg trousers for that candlelight dinner by the beach. For quiet strolls or stargazing nights, bring a cotton and linen gauze oversized kimono with lace and fringe details.
5. Accessories
An outfit is never complete without the right accessories.
Complement your beach attire with statement jewelry such as a pair of sassy earrings or coral-and-pearl studded rings.
Note that the beach air and salt water can affect iron, steel, or other non-ferric metals. If you’re concerned about these, then it’s best to bring ones made of durable materials like fine gold or platinum. Others who are worried about security will opt to play with fancy, inexpensive pieces instead.
Other staples to stash in your tote bag would be sunscreen, a pair of eye-catching sunglasses with UV filter lenses, a wide-brimmed hat, and comfy sandals or flip flops. It’s also advisable to bring hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes that contain at least 70% alcohol.
More importantly, you should make sure you bring your face mask with the pandemic still around. You can choose from fashionable designs that combine form and function. Beautifully embroidered ones in different color combinations are available to help protect you from the airborne germs.
Outstanding outfits
Going to the beach can be exciting.
Heighten the fun factor with a perfectly curated wardrobe. Besides your bathing suits, don’t forget to pack beachwear basics such as cute tops, comfy bottoms, dainty dresses, and stylish cover-ups. You will surely make waves with your fashionable resort wear choices.
AUTHOR BIO
Andrea Bertinetti is the Marketing Manager at Scarlett Poppies, a vivacious Dubai-based resort and beachwear brand that offers edgy, easy-breezy and effortlessly cool pieces designed by a cultural melting pot of designers. Influenced by tribal trends with a touch of Scandinavian flair, the brand’s beachwear styles are always ethereal and minimalistic.