As a fellow city dweller, I have always been a little confused on how to dress when I’m headed to a beach. I see sand and start to mildly (read: intensely) panic. Can I wear my new sandals I splurged on this summer? Do I even dare bring out my favorite pair of white sneakers? Is it even worth wearing that perfect designer beach shirt just to get sweat and sunscreen on it? You see my dilemma.
But after living in Los Angeles for many years, I learned the specific science on how to go to the beach without sacrificing style (insert “confused math woman” meme here). Because what’s the point of a beach day if you can’t wear an outfit you’ve been daydreaming about all summer? When it comes to sand and surf, you want to make sure you opt for looser fits, lighter fabrics, and fun accessories to give any look that summertime glow. And yes, you can even wear your white sneakers. Live a little. Keep scrolling for five looks that are as stylish as they are comfortable for the beach and beyond.
You can shop our full list of beachy products in our Beach Day Occasion Shop here.
Jacquemus La Chemise Jean Summer Sketch Bowling Shirt
I can’t go too far into summer without wearing something Jacquemus on my body. With collections that embody the sunny, laid-back vibe of the South of France, the brand is the epitome of summer style. You really can’t go wrong with any Jacquemus find – whether it’s the popular Le Bob Artichaut Large Brim Bucket Hat or the La Robe Saudade Longue Dress. But for the beach, bowling shirts are the perfect go-to, as they have a looser fit and usually come in a variety of fun prints and colors. The Jacquemus La Chemise Jean Summer Sketch Bowling Shirt will be your new favorite beach day style. The artsy sketched sun print in the burnt orange color scheme instantly transports you to any dreamy destination. Style the bowling shirt with a pair of your favorite swim shorts, like the Stüssy Stock Water Short. That way, all you need to do is lose the shirt and you’re ready for the water or a tanning sesh in the sun. Don’t forget to top off the look with your favorite pair of sunnies and that Jacquemus bucket hat I can’t stop talking about.
Complete the Look:
SKIMS Swim Bandeau Bikini Top
Recommending a swimsuit for the beach? Groundbreaking. I know, I know. But before you give me your best effort at a Miranda Priestly eye roll, just hear me out. Yes, a swimsuit for the beach isn’t groundbreaking. It’s actually a necessity. But how you style it can be innovative. Which is why I love this SKIMS Swim Bandeau Bikini Top. The versatile swimwear style easily transforms into the perfect crop top for beyond the beach. The best part is that the bandeau top comes with a halter strap for limitless styling options. I recommend pairing this SKIMS swimwear top with baggy bermuda denim shorts and a unique bowling shirt, like this one from Aimé Leon Dore. The streetwear staples will elevate your bikini top into an effortless summer ‘fit instantly.
Eric Emanuel EE Basic Short
I remember the days I’d show up to the beach in what I call “the shorts from hell”. You know, the extremely short and way too tight denim cut-offs everyone was wearing at the time. There was nothing worse than trying to put those on after a day of salt water, sweat, and sand. So I am excited to announce that oversized, lightweight shorts are the new stylish go-to this summer. And what better style to replace the “shorts from hell” with than the coined “best shorts in the world” by streetwear designer Eric Emanuel. His popular EE Basic Short takes inspo from a traditional basketball style but has a more lightweight construction. Made with a single mesh layer and a thinner waistband, the Eric Emanuel short is the ideal choice for the beach. I recommend going for a bright print or color to tap into the fun summer aesthetic, such as the Purple Palm design. For a carefree yet comfortable beach look, size up with your favorite pair and wear them low waisted with a swimwear top.
Vans Slip-On
White sneakers are a summer necessity. They pair perfectly with any laid-back outfit and just give you that clean, effortless vibe. The only problem is, summer comes with sand, dirt, and other natural elements that may have you fearful of bringing out your new white pair. But don’t fret. Sneakers are meant to be worn. When I look at some of my favorite sneakers and see a scuff or scratch, I’m just reminded of all the memories that created those scars, and it gives them that much more meaning. So when it comes to the beach and white sneakers, opt for an easy slip-on style like the classic Vans Slip-On in True White. Vans is from Southern California, so the brand knows what they’re doing when it comes to laid-back summer styles. Vans created this slip-on style for a solution for skaters and BMX riders who wanted a sneaker that could hold up against the damage that comes from the nature of extreme sports. So if these sneakers can survive those extremities, then they can definitely make it through a beach day (and a full summer).
Prada Denim Bucket Hat
When it comes to beach style, accessories are the real MVP. They can take any look from basic to elevated with just the drop of a bucket hat. So it’s no surprise that the Prada Denim Bucket Hat is at the top of my list. The blue jean fabric just screams summer while the classic shape and logo give this accessory a luxurious feel. To take this bucket hat from the beach to after hours, make sure to bring the right cover-up pieces that will transform your swimwear into a fashion-forward look. You can’t go wrong with the viral Skims Soft Lounge Slip Dress in marble. A style tip is to wear the dress over a similar toned swimsuit to tap into the transparent trend that is taking over right now. Pair the look with a classic pair of flats and your outfit will look so fresh, no one will even know you spent the day in sunscreen and sand.
