What to Wear to the Beach
Taking a trip to the seaside? No need to fret about your wardrobe choices with our beach dweller starter pack
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What to Wear to the Beach
Taking a trip to the seaside? No need to fret about your wardrobe choices with our beach dweller starter pack
By: Sophie Beresiner
'What to wear to the beach?' is not a straightforward question. There are too many variables, the first and most obvious being age plus body confidence divided by the square root of sartorial taste minus budget. But if I might be so bold as to remove the maths and suggest that the 'what to wear to the beach' conundrum is simply a question of joy, then we've hit upon a universal truth. That is; lucky you! You're going to the beach! Now retain that joy, revel in it, don't let questions about what the hell you'll wear there dampen your mood, because I am here to provide a fail safe beach starter kit that will let you focus on frozen margaritas or your paddle boarding form instead of hoiking your bikini out of your but I digress. Shall we begin?
Read More: The Best Swimwear Brands of the Summer
A Throw On Cover Up
La Veste Fringes Mini Towel Dress, £165
Quality is king here. I am inclined to invest more in my cover up than anything else because it's basically your beach coat, and we already know how important a good coat is. I don't want it to cover me up, I want it to make a statement about my very relaxed bohemian beach style, I want to enjoy throwing it on with confidence so I can go to the bar/the loo/the ice cream van without even considering my rear view.
Shop nowA Does-It-All Swimsuit
Hunza G Square Neck Lilac Crinkle Swimsuit £130
In my case; be elegant, but cool (in all senses of the word), quietly interesting, cover surgery scars, not go as high up my thigh as current trends dictate, give that comforting kind of support that excellent sports leggings provide, pack light, dry quickly, not be extortionate, but not fall apart in contact with chlorine either, I could go on about my swimwear needs but I don’t need to because I’ve found The One… Hunza G, thank you for your service.
Shop nowAn Oversized Shirt
Stine Goya Mia Green Poplin Stripes Shirt, £210
Or any kind of shirt really, but something wafty and comfy. You can wear this to the beach, but you can also wear it on the beach, (in place of a cover-up even) – it’s the perfect understated touch that is worth the investment because you’ll keep wearing it way beyond the beach. Imagine knotting it at the waist while you wade in up to your ankles, leaving it open over your swimsuit/denim shorts combo to go home.
Shop nowThe Right Ratio Shorts
SESSÙN Carnon Shorts Price, £100
Light and breezy, it's hard to go wrong with a pair of shorts on the beach. Why? Well for one, they pair excellently with an oversized shirt, and two, they're easy to throw on over a bikini. Denim may look great, but after a swim can be stiff and uncomfortable, so we suggest a cotton or linen pair that's breathable and light. Hop on the boxer shorts trend and look for a striped, oversized pair, or better yet, find a matching shorts and shirt co-ord for a put-together, effortless ensemble.
Shop nowExtra Sunglasses
Loewe Paula's Ibiza Flower Sunglasses, £310
Not a spare pair, no I mean ‘extra’ extra. Your accessories are an excellent outlet for expressing your style when it comes to beachwear. If I’m going crazier in shape I prefer neutral in shade, but that’s just me. Obviously they’re a health and safety consideration as essential as SPF 50, but the real benefit of sunglasses is the joy and symmetry they bring to your outfit. If you need an extra ‘extra’ pair, who am I to dissuade you?
Shop nowThe Basket Bag
Liberty Raffia Large Toama Tote Bag, £295
I know we are all over straw bags for summer in general, but when worn to the beach, the basket bag comes into its own, official purpose. Roomy, even better when battered, lightweight and super stylish and - crucially - closeable, are my criteria. The Liberty raffia tote ticks every box. It is practical magic.
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