When you're on holiday, what you look for most is simplicity and comfort when getting dressed to head down to the sand. The beach calls for light, fresh pieces with that natural feel so typical of sunny days. However, since beach plans often come up on the fly and it's common to stretch the day out eating at a beach bar or watching the sunset, the key is to choose beach outfits that are versatile and work just as well on the towel as off it.
The solution is to opt for simple pieces in pleasant fabrics such as linen or recycled cotton that don't weigh down your bag, are easy to take off and dry quickly. With a few well-chosen basics, it's very easy to go from the sand to any terrace while keeping an impeccable, fresh and effortless style all day long.
Beach outfit ideas for women
Open shirt and linen shorts
The combination of linen shorts with a basic T-shirt is one of those comfortable options that always work on holiday. The trick to giving it a more sophisticated feel when leaving the sand is to add a light shirt on top, fully open. This option protects you during the sunniest hours and, if the plan stretches into the night, you just have to button it up to adapt perfectly to the change in temperature.
Light dress over the swimsuit
If you want a quicker and more effective option to change after your swim, a sustainable dress, loose and in light tones, is the perfect choice. Being loose, it lets air through and doesn't cling to the body, so you can put it straight on over your swimsuit. This way you instantly get a clean outfit that's ready to walk into any restaurant.
Light skirt and cotton T-shirt
A very comfortable alternative to replace shorts is to pair a light skirt in linen or recycled cotton with a basic T-shirt. Being loose pieces, they don't feel hot and let you change or slip them on over your swimsuit quickly when you come out of the water. Neutral tones dress up the look instantly and create a relaxed style perfect for beach days.
Beach outfit ideas for men
Linen shirt over the swim shorts
On hot days, pairing a linen shirt in white, ecru or light blue tones with the swim shorts themselves is the most comfortable and cooling option. Wearing the shirt open with a fine T-shirt underneath, or loosely buttoned, brings a casual yet impeccable feel, ideal for moving from the sand to the terrace without any fuss.
Oversize T-shirt and plain swim shorts
The quintessential beach look can also be updated by playing with proportions. Using an T-shirt in recycled cotton with a slightly oversize cut alongside a plain sustainable swim shorts creates a very functional outfit. This play on volumes keeps an urban, clean line, perfect for sitting down for a drink at the end of the afternoon.
Fine-knit polo for the sunset
When the plan stretches on and you want a more dressed-up option for the end of the afternoon, the polo in recycled cotton is the ultimate alternative. Swapping the T-shirt for a fine-knit polo instantly elevates the style without adding warmth. Combined with swim shorts in neutral tones, you get an impeccable outfit for when it cools down at sunset.
The footwear that completes the look
To head down to the beach, you want to keep it easy. For the walk and the moments in the sand, the best option is a pair of flip-flops or sandals comfortable and made with sustainable materials.
That said, if you plan to stay for the sunset, take a stroll along the promenade or have dinner on a terrace, leaving the flip-flops behind and switching to a pair of light sneakers is a smart move. They're far more comfortable for walking and make any swimsuit, shorts or dress look more dressed-up in an instant.
The importance of versatility
In the end, the best beach outfits are the ones that make your day easy. There's no need to complicate things with elaborate outfits; the key is to choose fresh, comfortable and hard-wearing pieces that keep up with the pace of the day, from the first trip down to the sand to the last terrace of the night. Opting for light materials and recycled fabrics is the simplest way to enjoy the sea with complete freedom, with a natural style and choosing a more planet-responsible option.