20 Cute Beach Outfits That'll Really Turn Up the Heat This Summer
Now is the time to wear your bikini as a bra top. YAY!
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We get it. The dog days are almost here and we're looking forward to sunny moments at the beach! Who's with me? Ofc you are—or else, you wouldn't be here :) Anyway...sunny days spent at the beach are unmatched, no doubt. But it can be kinda difficult to figure out what to wear while hanging out in the sand. You'll likely be sporting a swimsuit (for when the ocean ~calls your name~), some cute sandals, and a pair of go-to sunnies—so what else? Do you opt for a basic cover-up or just throw on an old T-shirt and go? The options feel limiting! Before you start digging in your pajamas drawer to find that 10-year-old tee, though, hear us out. There are so many actually cute 'fits you can wear to the beach that'll pair great with your swimwear. (Really!)
Whether you decide to completely cover up your swimsuit or incorporate it into your outfit, beachwear looks are low-key versatile. From adorable dresses and skirts to rompers and matching shorts sets (!), the possibilities for chic beach outfits are much more endless than you'd think. It's time to pack those bags, slip into your fave summer shoes, and embrace the beach. Just don't forget the SPF!
Our top picks for the best beach outfits of 2024:
As you walk from car to beach to boardwalk to oceanfront restaurant, wear one of the 20 beachy ensembles below. Look cute, feel breezy, and soak up the summer vibes. Allow these styles to mentally transport you to a tropical destination.
Make your beach outfit easy and effortless with a crochet matching set.
Solid & Striped Delta Dress
You'll want to wear this dress every day of the summer—it's easy enough to take from the beach to your office.
By Anthropologie Easy Pull-On Shorts
For an effortlessly put together look, you can always count on a button-down shirt over a bathing suit.
How about a chic crochet pant to coordinate with your white bikini?
You'll be giving all the vacay vibes in the banana leaf cover-up.
For a quick and easy tonal look, throw on a sarong that matches your bathing suit.
J.Crew Side-Cutout Dress in Linen-Cotton Blend
This linen cut-out dress is so lightweight, it'll keep you cool on steamy days.
A sleek and slinky maxi dress is perfect for those summer night parties.
A crochet skirt set is the perfect outfit equation for drinks by the pool.
Show off your bikini with a super cute sheer maxi.
madewell Crinkle Cotton Cover-Up Mini Shirtdress
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with an oversized button-down shirt.
This mini skirt set is too cute not to wear on repeat.
If a maxi skirt isn't really your thing, try this bright blue mini that has major vacay vibes.
Bright colors, crochet, and a matching bikini?! What more could you ask for in a cute beach look?
Nothing says summer quite like linen—this matching set is calling your name.
FAITHFULL THE BRAND Calia Belted One-Sleeve Striped Dress
One-shoulder dresses are your thing? This one is so ideal for post beach drinks.
A terry skirt look makes everything easier—you'll dry off in no time. Oh, and don't forget about the bucket hat!
Neutral, comfy, and super hawt, this mini dress is a must for lazy days in the sand.
This strapless mini is not only cute, but so easy to throw on after a hot day at the beach.
Baddie alert! Pair a neutral bikini with a sequin sarong to get all the attention on you.
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.
Danielle is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the American and British ready-to-wear markets and handles fashion for all cover and fashion stories in book and online. When she’s not working on print, she covers all the latest fashion trends and news for digital. Danielle started as a Fashion Intern for Cosmopolitan in 2016 and has been with the magazine ever since. Follow her journey in the fashion industry on Instagram.
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