With summer just around the corner, swimming season is officially upon us. But planning what to wear to the beach—beyond just a bathing suit—can be a chore, especially if your day involves more than just sunbathing and swimming. The key? Finding a balance between comfort, breathability, and style. Whether you need coverage for a day strolling along the boardwalk or you’re dressing to impress at a fancy waterfront dinner, the best beach outfits consist of everyday silhouettes with an emphasis on all things breezy. Here’s what to wear on the beach this summer, no matter where you’re headed.
Beach outfit ideas for summer 2026
Abercrombie & Fitch
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Free People
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Nordstrom
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Hollister
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Amazon
Breezy for the beach
Swimsuits are essential, obviously, but a cover-up is equally important when you’re done splashing in the ocean. Stay cool with a coordinating set made from breathable and lightweight linen for all-day comfort. While bold pieces can be fun, it’s best not to risk losing your valuable jewelry, so keep accessories to a minimum—but a pair of retro sunglasses is nonnegotiable.
Abercrombie & Fitch Beaded Underwire Bikini
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch
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Nordstrom Cover-Up Shirt
Nordstrom
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J.Crew Soleil Linen Pants
J.Crew
Quay Felt Cute Sunglasses
Nordstrom
A daytime stroll
A walk along the beach or the boardwalk calls for outfits that’ll prevent you from breaking too much of a sweat. Minimize the layers with a flowy linen dress, and go with barely there sandals to complete your outfit. (They’re easy to slip off when sand inevitably gets in your shoes.) A beachy tote bag is essential for the necessities, like sunscreen and a straw çizgi.
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Reformation Balia Linen Dress
Nordstrom
Reformation
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Suiara Strappy Flat Sandals
Amazon
Coach Straw Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34
Coach
Free People Essential Beach Hat
Free People
Sand to street
Ready to hit the town? A tank top and jean shorts make a quick, comfortable outfit for a long day of exploring. Bring along a lightweight cardigan for when the temperature drops in the evening. Finish off your look with a pair of walking sandals for all-day wear—they’re great in case you decide to taban your toes in the water. Another option: Skip the top and instead throw shorts and a cardi over your bikini or one-piece.
Cider Boatneck Top
Amazon
Levi’s ’94 Baggy Shorts
Amazon
Banana Republic Cotton Crochet Cardigan
Banana Republic
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Papillio by Birkenstock Arizona Flex Platform Sandals
Nordstrom
A taban in the water
Once you’re finished swimming, draping a sarong over your bikini or one-piece will provide coverage and give the impression that you’ve put way more effort into your beach ensemble. Rich-girl flip-flops and themed accessories, such as a waterproof seashell necklace, crank the beach vibe to the max. Piña colada, anyone?
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Boden Mykonos Deep-V Swimsuit
Boden
Vitamin A Sirena Sarong
Nordstrom
Cushionaire Surf Flip-Flops
Amazon
Katie Loxton Cochellia Twist Necklace
Nordstrom
Out and about
After spending the day by the ocean, a simple combination of a crochet T-shirt and white maxiskirt is a practical option for those looking to pack light. A trendy headscarf can help keep damp hair and flyaways under control, on top of adding romance to your look. Finish your look with sandals—why not kitten heels?—to ensure you look put-together as the sun sets.
BP. Pointelle T-Shirt
Nordstrom
Hollister Convertible Maxiskirt
Hollister
Free People Felicity Hair Scarf
Free People
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Cole Haan Leni Kitten Heel Strappy Sandals
Zappos
