What to Wear to the Beach

Wondering what to wear to the beach? We’re here to help. Beachwear is all about ease, comfort and effortless style. And it doesn’t stop with swimsuits—we have swim coverups, bags and so much more to shop for when planning your beach outfits.

Whether you’re headed off on a tropical vacation or spending a day lakeside, shop stylish swimwear, beach outfits and accessories from your favorite brands like Calvin Klein, DKNY, Free People and Vineyard Vines. We have all the beach outfit inspiration you need to create the perfect look, and don’t forget to shop our wide collection of beach swimsuits to find men’s swim trunks and styles for kids.

Beach Outfit Ideas

In need of a fun beach party outfit or a casual look for a day in the sun? We’ve got you covered. We’re mixing and matching everything from breezy dresses and coverups, to stylish swimsuits with carry-all bags and stunning accessories. Here are all the beach clothing ideas for your next vacation.

Stylish Beach Clothing & Dresses

We love a comfortable pair of beach pants styled with a flowy button down, but you can never go wrong with a sundress. No matter how long your vacation is, summer beach dresses will easily minimize your packing list.

Stay cool in the heat with a beach maxi dress, kaftan or romper. Shop loose, comfortable styles to throw on over a swimsuit or to wear for a casual stroll down the sand. Browse our collection of dresses to find all the best vacation dresses for women from brands like Ocean + Coast® and Wonderly.

Easy Swimsuit Coverups

A swimsuit coverup is a summer essential. It doesn’t just take you from the beach to the pool—it can also be a great option for a casual lunch or dinner by the water. And with so many different styles of coverups to choose from, you’re sure to find one you’ll love. Try a sarong coverup that lets your bathing suit top stand out or slip into a simple beach coverup dress.

Must-Pack Beach Shoes

Looking for the perfect pair of beach shoes to get you on and off the shore? Sandals make the best beach shoes for women because they’re oh-so-easy to slip on and off when the waves are calling.

Flip flops are our pick for a casual day at the beach or on a boat, while wedges are perfect for a slightly dressier look. Opt for classic beige or brown styles that will match with every outfit or go bold with beach sandals in an eye-catching color.

Beach Swimwear Ideas

Great swimsuits are comfortable, stylish and confidence-boosting. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose just one—so we always recommend thinking about what the day will bring. Are you planning to lounge in the sun and enjoy a good book? A colorful two-piece is a great option. If an activity like tubing or jet skiing is on the agenda, a one-piece may be a better choice. Planning a longer trip? Pack a few different beach bathing suits so you have options. With that in mind, here are the top beach swimwear styles to consider.

Stylish Two-Piece Swimsuits

Beach bikinis are a great swimsuit option because they come in so many different styles and designs, from solid color triangle tops to printed bandeaus. The best part? You can mix and match your two-pieces for endless swimwear looks, making it convenient if you need different sizes in tops and bottoms. Shop our bikini tops for a variety of styles, patterns, prints and colors. You’ll find options from a range of brands like Crown & Ivy®, Jessica Simpson and Billabong.

Need bikini style inspiration? Pair a bralette swim top with hipster bottoms for a sporty look or go with a strappy triangle top and cheeky bottoms for a resort-ready pairing that’s made for lounging by the pool.

Sleek Beach One-Piece Swimsuits

One-piece swimsuits give you plenty of coverage, making them a great option for sun protection and active days at the beach. And while this style might be practical, little details like cutouts, bright patterns and fun necklines make one-piece bathing suits stand out.

Go with one-piece swimwear in bright colors for summer or choose a classic neutral like black or navy. Whatever your style is, our one-pieces for women will have you ready for some fun in the sun. Browse our collection of one-piece swimsuits to find styles from much-loved brands like Vineyard Vines and Lauren Ralph Lauren.

Beach Tankinis

Style and comfort combine in another beachwear favorite: the tankini. Tankini swimsuits are perfect for those who like the coverage of a one-piece but still want the convenience of a bikini. Find your perfect bottoms (opt for swim shorts or a skirt if you prefer even more coverage), then shop our tankini tops to find your new favorite tankini set. Fun details like ruffles, peplum hems and zip-up necklines make it easy to find a suit that fits your unique style.

Beach Accessories to Complete Your Look

Every beach outfit needs a few great beach accessories—like stylish sunglasses, a cute hat and a tote to hold everything from sunscreen to your latest read. Shop beach must-haves and beach essentials for your next trip from brands like Michael Kors, DKNY, Nine West and more.

Beach Sunglasses

A day at the beach calls for a great pair of sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are ideal if you’re planning to go boating or fishing. If you’re staying on shore to catch some rays, choose a pair of chic designer sunglasses for women. Need more sunnies inspiration? You can never go wrong with a fabulous pair of cat eye sunglasses or aviators.

Beach Bags

Whether you’re planning to spend hours soaking up the sun or simply watching the sunset, you’ll want to bring a beach purse or bag along. We love a roomy tote because it’s big enough for all those beach must-haves like sunscreen, sunglasses and a towel—plus, it’s a style statement all on its own. Shop our collection of beach bags for women from Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Brahmin and more.

For another style option, go with a sporty beach backpack, or pack a little lighter with a small beach purse or belt bag. These styles have just enough room for essentials like your wallet, keys and sunglasses, making them ideal for quick beach trips.

Beach Hats

Beach hats are another must-have accessory. A great hat provides protection from the sun and can complete any look. Fedoras, Panama hats and bucket hats are great sun hat options for all-around shade and beachy style, while baseball caps are perfect for that sporty-chic look. Shop sun hats for women from your favorite brands like Free People, Vince Camuto and Lilly Pulitzer®.

Bucket Hats

Bucket hats are perfectly on-trend—and with their unique brims, they’re great for the beach. When shopping for a bucket cap, look for one you’ll style with anything. If you want your beach bucket hat to stand out, choose one in a bright color or eye-catching pattern. Planning a girls’ trip? Outfit the whole squad with matching bucket hats for an extra dose of fun.

Wide Brimmed Hats

There’s nothing like wide-brimmed hats to complete your beach look. A classic you can style up or down, floppy hats look fabulous with beach dresses, denim shorts and swimsuits.

You’ll often find wide-brimmed sun hats in earthy shades and natural materials like straw. For a unique look, shop for styles with embroidered details, appliqués and other embellishments that will elevate your beachwear.

Get Beach Ready with Belk

Belk has everything you need for days in the sand and sun, whether you’re taking a day trip to a local beach or spending a week at a tropical resort. Shop Belk today to complete your beach look!