By Kristen Daly

 

So you’ve planned a lazy day at the beach, or maybe an entire beachside holiday. Hurray! It’s set to be sunny, with salt and sand everywhere - and with any luck you’ll switch your brain off for a hot second. You want to look cute without fussing over it too much.

Babe, you know we’ve got you. Whether you’re hanging near the waves all day, occasionally sauntering over to a bar or cafe, or stopping by an oceanside locale without stepping foot on the sand, our list of beach outfits will have you filling out your summer wishlist.

From tried-and-true favourites like denim shorts, mini dresses and - of course - a cute ‘kini, to new classics like the button-up shirt, these beachside essentials are 100% vacay ready.

 

Hot Swimwear

The Trend Bikini

It’s a beautiful time to be a bikini fan, with oodles of trends flooding the market from the DIY bikini (flip it, reverse it, turn it upside down!) to cut outs galore and futuristic fabrics. To turn heads while lounging by the water, opt for a barely-there style with wraparound floss straps over your midsection, a string bikini bottom and a retro-inspired print for good measure.

The One Piece

Looking for a swimwear piece that’s still scorching hot - but won’t fall off in the water? Enter the trusty one piece! This wave-friendly trend has been around forever but is still irresistible, especially with fresh updates like ring details, ribbed fabrics and cheeky cuts. It’s also the perfect piece to layer under denim shorts and a button-up shirt for the day.

The Cover Up Sarong

This season, it’s so-wrong (heh) not to wear a sarong! A predecessor to the swim skirt, this tie-up garment was huge in the early 2000s - and like most trends of the time is making a hot comeback. It’s versatile too, with mini sarongs, midi sarongs and styles that can be worn at both lengths available in a wide range of prints and colours. The only mandatory part is that sexy side split.

The Swim Skirt

Now why haven’t we thought of the matching swim skirt before? It’s for the girlies who want their swimwear to be a whole dang ‘fit - or just crave extra coverage. It looks amazing in flamboyant prints like leopard or jungle leaves or with a glitter finish. If you’re wondering what to wear to the beach on vacation or at a party, when you’re feeling glam - this is it!

Beachside Staples

The Denim Shorts

There’s just something about denim cut-offs that has us dreaming of lazy strolls to the beach and back, ice cream in hand. Made to perfection by brands available with Showpo including Wrangler, Levi’s and Abrand, the trendiest styles feature simple silhouettes with mid-to-high waists, slightly longer lengths and subtle vintage detailing like raw edges and dreamy fades.

The Tank Top

…and we can’t include denim shorts without their ever-reliable BFF, the tank top! Finished with a scoop neck, soft ribbed finish and a crop of your liking, it’s that staple you throw on over your ‘kini without even thinking. This season, mix up your tank game by subbing out the shorts for a statement piece like printed pants or a sarong skirt.

The Shift Dress

Every beach queen also needs a throw-on-and-go dress in their arsenal - and the mini shift dress may just be our favourite. For ultimate levels of comfort and cuteness - and to show off those sunkissed pins - pick a tiered style with a babydoll bodice, thin straps and open back

Amalie The Label - Devonia Linen Tiered Shift Mini Dress in Blue

The Playsuit

Our favourite summer playsuits are, well, a little playful - with colourful prints and fun details taking centre stage. They’re also perf for those days when you just wanna wear one thing. Pick one with a structured but comfortable shape for that beach cafe stop or boardwalk stroll.

Hyacinth Halter Neck Playsuit in Californian Dreamin

The Wide Leg Pants

Pants? At the beach? You betcha. The #1 rule is to keep them soft and flowy - and pick a soft and ultra lightweight fabric. This season we absolutely adore a wide leg pant made from a plush, pleated plisse. Soft, swishy and waist-cinching, your plisse pants will give you extra coverage below the waist and look surprisingly perfect with your balconette or string bikini.

Beca Plisse Flared Pants in Cream

The Button Up Shirt

And without further ado… introducing the new summer staple, the breezy button-up! We’re in love with this trendy and sunsmart piece, complete with preppy details like a chest pocket, drop shoulders, foldover cuffs - and even colourful pinstripes. For summer shirt perfection, wear yours unbuttoned over a bikini or one piece with chunky sandals and a hat to match.

Autumn Contrast Stripe Oversized Shirt in Lilac and Blue

Matching Sets

The Top And Shorts Set

What can we say? Our bestselling Terah set just hits different. This relaxed, slightly oversized button-up shirt and matching mini shorts are so easy to throw on for coffee dates, picnics, weekends away - and yes, trips to the beach. It’s a comfortable, modern and sunsmart look that works wonders matched with a bikini top and sandals or platforms.

Terah Shirt in Green and Terah High Waisted Short in Green

The Top And Skirt Set

Continuing with the matchy-matchy theme, a summer shirt and co-ord skirt offers such a fresh take on the two-piece trend. We especially love this look as a beach-to-street or beach-to-bar option. Go for a relaxed button-up and front-split midi for a fresh look.

Quintine Two Piece Set with Midi Skirt in Red Print

The Top And Pants Set

It’s 2022 baby, and we won’t say no to pairing wide leg pants with an itty-bitty crop or bikini top (it’s actually super comfortable)! Continue the statement-making vibe by opting for a loud print - we love painterly swirls right now - and/or a retro colour palette.

The Three Piece Set

If you can’t resist a co-ord look, take it to the next level with not one, not two, but three matching pieces. The vibe is maximalist style, but minimum effort. A bralette, shorts and shirt combo will turn heads at the beach but keep you covered (at least a little!) and comfy.

Amalie The Label Estella Elastic Waist Relaxed Shorts, Benita Knot Detail Micro Crop Top and Azariah Balloon Sleeves Button Up Shirt in Iris Floral

Beach To Bar Looks

The Chic Mini

Yep, it’s the chic, summer-ready mini dress! It’s a firm part of Showpo’s DNA - so much so that our new in-house collection, Amalie The Label, is full of ‘em. Right now we adore the versatility of linen styles with A-line or wrap silhouettes. Easy but elevated, they work just as well with sandals at the beach as they do with mojitos and a dancefloor in the evening.

Amalie The Label - Leilo Linen Open Back Tuck Detail Skater Mini Dress in Rust

The Maxi Dress

We’re also loyal fans of the trusty maxi dress. While it may seem like an unexpected beach piece, a floaty, lightweight style with just enough structure to keep your look stylish is actually ideal for those long, hot summer days. It’s also a super easy piece to style with sandals and a straw hat - or with low heels and jewellery for that trip to the restaurant or bar.

Millseila Strappy Full Skirt Maxi Dress in Yellow

The White Dress

We also can’t resist a white ‘fit for summer - especially a sweet mini dress. The right piece will easily take us from countless hours on the beach to cocktail hour at the bar across the road. Trendy looks include tiered minis with shirring and slip styles with crochet finishes.

Mahleah Crochet Midi Dress in Cream

The Sarong Skirt

If you’re pondering what to wear to the beach (or beach bar) at night, consider the sarong skirt! Often a little fancier than your average beachy sarong, and finished with trendy details like drawstring and floss straps, a sarong-style skirt is one of this season’s must haves.

Lioness - Pyramids Midi Skirt in Black

The Crop Top

A step up from the timeless tank, the summer-ready crop top is also perfect for those beach-to-bar occasions. Go for halter or one shoulder styles, or think outside the box with a satin-style number. Yes, we know, it doesn’t seem very practical, but you’ll be thanking us later when you get those cute pics with complimentary beach hair and a cocktail in hand.

Alvarez Cowl Neck Crop Top in Black

Trending Accessories

The Sandals

Practical, comfortable and on trend - that’s our wishlist for a summer shoe, and this season’s range delivers. Our pick? A chunky-strap sandal in a classic black or buttery brown shade. Trudging from the car to the sand - or from the sand to the pub - never looked so good.

James Smith - Ponza Slide in Island Tan

The Low Heel

If you absolutely can’t give up your heels for summer, it’s time to rock the block! A low block heel in a neutral shade will take that summer dress, skirt or pants look to the next level. Slip them on at home before heading out at night, or if you’re zipping straight from the sand to the dancefloor, throw them on the backseat - or into a huge beach bag - until they’re needed.

Jaggar The Label - Wave Block Heel in White

The Sunglasses

Another go-to for that beach bag? Polarised sunnies, of course. From angular cat-eye looks to oversized frames and slimline styles, your new fave pair is available with Showpo.

Banbe Eyewear - The Sofia Sunglasses in Blonde Tort-Brown

The Sunhat

Structured or floppy, straw or felt - a sunhat is a beach essential. Whether you think they suit you or not, this season’s range has one for everyone.

Ace Of Something - Coober Pedy Hat in Natural

The Beach Towel

Last but not least - the beach towel. It’s an obvious must-have for hanging out on the sand and an underrated part of any beach look. Go classic with pastel or nautical stripes or match your statement ‘kini with a glam botanical print.

Dock & Bay - Beach Towel Cabana Collection in Tulum Blue

Shop all Beach Outfits.