Casual Wear Inspiration: Beach Wear
At long last, spring has arrived, which means summer is right around the corner. Which means…(gulp)…swimsuit season is on the horizon.
But let’s not think about cracking out the bikini just yet. Instead, why not find inspiration for your wardrobe in one of the traditionally least clothed places: the beach.
The key to a beach inspired look is a loose fit. (Who wants clingy clothes in the summer heat anyway, right?) And beachy style is not to be confused with barely there articles of clothing. A swimsuit top and cut-off shorts might be socially acceptable while basking in the sun or playing sand volleyball, but this getup doesn’t constitute clothing anywhere else (No shirt? No shoes? Big problem.)
Relax and bring a little summer vacation to your every day with some of these ideas.
But let’s not think about cracking out the bikini just yet. Instead, why not find inspiration for your wardrobe in one of the traditionally least clothed places: the beach.
The key to a beach inspired look is a loose fit. (Who wants clingy clothes in the summer heat anyway, right?) And beachy style is not to be confused with barely there articles of clothing. A swimsuit top and cut-off shorts might be socially acceptable while basking in the sun or playing sand volleyball, but this getup doesn’t constitute clothing anywhere else (No shirt? No shoes? Big problem.)
Relax and bring a little summer vacation to your every day with some of these ideas.
Linen
There’s something about soft linen that exudes summer. And this time of year, a variety of linen pieces are becoming available. White linen pants are an extremely versatile piece. Pair them with your favorite blazer for work (navy is really springy and really pops against a stark white). A loose fitting tank with a bit of sparkle, a straw fedora, and some killer shades make the linen cool and casual for a day of shopping or running errands. Because linen wrinkles with wear, avoid a fitted pant. Instead, look for a flowy trouser or other loose fitting pair.
Sarongs
A sarong with some length to it, gathered tastefully, can be a great piece for your casual summer wardrobe. A basic tank and some flip-flops make this feminine piece look effortlessly beautiful. There’s nothing wrong with showing a little leg à la Angelina Jolie when out and about, but testing your sarong-tying skills before hitting the boardwalk might be a good idea. (You never know when a perfectly timed breeze may blow through and cause the wardrobe malfunction of the century.)
If you’re a little more conservative, try a wrap skirt or wrap dress inspired by the accessory.
Cover-Ups
If you have ever walked into the swim section in summertime and mistaken a cover-up for a really cute dress or top, you’re not alone. Just because these are advertised as beachwear does not mean you can’t easily pass (most of) them off as everyday pieces. Short cover-up dresses can double as tunic tops by adding a pair of skinny denim or leggings. For ultra-sheer or low-cut covers, a fitted camisole will give you that extra coverage.
Basic Cotton Button-Up Blouse
If you’ve found that comfortable, light button-up that just doesn’t look right at the office, bring it out for summer. Throw it on with a pair of denim shorts and roll the sleeves for a casual day or for a windy day on your friend’s boat. Airy white blouses also make great swim cover-ups, so when you are trying to decide what to wear to the actual beach, throw one on over your suit.
Some other easy ideas for a beach beauty look are rompers, straw totes, and accessories inspired by the sea. Jewelry with corals, soft blues, or turquoise is especially sweet, and you can even incorporate cute sea critters like starfish and seashells. So if you’re not able to make it to one of the coasts for a dip in the ocean, channel that carefree beach goddess into your style. Summer doesn’t have to wait!
There’s something about soft linen that exudes summer. And this time of year, a variety of linen pieces are becoming available. White linen pants are an extremely versatile piece. Pair them with your favorite blazer for work (navy is really springy and really pops against a stark white). A loose fitting tank with a bit of sparkle, a straw fedora, and some killer shades make the linen cool and casual for a day of shopping or running errands. Because linen wrinkles with wear, avoid a fitted pant. Instead, look for a flowy trouser or other loose fitting pair.
Sarongs
A sarong with some length to it, gathered tastefully, can be a great piece for your casual summer wardrobe. A basic tank and some flip-flops make this feminine piece look effortlessly beautiful. There’s nothing wrong with showing a little leg à la Angelina Jolie when out and about, but testing your sarong-tying skills before hitting the boardwalk might be a good idea. (You never know when a perfectly timed breeze may blow through and cause the wardrobe malfunction of the century.)
If you’re a little more conservative, try a wrap skirt or wrap dress inspired by the accessory.
Cover-Ups
If you have ever walked into the swim section in summertime and mistaken a cover-up for a really cute dress or top, you’re not alone. Just because these are advertised as beachwear does not mean you can’t easily pass (most of) them off as everyday pieces. Short cover-up dresses can double as tunic tops by adding a pair of skinny denim or leggings. For ultra-sheer or low-cut covers, a fitted camisole will give you that extra coverage.
Basic Cotton Button-Up Blouse
If you’ve found that comfortable, light button-up that just doesn’t look right at the office, bring it out for summer. Throw it on with a pair of denim shorts and roll the sleeves for a casual day or for a windy day on your friend’s boat. Airy white blouses also make great swim cover-ups, so when you are trying to decide what to wear to the actual beach, throw one on over your suit.
Some other easy ideas for a beach beauty look are rompers, straw totes, and accessories inspired by the sea. Jewelry with corals, soft blues, or turquoise is especially sweet, and you can even incorporate cute sea critters like starfish and seashells. So if you’re not able to make it to one of the coasts for a dip in the ocean, channel that carefree beach goddess into your style. Summer doesn’t have to wait!