Beach outfit ideas can be tricky when the crux of your look is a swimsuit that you want to show off in the sun. With so many cute bikinis and one-pieces out there, the last thing you want to do is cover them up. But because clothing is kind of like essential to and from the beach (or lake, pool, river . . . whatever your body of water preference is) at the very least, coming up with a cute bathing suit outfit [1] will make your day by the water an ultrastylish one.
When figuring out a beach outfit, you've got to start with the vibe or activity at hand. Is it a casual hang? If so, comfortable shorts [2] make for an effortlessly chic look. For something a bit dressier, say for a beachfront barbecue or poolside soiree, really think about your swimsuit as part of the outfit and layer in additional pieces that you'd wear IRL like a summery skirt [3] or lightweight jumpsuit [4] with warm-weather extras like a sunhat, tote bag, and fun sandals.
Don't get us wrong. We love a good cover-up (or dress that doubles as a cover-up [5]) as much as the next fashion girl. All we're saying is a cute beach outfit is great for when you want to look a little more considered in your swimwear and/or want to be entirely clothed en route to the beach, for an alfresco lunch post-swim, or when hitting up an aprés beach event.
Ahead, get inspired by three beach looks we're loving for Summer, all featuring stylish and affordable pieces from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [6]. Then, for more casual-cute outfit ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's [7], where you'll discover a range of affordable looks to get you through the rest of Summer in style.
The Beach Outfit: Casual Cute
Give casual pieces — like this POPSUGAR Tie-Front Slouchy Tee [8] ($22, originally $30) — a summery spin by pairing with trendy Bermuda-length denim shorts, colorful sandals, and sharp sunnies and wearing over a bright bikini. A sleek anklet gives this look a fashion-girl kick.
Agolde Rumi Denim Shorts
Agolde Rumi Denim Shorts [9] ($129)
Giovanna Juno Striped Slide
Giovanna Juno Striped Slide [10] ($195)
Araks Myriam Curved Underwire Bikini Top
Araks Myriam Curved Underwire Bikini Top [11] ($176)
Araks Mallory High-Rise Bikini Briefs
Araks Mallory High-Rise Bikini Briefs [12] ($107)
Karen Walker Bad Apple 46mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
Karen Walker Bad Apple 46mm Cat Eye Sunglasses [13] ($220)
Tamara Mellon x Mejuri Link Up Anklet
Tamara Mellon x Mejuri Link Up Anklet [14] ($180)
Sheliky Beach Bag
Sheliky Beach Bag [15] ($21)
The Beach Outfit: Classically Feminine
Kaftans are always feminine over swimwear, but as an alternative to the classic cover-up style, try this weightless POPSUGAR Textured Button Front Skirt [16] ($45, originally $60) atop a minimal one-piece swimsuit and finish with a wide-brim straw hat, raffia bag, and oversize sunnies. For an extra dose of glam, dial it up with a trendy chain-link necklace [17] — the perfect Summer party look!
Miné Mediterranean Maria Swimwuit
Miné Mediterranean Maria Swimwuit [18] ($300)
Bagtazo Scarlet Hat
Bagtazo Scarlet Hat [19] ($390)
Celine 55MM Polarized Square Sunglasses
Celine 55MM Polarized Square Sunglasses [20] ($500)
A New Day Cut Out Handle Straw Clutch
A New Day Cut Out Handle Straw Clutch [21] ($25)
Selin Kent Leonie Link Necklace
Selin Kent Leonie Link Necklace [22] ($1,200)
The Beach Outfit: Comfortable, but Make It Fashion
We're diehard jumpsuit fanatics and love a nautical-inspired style like the POPSUGAR Belted Jumpsuit [23] ($51, originally $68) styled over a bikini to and from the beach. For a fashion-forward bend, mix in seashell earrings, barely there sandals, retro sunnies, and a stylish tote.
She Made Me Essential Crochet Bikini
She Made Me Essential Crochet Bikini [24] ($129, originally $258)
Pamela Munson The Gardner Tote Medium
Pamela Munson The Gardner Tote Medium [25] ($298)
Cornetti Eolie Sandals
Cornetti Eolie Sandals [26] ($250)
Raen Veil Sunglasses
Raen Veil Sunglasses [27] ($150)
Mejuri Cauri Shell Earrings
Mejuri Cauri Shell Earrings [28] ($60)