Elegant Beach Looks for All-Day Wear

When I’m dressing for a beach day that naturally turns into lunch by the water or an afternoon of shopping, I always reach for pieces that feel as easy as a cover-up but look polished enough to wear beyond the sand. Think airy fabrics that dry quickly, relaxed silhouettes that move beautifully in the sea breeze, and styles that don’t mind a little salt or sunscreen along the way. These are the kinds of outfits you can throw on over a swimsuit, enjoy a long walk on the beach, and then head straight to a seaside café or boutique without feeling underdressed. Effortless, unfussy, and quietly chic—these are my favorite finds for making the most of a full day by the water.

• This classic blue and white wrap skirt is a summer essential. (Comes as a caftan too!) The jacquard texture feels substantial yet breezy, throw it on with an elegant swimsuit for a poolside lunch, or pair with my favorite crisp white button up for a day browsing boutiques.
• A sleek black halter swimsuit is elegant and unexpected. The stone-embellished ring detail acts like built-in jewelry, making it incredibly easy to dress up with a skirt and wedges. I'd wear it with this lightweight striped midi skirt for an instant outfit.
• You can't go wrong with a classic cotton tunic. It's slightly sheer and looks great over a white bikini and linen pants. (Further dress up the look with this scarf mini bag.)
• Scarf prints feel so sophisticated, and this blue tunic top and matching shorts are adorable.
• Cheesecloth is a vacation hero because it doesn't need ironing, and this bright pink shirt is a fast favorite. Create a chic monochromatic look by pairing with this textured maxi skirt. Pair with barely there sandals.
• Borrowed from the boys, this oversized cotton shirt is the ultimate easy layer. I wear mine unbuttoned over a timeless strapless swimsuit, or tucked into the matching pareo.
• The unique basket weave pattern on this midi skirt (seen below) is such a conversation starter. It’s light and airy for warm days—it comes with jersey shorts to wear underneath, but I love pairing it with a swimsuit as a top.
• Stripes are always in style, and this belted linen midi dress is so sophisticated for a nice lunch. I’d pair it with these leather coral-inspired sandals.
• Terry cloth is having a major moment, and this navy mini dress captures the retro vibe perfectly. It’s absorbent enough to wear straight from the pool, with cute pockets for a practical touch. Pair with a navy paisley swimsuit for a little added interest.
• Nothing says summer quite like this seersucker mini dress. A dressy caftan style that looks fab with wrap sandals.
• The vibrant green of these linen pants is so fun for vacation. I wore mine with a white bikini and this tank top for leisurely hotel breakfasts when I wanted to head straight to the beach afterward. (So fun with this statement shopper tote.
• Soft and absorbent, this terry tunic dress makes post-swim styling incredibly comfortable. It dries quickly and looks cute enough to wear straight to happy hour with jelly sandals.
• Little white dresses like this cotton mini dress are a vacation savior. Pair with statement sandals like these cherry espadrilles.
• This white sculpting swimsuit is a total game changer. Slimming and secure, it works great as a tank top with this crochet wrap skirt and these cream leather sandals.

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