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Going to the beach doesn’t always have to equal getting wet. Sometimes, you’re attending a sandy soirée with friends or just enjoying a stroll as the waves gently break at your feet. On the other hand, perhaps it’s too cold to swim or set to rain, and the choppy waters aren’t inviting. If any of the above resonates with you, you’re probably wondering what the proper attire looks like for each scenario.
When you’re not planning on getting wet at the beach, it’s best to wear lightweight and breathable materials such as linen, which keeps you cool in the sun and holds the heat in when cold. Maxi dresses are standard beach fare among women, while men might opt for light-colored shorts and an oversized shirt.
That said, there are many more beach events and occasions to cover, which is just what we’ve done belove. Join us as we prepare you for rain, freezing temperatures, parties, and even weddings below.
Outfit Inspiration for the Beach When You’re not Swimming
What to Wear to the Beach at Night?
It’s not often we end up on the beach after sundown, but it happens, especially around summertime when those seaside barbeques can linger into the wee hours.
Linen is always your best bet when it comes to dressing appropriately for the beach. The material is lightweight, comfortable, breathable, sustainable, and just so happens to be great at keeping in heat when needed. So, it’s a material that’ll take your beach outfits from day to night.
If it’s reasonably warm, opt for a breezy and lightweight outfit. Boho pieces are effortless and timeless, lasting beyond the season. For women, skirts during warm summer or cozy layers in colder weather. Even leggings, sweats, dresses, and jumpers can be worn on the beach at night.
If you suspect it may be a bit chilly, you can’t go wrong with denim. Be it a denim jacket or denim shorts/jeans – they’re fantastic at keeping the cold out while still looking beachy.
What to Wear to the Beach When it’s too Cold to Swim
We’re going to sing the praises of linen pieces again, from linen trousers to linen shorts – they’re almost made for a cold day at the beach. Their lightweight design also makes the ideal base to be layered with jackets or bulkier items.
A Maxi Dress or oversized button-down shirt can also keep you suitably cozy on those chillier days. Of course, a maxi dress works on one of those days too. Throw this on with a pair of boyfriend jeans or leggings and sandals, and you’ve got yourself a fit for any cold beach day.
Of course, we can’t mention plummeting beach temperatures without bringing up open-knit sweaters or knit cardigans – they’re a must.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What to Wear to the Beach in Winter?
The beach during wintertime has its charms. It’s the ideal place for a walk in solitude, to let the breeze wipe away those morning cobwebs, or even to visit with family and friends.
But of course, you’re not going to sport your swimsuit and light coverup. Instead, you’ll have to dip into some cold beach outfit ideas. Think along the lines of socks and sneakers paired with heavy-duty shorts and shirts. Pair with a hat, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, beach-ready look. Replace the shorts with trousers or shorts if you think shorts are a little too nippy, and don’t be afraid to bring gloves along.
The outfits to wear to the beach on a cool day include loose-fitting pants, a fleece jacket, beanie, and gloves.
Tip: Don’t be tempted to wear too many layers. These fits can become stuffy fast, even on the coldest days.
What to Wear to the Beach When it’s Cold
The key to achieving the perfect beach outfit for the cold is subtle layering. Start with a layer that holds close to the body as a thermal shirt or leggings/tights. Pull a sweater over on top, and consider layering your bottom half with jeans or joggers if you think it’ll be particularly chilly. It’s also smart to bring along a scarf, hat, and jacket to keep you toasty.
What to Wear to the Beach in the Fall?
We can’t emphasize enough how essential gilets are for transforming a Summer beach outfit into a Fall beach outfit. These padded pieces cover your core and hold heat in where it matters most. This means your legs and arms stay cool yet toasty – essential on the beach. What’s more, they can be put on and taken off with ease which is ideal for the unpredictable weather of Fall.
What to Wear to the Beach When it Rains?
It happens; your long-planned beach day turns from fun in the sun to dreary and filled with rain. However, a rainy day at the beach doesn’t have to spell disaster. Instead, you can throw a raincoat and boots over any fit you’ve planned and enjoy the seaside nonetheless.
Start with an appropriate outfit for the season and then top it with a rain suit, and slip on some boots. Then, of course, be sure to top it off with an umbrella, and you’re good to go!
What to Wear to a Beach Party?
Beach parties are fun … once you’ve decided what to wear. Knowing how to pick an appropriate beach party outfit is the difference between spending the day shivering or overheating.
Usually, your best bet is a short beach dress paired with hip sneakers. A light-colored or patterned maxi dress with sandals is also ideal for a more formal affair. Don’t hesitate to pair any of your outfits with a chic straw hat.
If you’ve already picked your outfit and think it may be a little colder than you expected, wraps and coverups are here to save the day. The best tunics, kaftans, and robes can elevate your outfit without throwing off your style and keeping you cozy.
Blue swim shorts and swim trunks are also a hit among men when it comes to beach parties, which always begs the question, what do you wear with blue swim trunks? While the first answer is always white shirt, a splash of color such as a red or even off-blue shirt also works fabulously.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding?
Beach weddings are unique in that they’re exempt from the usual strict wedding dressing rules. Instead, they take a strikingly casual lean, with most guests opting to wear brighter shades and lighter materials. So, in most cases, wearing a fun print, a vibrant color, and a shorter hemline will do. If the dress code is more formal, go with a slightly longer dress or a jumpsuit and look for solid, lighter colors.
If you choose to wear a suit, we advise you to go for a lighter color suit over a black-tie tuxedo. Try a white suit in cotton or linen, as this may fit the beach theme more appropriately. Light greens, creams, and beige are hugely popular when it comes to men’s beach wedding fashion.
You should wear flat shoes to a beach wedding, particularly if it is being held right on the sand. Fancy flip-flops and sandals are perfect for most beach weddings. Loafers are a sharp option if you want to roll up to the wedding in the latest men’s sandals. These men’s sandals are uniquely suited to a ceremony that takes place on a beach, as you can wear them without socks. As a general rule, socks and sand rarely mix.
The Bottom Line
Knowing what to wear to the beach if you’re not swimming doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. Instead, by sticking to lightweight bottom layers and topping with a coat or other such cold-ready pieces, you can be prepared for every condition the beach day may throw your way (and in style.)
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What to Wear to the Beach if you are not Swimming?
Going to the beach doesn’t always have to equal getting wet. Sometimes, you’re attending a sandy soirée with friends or just enjoying a stroll as the waves gently break at your feet. On the other hand, perhaps it’s too cold to swim or set to rain, and the choppy waters aren’t inviting. If any of the above resonates with you, you’re probably wondering what the proper attire looks like for each scenario.
When you’re not planning on getting wet at the beach, it’s best to wear lightweight and breathable materials such as linen, which keeps you cool in the sun and holds the heat in when cold. Maxi dresses are standard beach fare among women, while men might opt for light-colored shorts and an oversized shirt.
That said, there are many more beach events and occasions to cover, which is just what we’ve done belove. Join us as we prepare you for rain, freezing temperatures, parties, and even weddings below.
Outfit Inspiration for the Beach When You’re not Swimming
What to Wear to the Beach at Night?
It’s not often we end up on the beach after sundown, but it happens, especially around summertime when those seaside barbeques can linger into the wee hours.
Linen is always your best bet when it comes to dressing appropriately for the beach. The material is lightweight, comfortable, breathable, sustainable, and just so happens to be great at keeping in heat when needed. So, it’s a material that’ll take your beach outfits from day to night.
If it’s reasonably warm, opt for a breezy and lightweight outfit. Boho pieces are effortless and timeless, lasting beyond the season. For women, skirts during warm summer or cozy layers in colder weather. Even leggings, sweats, dresses, and jumpers can be worn on the beach at night.
If you suspect it may be a bit chilly, you can’t go wrong with denim. Be it a denim jacket or denim shorts/jeans – they’re fantastic at keeping the cold out while still looking beachy.
What to Wear to the Beach When it’s too Cold to Swim
We’re going to sing the praises of linen pieces again, from linen trousers to linen shorts – they’re almost made for a cold day at the beach. Their lightweight design also makes the ideal base to be layered with jackets or bulkier items.
A Maxi Dress or oversized button-down shirt can also keep you suitably cozy on those chillier days. Of course, a maxi dress works on one of those days too. Throw this on with a pair of boyfriend jeans or leggings and sandals, and you’ve got yourself a fit for any cold beach day.
Of course, we can’t mention plummeting beach temperatures without bringing up open-knit sweaters or knit cardigans – they’re a must.
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What to Wear to the Beach in Winter?
The beach during wintertime has its charms. It’s the ideal place for a walk in solitude, to let the breeze wipe away those morning cobwebs, or even to visit with family and friends.
But of course, you’re not going to sport your swimsuit and light coverup. Instead, you’ll have to dip into some cold beach outfit ideas. Think along the lines of socks and sneakers paired with heavy-duty shorts and shirts. Pair with a hat, and you’ve got yourself a cozy, beach-ready look. Replace the shorts with trousers or shorts if you think shorts are a little too nippy, and don’t be afraid to bring gloves along.
The outfits to wear to the beach on a cool day include loose-fitting pants, a fleece jacket, beanie, and gloves.
Tip: Don’t be tempted to wear too many layers. These fits can become stuffy fast, even on the coldest days.
What to Wear to the Beach When it’s Cold
The key to achieving the perfect beach outfit for the cold is subtle layering. Start with a layer that holds close to the body as a thermal shirt or leggings/tights. Pull a sweater over on top, and consider layering your bottom half with jeans or joggers if you think it’ll be particularly chilly. It’s also smart to bring along a scarf, hat, and jacket to keep you toasty.
What to Wear to the Beach in the Fall?
We can’t emphasize enough how essential gilets are for transforming a Summer beach outfit into a Fall beach outfit. These padded pieces cover your core and hold heat in where it matters most. This means your legs and arms stay cool yet toasty – essential on the beach. What’s more, they can be put on and taken off with ease which is ideal for the unpredictable weather of Fall.
What to Wear to the Beach When it Rains?
It happens; your long-planned beach day turns from fun in the sun to dreary and filled with rain. However, a rainy day at the beach doesn’t have to spell disaster. Instead, you can throw a raincoat and boots over any fit you’ve planned and enjoy the seaside nonetheless.
Start with an appropriate outfit for the season and then top it with a rain suit, and slip on some boots. Then, of course, be sure to top it off with an umbrella, and you’re good to go!
What to Wear to a Beach Party?
Beach parties are fun … once you’ve decided what to wear. Knowing how to pick an appropriate beach party outfit is the difference between spending the day shivering or overheating.
Usually, your best bet is a short beach dress paired with hip sneakers. A light-colored or patterned maxi dress with sandals is also ideal for a more formal affair. Don’t hesitate to pair any of your outfits with a chic straw hat.
If you’ve already picked your outfit and think it may be a little colder than you expected, wraps and coverups are here to save the day. The best tunics, kaftans, and robes can elevate your outfit without throwing off your style and keeping you cozy.
Blue swim shorts and swim trunks are also a hit among men when it comes to beach parties, which always begs the question, what do you wear with blue swim trunks? While the first answer is always white shirt, a splash of color such as a red or even off-blue shirt also works fabulously.
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Pineapple Palm Blue Swim Shorts
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$65What to Wear to a Beach Wedding?
Beach weddings are unique in that they’re exempt from the usual strict wedding dressing rules. Instead, they take a strikingly casual lean, with most guests opting to wear brighter shades and lighter materials. So, in most cases, wearing a fun print, a vibrant color, and a shorter hemline will do. If the dress code is more formal, go with a slightly longer dress or a jumpsuit and look for solid, lighter colors.
If you choose to wear a suit, we advise you to go for a lighter color suit over a black-tie tuxedo. Try a white suit in cotton or linen, as this may fit the beach theme more appropriately. Light greens, creams, and beige are hugely popular when it comes to men’s beach wedding fashion.
You should wear flat shoes to a beach wedding, particularly if it is being held right on the sand. Fancy flip-flops and sandals are perfect for most beach weddings. Loafers are a sharp option if you want to roll up to the wedding in the latest men’s sandals. These men’s sandals are uniquely suited to a ceremony that takes place on a beach, as you can wear them without socks. As a general rule, socks and sand rarely mix.
The Bottom Line
Knowing what to wear to the beach if you’re not swimming doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. Instead, by sticking to lightweight bottom layers and topping with a coat or other such cold-ready pieces, you can be prepared for every condition the beach day may throw your way (and in style.)
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