It’s that wonderful time of year where everyone comes to work on Friday with a duffel bag, ready to book it to the beach after lunchtime and soak up as much sun and sand as possible before Monday rolls around.
There’s not much you actually need to bring for a weekend at the beach, but you need to be sure you have the perfect wardrobe for those #SummerFriday shots. I’m the queen of traveling in style, and often find those picture-perfect items in some unlikely places. So follow this style guide to have the perfect looks for your fabulous weekend without breaking the bank.
Whether you are heading to the Bahamas, Florida, or The Hamptons – this is everything you need to pack for your stylish weekend at the beach!
The Essentials:
1 Beach Hat: A good beach hat is a must. Choose something neutral so it will match everything, and make sure the is wide enough brim to give protection from the sun.
Express: Raw Edge Fedora, $20.94
2 Sunglasses: You’ll be striking a pose in your stylish sunnies all weekend. It’s all about fun frames this summer – retro-inspired white frames are particular favorites for anyone with 60s nostalgia.
Urban Outfitters: Havannah Slim-eye Sunglasses, $16
3 Cheeky tee: You’re on holiday – no boring tees allowed! Bring a soft, cropped, distressed tee that will give you vacation vibes and feel cozy on your skin after the beach.
Hollister: Distressed Graphic Baby Tee, $19.95
4 Denim Shorts: A pair of denim cutoffs is a must for the weekend. You can pop them on over your bathing suit to walk around town, or with that cute t-shirt for a chill evening. This tummy flattering, high-waisted pair is in vogue.
Glamorous: Festival Denim Short With Frayed Hem, $31
5 Leggings: If you’re going to be working out by the beach, you might as well pack on-theme leggings! Bring something fun that will inspire you to fit in a short morning workout. Not only are these covered in pearls and seashells, but they are also gold – so you will feel extra glamorous on that seaside run.
Terez: Pearl of the Ocean Leggings, $78
6 Sports Bra: While we’re on the subject, pack a white sports bra to stay cool and look chic. The interesting lines on this Heroin sport top give it an extra edge.
7 Sandals: If you choose wisely, you can bring one pair of sandals for the whole weekend. A metallic flat sandal will work with your bathing suit, jean shorts, and sundress. There are endless options, just think natural, basic, and comfortable and you can’t go wrong.
Splendid: Mason Sandal, $67.95
8 & 12 Printed Dresses: When the sun goes down, pop on an easy sundress. Bring two different cuts and prints and you’re ready for happy hour.
This tile-print with a cold shoulder from Victoria Road is the perfect cut to be comfortable and the print just says “holiday!” Victoria Road discovers, supports and promotes designers in Pakistan and collaborates with them at their Fair Trade workshop in Lahore to produce extraordinary apparel.
Gingham is the print of the season, and this off-the-shoulder dress is the easiest way to look chic and be comfortable. You can even put it on right over your bathing suit.
8: Victoria Road: The Shoulder Tie Mini Dress, $ 98
12: Abercrombie & Fitch: Gingham off-the-shoulder dress, $23.20
9 Bathing Suit: A forgiving high-waist bikini is always a good idea if you’re planning on indulging in fruity cocktails and ice cream cones while on holiday. Pair that with a bandeau top so you don’t get any tan lines. This classic black and white stripe will be chic enough for a five-star resort and the strappy sides adds a dash of sexy.
Hollister: Strappy High-Waist Bikini Bottom, $24.95
Hollister: Push-Up Multi-way Bikini Top, $15.99
10 Kimono Cover-Up: Kimono style cover-ups are flowy, bohemian, and so comfortable! It’s also the easiest style to slip on and off. Invest in one great quality, silk cover-up and you’ll never have to replace it. It’s also a great addition on a chilly night to add to your t-shirt and cutoffs look.
Free People: Mantra Kimono, $286
11 Jean Jacket: Nights can be chilly by the beach and air-planes are always over-air-conditioned. A jean-jacket is the perfect layer to bring with you on your weekend because denim matches everything. Pick a fun style like Pistola’s jean jacket with a raw-edge hem.
13 Weekender Bag: This tote by Lo & Sons is the perfect weekender. Lightweight washed canvas, it’s beachy chic and perfectly designed to hold your essentials. The bottom features a separate zip compartment that can be used to keep shoes, toiletries, or dirty clothes away from everything else. The inside and outside have pockets perfect for sunglasses, wallet, passport, and phone. There’s just enough space for your weekend wardrobe, leaving enough space to pick up a souvenir (or pack a bottle of rose). The best part? Unpack when you get there and this wonder tote can double as a beach bag.
Lo & Sons: Catalina Deluxe Large, $120
What are you favorite beach essentials? Comment below!
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I’ve been looking for tips about this subject as my wife and I are going on our second honeymoon abroad and I’d like to give her a small gift that she could have while we’re vacationing. She hasn’t had the time to go look as she is very busy being a great mom to our two wonderful kids. So I’m glad that I stumbled upon your great article. I could easily see her sporting a beach hat, while in a dress, and enjoying the sun. I can’t wait to see the surprise on her face once she sees what I got for her.
Great Guide! Thanks a lot for sharing this informative post with us. I am so pleased to read this post and bookmarked this for the future. Thanks for sharing these great tips and please keep sharing.
So glad, thank you for reading and bookmarking this!
Great guide! Your guide is definitely very helpful. I can’t wait to try your idea. Thanks and keep sharing.