How Fashion Girls Are Packing for Their Beach Vacations
Now that the official start of summer is on the horizon—with things reopening and the temperatures and humidity only rising—it's likely you have one thing on your mind: the beach. Whether you live in a place where the sandy shore is only a drive away or you're planning to head to a tropical destination, having a full stock of stylish beach outfits on hand is always a good idea.
When you're dressing to bask in the sunlight or enjoy a seaside campfire on top of the sandy beaches, it's tempting to wear your most casual items (e.g., shorts and a tank top). However, if you've been in the mood to up your beach game, we've rounded up the chicest beach-ready ensembles that don't feel overdone. Scroll down to see them all for yourself, and then add the looks to your wardrobe for your next trip to the waterfront.
Style Tip: Throw a long, flowing maxi dress over your swimsuit when you're headed to and from the beach.
Style Tip: For a look that feels more elevated than your average T-shirt and shorts, opt for a printed button-down with long denim shorts and heeled thong sandals.
Style Tip: Looking for a cool way to cover up your swimsuit? Sport a one-piece with snake-print pants.
Style Tip: For the moments when you need a little more coverage, layer a button-down shirt with a tropical print over your swimwear look.
Style Tip: If you're taking a casual stroll along the beach, opt for comfortable wide-leg trousers and a button-down shirt.
Style Tip: Believe it or not, bucket hats are still big for 2021, and they're perfect for the beach. Wear yours for additional protection while you're on the shore.
Style Tip: When you aren't right on the beach soaking up the sun, wear a one-shoulder top with a knit skirt for a dressier evening ensemble.
Style Tip: Bask in the sunlight in a chic gingham skirt and an easy top.
Style Tip: A knit skirt is the perfect way to dress up a beach ensemble that feels comfortable and polished.
Style Tip: A lightweight dress is the perfect easy, breezy piece to throw on over your swimsuit while you're running to and from the beach.
Style Tip: For a French-girl take on beach ensembles, wear a striped button-down shirt with denim shorts and classic low-heel shoes.
Style Tip: An unexpected but undeniably chic way to style your swimsuit on your next vacation is with a cool blazer and minimalist mules.
Style Tip: A tried-and-true beach outfit will always include comfortable pieces like a T-shirt and drawstring shorts.
Up next: Non-Scary Bikinis Exist, and I Found Them
This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com, where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. She has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry, writing stories for Glamour, Who What Wear, Entertainment Tonight, and others. Dale graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communication Design. In 2015, she was a finalist for the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award.