Every summer, I make it a tradition to plan a beach trip for myself.
The ocean feels like a natural filter to me — pure blue, with sunlight that makes your skin glow effortlessly.
But as you know, the beach is infamous as a “style battlefield.” Without careful planning, it’s easy to get sunburned, look darker, get oily, or end up with unflattering photos.
So I’ve put together 10 tested and practical beach outfits that are comfortable, photogenic, and versatile. From swimwear combos to café-ready looks by the shore, each outfit is fresh, easy to wear, and perfect for photos. Plus, I’ve included specific brand recommendations so you can easily copy the looks!
📸 Look 1: The Ultimate White Cover-Up + Bikini + Woven Bag
This is the first thing I always pack for a beach vacation. An oversized white cover-up is a true lifesaver — you can throw it over literally any bikini, and it adds an instant touch of breezy sophistication. Plus, it offers sun protection and looks amazing in photos.
I usually go with a Triangl bikini, because their structured neoprene-like material gives a flattering silhouette and stays put even when I’m running around. On days when I plan to stay in the water longer, I’ll wear a Neiwai Active swimsuit — it’s ultra-soft and comfortable for all-day wear.
My go-to cover-up is a lace white shirt from Zara — it’s lightweight and flows beautifully in the wind, creating dreamy, semi-sheer layers. As for bags, I swear by the Mango woven tote. It fits all my essentials (sunscreen, camera, water bottle, sunnies) and still feels light on the shoulder.
Hat-wise, the Janessa Leone straw hat is my favorite — structured, elegant, and it totally channels that “chic resort muse” vibe.
Photo tip: Wear this around 10 AM, when the sun is high but not harsh. Let the breeze play with the shirt as you walk or twirl — the movement creates effortless, graceful shots.
- 👙 Bikini: Triangl / Neiwai Active
- 👚 Cover-up: Zara lace white shirt
- 👜 Bag: Mango woven tote
- 👒 Hat: Janessa Leone straw hat
🌊 Look 2: Blue & White Striped Shirt + High-Waisted Swim Bottoms + Slides
Blue and white stripes are basically the passport to beachside fashion. I like to wear a loose, boyfriend-style button-down shirt as a throw-on over my bikini — it brings out a French Riviera vibe while protecting me from the sun.
My favorite high-waisted bottoms are from Oysho — they cinch the waist just right. I pair them with a lightweight striped shirt from COS, which is airy, non-sticky, and adds structure.
For shoes, I stick to Birkenstock’s EVA collection — waterproof, super grippy, and they dry fast.
Photo tip: Go for vertical stripes in light blue or soft navy to echo the sea and sky. Try unbuttoning the shirt for a relaxed look and pose barefoot in the sand.
- 👙 Swim bottoms: Oysho high-waisted
- 👔 Shirt: COS loose striped shirt
- 🩴 Slides: Birkenstock EVA
☀️ Look 3: Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress + Straw Hat + Metallic Sandals
This one’s for golden hour — just before sunset when the light turns soft and dreamy. I go for a dress with ruffles or subtle waves in the hem so it flows beautifully as I walk.
Reformation and Faithfull The Brand make stunning dresses that flatter without clinging, and their prints feel fresh yet timeless. My sandals of choice are Charles & Keith’s metallic styles — comfy yet polished.
The finishing touch is a wide-brimmed Lack of Color straw hat, perfect for that boho-glam balance.
Photo tip: Stand sideways with the sun behind you and let the dress catch the breeze. A little spin or hair flip? Insta magic.
- 👗 Dress: Reformation / Faithfull The Brand
- 👡 Sandals: Charles & Keith metallic styles
- 🎩 Hat: Lack of Color wide-brim hat
🐚 Look 4: Floral Mini Skirt + Knit Tank + Bucket Hat
Perfect for café-hopping or beachside brunch. A cute floral mini skirt paired with a fitted knit tank feels feminine and effortless — casual but intentional.
My fave tank is from Uniqlo U — minimalist and breathable. I’ll pair it with a mini A-line skirt from & Other Stories, which hides the hips and shows just enough leg.
A canvas bucket hat from Isabel Marant or Muji’s neutral versions keeps it laid-back and sun-smart.
Photo tip: Hold a drink with both hands, look down slightly so your hat covers part of your face — instant French-girl cool.
- 👕 Tank: Uniqlo U sleeveless
- 👗 Skirt: & Other Stories floral mini
- 🧢 Bucket hat: Isabel Marant / Muji
🧺 Look 5: Oversized Tee + Swim Bottoms + Flip-Flops
My go-to lazy beach day look. A big, loose tee becomes a mini dress, and underneath I just wear my swim bottoms — ready to jump in the water any time.
I grab an L-sized men’s printed tee from Uniqlo, and pair it with black high-waisted swim bottoms from Calzedonia. On my feet: colorful Havaianas flip-flops, light and non-slip.
Photo tip: Sit on the sand with one leg bent, letting the tee casually slip off one shoulder — effortless and subtly sexy.
- 👕 Tee: Uniqlo men’s print tee (L size)
- 👙 Swim bottoms: Calzedonia high-waist
- 🩴 Flip-flops: Havaianas
🍹 Look 6: Padded One-Piece Swimsuit + Denim Shorts + Sunglasses
This look is perfect for going straight from the beach to a bar for a fresh coconut drink. A one-piece swimsuit works like a chic tank top paired with high-waisted denim shorts, instantly stylish.
I love the striped versions from Summersalt or J.Crew. Levi’s 501 shorts are a classic and fit perfectly. Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses finish the look with timeless cool.
Photo tip: Choose swimsuits with a V-neck or crisscross straps to highlight your figure in photos.
- 👙 Swimsuit: Summersalt / J.Crew striped
- 👖 Shorts: Levi’s 501 high-waisted
- 🕶️ Sunglasses: Ray-Ban aviators
🌴 Look 7: Tie-Back Tank + Printed Maxi Skirt + Statement Earrings
I’m a big fan of this boho-inspired look. A printed maxi skirt with a simple tie-back tank feels effortless yet stylish. Adding oversized or ethnic-inspired earrings instantly elevates the vibe.
My favorite tops come from Zara’s linen collection. For skirts, Free People and Farm Rio offer beautiful prints. Anthropologie’s statement earrings are the cherry on top.
Photo tip: Shoot under palm trees with a vintage filter and you’ve got your next Instagram cover shot.
- 👕 Tank: Zara linen tie-back
- 👗 Maxi skirt: Free People / Farm Rio
- 💍 Earrings: Anthropologie ethnic
🐾 Look 8: Sporty Swimsuit + Quick-Dry Shorts + Baseball Cap
Essential for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or diving! This look combines functionality with style. Sporty swimsuits stay put during activities and quick-dry shorts keep you comfortable.
I trust Speedo’s professional line or Patagonia’s eco-friendly styles. Decathlon makes great value quick-dry shorts, and Nike’s Heritage cap finishes the sporty look.
Photo tip: Capture action shots from a low angle on the shore, the sun and movement create natural drama.
- 👙 Swimsuit: Speedo pro / Patagonia eco-friendly
- 🩳 Shorts: Decathlon quick-dry
- 🧢 Cap: Nike Heritage
When it comes to shopping, I usually prefer global platforms like Net-a-Porter and Farfetch to find the brands I recommend. These sites offer an incredible variety of brands, covering everything from fashion staples to vacation essentials. Plus, their shipping is fast and reliable, making the whole shopping experience super convenient.
