What to Wear to a Beach Date
Dress for your beach date in stylish apparel that suits the occasion. In this article, you’ll find outfits for active dates that include swimming and water sports, along with casual outfits for beach bars and dressier ones for upscale seaside restaurants. Keep reading to find fashion ideas for your next beach date:
Outfits for a Daytime Beach Date
If your beach date is during the day, it’s likely swimming or water sports may be involved. Be prepared in a chlorine-resistant swimsuit that’s comfortable and stylish. High-neck tankini tops with zippers are a good choice for active pursuits, or you can opt for a Tugless Tank one-piece. These swimsuits are designed to stay in place, so you can focus on enjoying your date rather than adjusting your swimwear.
It’s important to have adequate sun protection at the beach. Wear a cover-up dress over your swimsuit when you’re not in the water for UPF 50+ protection for covered areas. These dresses come in a variety of styles; there are tank dresses, kaftans, and short-sleeve dresses in a variety of lengths. Beach cover-ups can be found in solid colors and prints, which lets you create an effortlessly coordinated look by matching it with your bathing suit.
For a more casual look, wear a pair of board shorts and a rash guard T-shirt. If you prefer longer shorts, there are knee-length swim shorts that provide more coverage. Finish the look with flip-flops or sandals, depending on your preference. Water shoes are a must if you plan on wading in the ocean or showering in the beach locker room. This type of footwear is perforated so air can flow freely, and they are made from fast-drying material. Look for a pair with a durable, slip-resistant rubber sole.
There are other options for day dates at the beach. Cotton summer dresses are a breezy fashion staple that you can accessorize with an oversized straw hat and your favorite sandals. If you’re not sure whether swimming is on the agenda, pack your swimsuit and cover-up in a canvas tote bag just in case.
Women’s shorts with a tank top or T-shirt is another option for a beach date during the day. Sneakers or even boat shoes make for excellent casual footwear pairings for this outfit. Wear your preferred shoes for a relaxed stroll along the shore or for lunch at a casual beachfront café.
On the subject of packing your beach bag, beach towels and sunscreen are must-haves. If you’re bringing cash or cards, tuck them into your handbag or a pouch so they won’t get lost among your other items. Exactly what to pack depends on the type of date you’re going on. You will likely bring more to a day at the beach than to a casual lunch, so look for a medium-sized handbag or larger to meet your toting needs.
Outfits for an Evening Beach Dates
It’s not much different dressing for a casual evening beach date than it is for a daytime one. However, beaches can get cool after dark, so you’ll likely need a light sweater or jacket. A women’s cardigan sweater in an airy cotton knit is one option, or you could pick a retro fashion aesthetic with a jean jacket. You can layer one of these sweaters or jackets over a dress or shorts.
Dinner at a formal restaurant with a beach view calls for something dressier. Fit-and-flare dresses can be dressed up or down for any occasion; wear one with a cropped jacket and heels for an upscale dinner. Maxi dresses for women are another option that you can pair with flats or heels. Elevate your look with statement accessories, such as a bold chain necklace or large hoop earrings. Even one simple accessory can be all the sparkle you need to upgrade a summer dress from casual to formal.
For an after-dark beach date that’s somewhere between casual and formal—such as an evening at a beach bar or other nightlife hot spot—skinny jeans and a sleeveless tunic with heeled sandals is an outfit idea that’s date-night worthy. If you prefer a different denim cut, high-rise jeans are an on-trend option that you can wear with a cropped tee or another type of cotton top.
An alternative to jeans is cropped pants. There are wide-leg cropped pants and fitted capri pants, so you can find a style that’s right for you. This pant style matches well with heels, sandals, or flats, and you can wear it with any summer top that you’d pair with jeans or shorts. Capri pants come in elastic-waist styles and styles with five-pocket styling, and they’re available in soft, summery fabrics to keep you cool and comfy.
Use these fashion tips to put together your own beach-date outfit. The most important factor is that you’re comfortable and feel confident with what you’re wearing, so try on different looks until you find the right one.