Coastal Style Essentials for a Seaside State of Mind
As we are in the middle of summer, it seems like everyone is gearing up for a getaway by the water. Planning a long weekend in Barcelona, a beach club rendezvous in the South of France, a laid-back seaside retreat somewhere warm—choosing the coastal outfits adds to the thrill. There's something special about packing for an ocean escape that makes the process of getting dressed feel more intentional—and fun. From gauzy dresses to woven accessories and striped patterns, our coastal clothes guide highlights all the essentials for sun-soaked days and enchanting evenings by the water. Let’s dive into what coastal casual attire is and how to weave it into your wardrobe.
How to incorporate coastal style into your wardrobe
Embrace airy fabrics: When thinking of coastal clothing, lightweight and breathable fabrics come to mind—linen, cotton, silk that flow with every step.
Nautical patterns: Stripes are a hallmark of coastal fashion—they evoke images of sailors and seaside strolls. Incorporate navy and white striped tops that easily transition from day to night.
Coastal palette: The colors of the coastal casual attire are soothing and inviting. Pastels, soft blues, seafoam greens reflect the beauty of the ocean and the surrounding environment. Integrate these colors through accessories, like a beachy tote or a soft scarf, or make them the main point of the look.
Coastal essentials
Let’s be honest—a coastal dress code isn’t about arriving at the beach as if you stepped off a yacht. It’s embracing comfort with relaxed silhouettes, breathable fabrics, colors that give you a sun-kissed glow, even if you’ve been cooped up indoors all winter. This style blends practicality with flair as you trade in the stuffy formalwear reserved for boardrooms for pieces that let your personality shine. It is inspired by real beach communities, where locals naturally know how to protect themselves from the sun by creating outfits that transition from daytime to evening. Coastal aesthetics embody functional fashion with a soul.
Quality shirt
A button-up is a must-have essential for a coastal wardrobe. Toss it over your bikini on the way to the beach, team it with linen shorts for a day of exploring, dress it up with trousers for dinner by the water. Lightweight, versatile—it adds polish while keeping the look relaxed for whatever your day has in store.
A white shirt is a forever classic, but what fits coastal attire even more? Stripe patterns, correct. The Striped cotton shirt by Beige Brown introduces a versatile option with an oversized silhouette, while the Striped crop top by Erika Cavallini gives off a modern, cropped design.
Wide-leg pants
We recommend opting for a wide-leg silhouette for linen or cotton pants—they are ideal for leisurely walks along the shore or beach games with friends. This is also a fun opportunity to test out a wider-leg silhouette if you’ve been curious to dip your toe in. Break up your look by pairing your pants with a top in a contrasting color, or go for a monochrome combo if you don’t feel like mixing shades.
And again, how about stripes? The Striped cotton pants by Beige Brown blend a pajama vibe with nautical motifs—an ideal mix for a seaside stroll, if you ask us. Up for something more neutral? The Linen drawstring trousers from House of Dagmar offer a trendy butter-yellow hue with an ultra-relaxed fit.
Relaxed midi dress
Coastal style embraces dresses that skim the body rather than cling tightly—midi lengths made from cotton, gauze, linen blends, silky fabrics that flow. A shirt dress, a tiered midi, a simple tank dress can all fit the bill, depending on your lifestyle, but! Versatility is important. Can you wear it with flat sandals during the day and dress it up with jewelry for coastal-chic wedding attire? Is it easy to layer under a sweater or jacket if the weather goes moody? If the answer is yes, then it’s ticking all the right boxes. While prints are welcome, they shine brightest when they maintain a light and understated feel. A stripe or a subtle floral pattern has more lasting appeal than something trendy.
If you are not planning anything overly formal for your coastal adventures, give the Asymmetric dress by House of Dagmar a try—this striped shirt dress will become your fave for any occasion. Yet, if you have a fancy outing scheduled, the V-neck flared linen midi dress by 120% Lino is a lovely choice.
Knit tank
Coastal style is built on basics, but not the forgettable ones. A ribbed tank with a clean neckline or a tee with flattering sleeves serves as the foundation for countless outfits. Fit is crucial—too tight and it feels restrictive, too oversized loses the sharp lines. Opt for fabrics that are soft and resilient—they maintain their shape through regular wear. Elements like ribbing, subtle slub cotton, lightweight knit are not necessary, but it is always nice to have some stylish details.
Even though the coastal palette leans towards pastels and blues, for base layers we suggest base colors—white, black, grey, beige. The white Ribbed tank top by Beige Brown and the black Ribbed tank top by Erika Cavallini, for example, are high-quality basics that will ground any look.
Leather sandal
One of the key fashion decisions you'll make for your coastal outfit revolves around your footwear. Find a pair that offers both comfort for walking and blends with your overall look—slide into comfy sandals or slip-ons that you can take off while wandering along the sandy shores. Opt for soft leather with cushioned soles for all-day wear without discomfort.
The Fisherman sandals by Hereu are a foolproof option—they were made by and for the people who live on the coast, after all. The Asymmetrical woven sandals offer a gentler style while remaining comfy for daily wear.
Versatile jeans
A coastal wardrobe calls for denim, but with a softer touch—straight-leg jeans, relaxed white denim, vintage-inspired cutoffs. Dark and rigid denim can weigh down the look unless it’s styled with care. Lighter washes and well-worn finishes work better in harmony with airy fabrics and sun-kissed accessories. White or cream denim is particularly valuable, as it brightens up the look and provides a clean finish.
The ideal pair should work with sandals, sneakers, maybe even a slightly dressier flat. If it only suits one shoe, it may not be pulling enough weight. Hence, we recommend Agolde jeans for their timeless washes and cuts—the High-rise straight jeans and the Relaxed wide-leg jeans, for instance.
Lightweight knit
Coastal weather can vary. Even on warm days, the early mornings and evenings often call for an extra layer; thus, a lightweight sweater is an essential item in your wardrobe. A fine-knit crewneck, a cardigan, even a cotton sweater draped over your shoulders add shape and warmth without veering into overly formal territory. Cashmere, alpaca, and wool can be lovely options, yet cotton and its blends tend to be more practical for everyday wear.
The Cashmere cardigan by Lisa Yang is one of those understated pieces that makes an outfit feel complete. The Brushed alpaca pullover by House of Dagmar, draped over a slip dress, paired with shorts or with linen pants, adds a layer of soft warmth.
Woven bag
A raffia or straw bag elevates any outfit, giving it a coastal vibe yet remaining practical for all-day use. With plenty of room for beach essentials—sunscreen, a good book, an extra swimsuit, anything else you might toss in—you’ll find yourself reaching for it throughout your trip. A classic shape that suits daytime adventures and evening outings just as well is an ideal choice.
Have a look at Hereu bags with a Mediterranean soul. The Slouchy shoulder bag made of woven raffia is a versatile option—voluminous and chic, it is perfect for the city as much as for the beach. The Straw tote bag, on the other hand, exudes a slight cottage core flair—still a great alternative for your coastal wear.
Soft blazer
Even the most laid-back wardrobe benefits from a few pieces with structure. A lightly tailored blazer or a jacket provides grace without clashing with a coastal vibe. This is extremely helpful when you want your outfits to transition from work to dinner or city outings. A relaxed beige blazer with a tank top and drawstring pants results in a look that maintains that sun-kissed ease but can be taken to a business lunch if needed.
Check out these soft-tailored blazers—the Belted linen blazer by Erika Cavallini and the Belt drawstring linen jacket by 120% Lino—made in neutral beige, they both provide a one-design-fits-all look for any coastal combos, from jeans to slip dresses.
Silk scarf
A silk scarf is arguably one of the most versatile accessories in your suitcase. Tie it around your head to keep your hair in check during breezy boat rides, wrap it around your waist as a quick and stylish belt, fold it into a tube top for an impromptu beach club look. Opt for one in rich colors to add a sun-kissed touch to your outfit.
The Silk scarf by Beige Brown in a lovely chocolate shade is our fave for improvised scarf-top looks, bandana stylizations, and elegant neckties.
Flowy skirt
On those days when you’re fully embracing your beach vibe and want to skip the shirt, a bikini top with a flowing skirt is your best bet. The skirt brings the whole look together—no need to overthink your footwear, as casual flip-flops enhance the feel. And, the skirt can transition into coastal cocktail attire—swap in a statement top and eye-catching accessories, and you are good to go.
The white Linen buttoned skirt by Erika Cavallini goes well with a light-colored wardrobe—from bikini sets to ruffled blouses. The black Organza maxi skirt by House of Dagmar provides a more fashion-forward look for your night outs and fancy dinners.
Matching set
A matching set makes it look like you put a ton of effort into your outfit, even if it took you seconds to get beachside-ready. You can achieve the right vibe with any matching relaxed-fit set—bonus points if it's made from a breathable, beach-ready fabric like linen or lightweight cotton.
A set with shorts is the best two-piece you can take to the coast, such as the one from Beige Brown, featuring the Striped linen shirt and the Striped linen shorts. Wear it over your swimwear, elevate it with kitten heels—enjoy the flexibility of this airy pair.
Crochet
Crochet isn't just a fun '70s throwback: it's also a great pattern for an eye-catching cover-up. This material is not only breathable but also wrinkle-resistant and slightly transparent. It can work for brunch or drinks at the beach. And as with many other options on this list, you can throw it over your bathing suit and head out.
The black crochet set by House of Dagmar—the Crochet drawstring skirt and the Crochet poloneck top—is a fashionable addition to your suitcase. Dress it down or up depending on your schedule, and stay stylish even in the midst of the summer heat.
