I don’t know about you, but I love spending time at the beach. Whether it’s a brief walk along the shore or a full day of relaxing in the sand, I never pass on the opportunity to head to the water. While I was on a day trip at the beach last week, I made several observations about beach fashion (mainly from mistakes I made myself lol). Here are six tips for dressing for the beach.

#1: STICK TO AIRY FABRICS 

Light, airy fabrics are your best option for a day at the beach. I would recommend sticking with cotton. Not only will it keep you  cool + comfortable, but it will also dry quicker if you decide to get in the water. For my beach day, I went with this breezy black tank top. It worked perfectly in the humidity.

#2: KEEP IT CASUAL 

Between the sand and the water, beaches can be messy, which means you don’t want to wear any items that you aren’t OK with getting a little bit of dirt on. It is also a good idea to gravitate toward darker colors that will conceal any potential stains. If you want a pop of color, you can always wear a bright colored swimsuit underneath.

#3: WEAR SANDALS 

This may seem like an obvious one, but I made the mistake of wearing flats to the beach last summer, and I ended up with sand in them for weeks afterwards. You might be tempted to break out an exciting new pair of shoes for your beach trip, but do yourself a favor and stick with sandals. In fact, the simpler the shoe, the better.

#4: BRING A HAT 

Lounging out in the sun is one of my favorite aspects of being at the beach. However, all that sun exposure can be a nightmare for your skin. Your outfit should not only keep you comfortable, but it should also keep you protected from UV rays. Don’t forget to throw a hat in with all your beach gear.

O U T F I T  D E T A I L S:

Tank Top (similar): SheIn* | Jean Shorts (similar): Levi’s* | Sunglasses (similar): Anthropologie* 

#5: STICK TO AN UPDO

I put my hair in a ponytail approximately ten minutes after these photos were taken because I severely underestimated just how annoying the wind can be. If you have long hair, I suggest getting it up and out of your face before you even leave the house. This way, you won’t have to worry about it being a mess of knots and tangles later on.

#6: PACK A STYLISH BAG 

I am the type of person who always has a bag with me. Seriously. No matter where I go, my purse goes with me. What I love the most about bags is that they can be both fashionable + functional. A small crossbody can be a great addition to an outfit, and it can also store beach essentials, such as sunscreen and snacks. It never hurts to carry a purse with you because you never know what you might end up needing during the day.

What’s your favorite thing to wear to the beach? 

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