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Staying Cool: Alternative Outfits At The Beach

Staying Cool: Alternative Outfits At The Beach

Are you looking for alternative outfits for the beach this summer? From breezy kaftans and linen shirts to wide-leg trousers and jumpsuits, there are plenty of stylish options that will keep you looking cool and feeling comfortable. In this blog post, we'll show you how to create the perfect beach look with some of the best beachwear trends of the season. Keep reading to discover the perfect beach-ready ensemble!

It seems like no matter how many cute summer dresses or swimsuits I own, every time the warm weather rolls around again, I want more!

After sitting inside all winter, there's nothing more satisfying than stripping off your cold weather layers and outerwear (no matter how stylish) and heading to the beach! Whenever I go to the beach, I have a few things in mind for my outfit choices:

1. Can I actually go swimming in this?

2. How bad will my tan lines be?

3. Will I be at least slightly protected from the sun in this outfit? 

 

Below are some of my favorite picks that satisfy all 3 requirements, for a variety of different styles. After all, I need to be a boho goddess one day and a Rolling Stone groupie wannabe the next. 

 

Peekaboo Cover-Ups for The Beach

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Gothic crochet cover-up
Le- Happy

 

One of my favorite looks for summer are wearing sheer coverups- just giving enough away to see my one-piece swimsuit underneath. Crochet and mesh are two big must-haves for this summer, so keep an eye out for these materials!

Dress-length coverups can be worn alone over your swimsuit, or see-through t-shirts can be worn over a bralette and high-waisted shorts. If you're going to the beach, you may want to lay low with accessories so your favorite rings don't end up in the ocean! If you're headed out to the boardwalk, fair, or festival- try adding a bold statement choker to channel your inner 90's fashion icon. 

 

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Sheer Gothic Cover-up
Pinterest

 

Button Down Babe

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Boho style button-down
Le- Happy

 

Cute maxi dresses are always in style, but this summer we're seeing a lot of button-down dresses in particular. These button- down dresses allow you to leave the dress open, partially open, or buttoned up to change up your look. This is definitely a helpful feature when you just need something to throw on over your swimsuit or crop top and shorts. Pair your button-down dress with boots, sandals, or casual sneakers depending on your destination. Bonus: if you forget your beach towel, you can just unbutton this thing and lay it out instead! Innovation? Yes.

 

Easy, Breezy

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Pullover coverup
Musings of a Curvy Lady
 

An oldie but a goodie, a classic pullover coverup is always a good go- to. Keep this style fresh and new by looking for a coverup with fun embellishments like buttons, embroidery, or tassels. If you already have a coverup but want a customized look, take a trip to a craft store to pick up some fabric dye or embellishments that can be sewn or ironed on.

 

Cropped Edges

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Grunge style beachwear
Le- Happy

If you were waiting for the edgy look, we're not here to disappoint. To stay cool and comfortable during the summer, go for cropped hemlines and asymmetrical cuts to keep things interesting. I love this combo of an off- the- shoulder top and edgy denim skirt. Accessorize with dainty jewelry to balance out the harshness of the asymmetrical silhouettes, and rock a pair of oversized sunglasses to pull together that rocker- chic vibe. 

 

Boho Babe

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Boho grunge look
Nicole Alyse
 

Peasant- style tops and dresses have been on the rise for the past few summers, but I still can't get enough of it! Embrace your inner Woodstock flower- child in a bell- sleeved top or dress slipped over your swimsuit. The more embroidery and tassels, the better. Pair your dress with round sunglasses for a John Lennon vibe, and pop on a wide- brimmed summer hat to (1) look cute and (2) protect yourself from the sun!

 

Vintage Rock

Alternative Outfits for The Beach: Oversized vintage rock tee shirt as a beach cover-up
Pinterest

Perhaps the easiest beach outfit is an oversized t-shirt! I love the look of distressed vintage band tees- and if you buy the real deal at a thrift shop, they won't always have your size. Because of this, I always like to go up a size (or two) and wear these vintage shirts as dresses! If the tee is really big on you, try adding a sleek leather belt to accentuate your shape. The lace- up trend is also huge right now, so you can even cut up and customize your own tee to fit your style. Wear your oversized t-shirt dress with sandals, sneakers, or wedges for the beach, walking around, or going out at night.

 

Which is your favorite beach style? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Cover Photo Courtesy of Le- Happy

KF

About the Author

Kelsey Foster

Hey there! I'm currently a Fashion Business Management student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. I love to read, write, and travel, and I love anything music and art related!