How to Dress for a Beach Date (2024)

styled by the cut Aug. 12, 2024

A swimsuit never looked so good.

By Morgan Evans, Cut Shop market editor and style and culture writer.

Photo: Sophia Aerts

Photo: Sophia Aerts

While products featured are independently selected, certain items within the “Styled By” series were provided by Gap. Cut editors chose the rest.

It’s the final days of summer, which means it may be the last chance for a sexy summer date night before cold cuffing season. And while a flowy dress is always an easy option for a beach date or a romantic boardwalk stroll, why not try a less predictable ensemble? When spending a day at the beach, you never know what activities you may take part in. So you want to be comfortable and ready for anything (mainly wind, sand, and water elements) while still looking chic.

This outfit embraces the casual nature of a summer night with a swimsuit as the main piece, styled with a pair of baggy jeans in a way that is elevated and sexy but also easy to slip on and off. The intricate Isa Boulder one-piece, featuring a beautiful bustier-style top, is sexy in itself. The side-braided detailing flatters any body type, while the sleek tonal nude color of the suit is offset by the open-button styling of the straight-leg Gap jeans. The coolest thing about this look is that it doesn’t scream “obvious beach ensemble.” We love to keep ’em guessing.

The Look

Isa Boulder Green Formality Swimsuit

$261

$450 now 42% off

Buy at SSENSE

Photo: Retailer

If you’ve been on the hunt for a great pair of slouchy-soft jeans, look no further than these from Gap. The mid-rise jeans are not your average pair of denim. The stylish, baggy pants are ultra-soft, made of a special cotton and Tencel blend for a completely lightweight and airy feel. But don’t let the supersoft texture fool you: The jeans are also durable and ideal for summer activities like beach or pool days. You don’t need to worry about getting them wet or accidental stains — the more worn the jeans get, the better they look. And while we love the light indigo, vintage-style wash for this outfit, the straight-leg jeans come in an assortment of hues, including an ecru beige that would be ideal for the summer season.

From $80 at Gap

Buy

Photo: Sophia Aerts

Polish It Off

These sleek sandals by Hereu are easy to pull on and off. They’re a step above and more intentional than your average flip-flop or even a sneaker. And like the Gap jeans, these sandals get better with wear, so you don’t have to worry about sand on the beach or getting them wet.

When it comes to accessories, we chose pieces that add to the elegance of the look but don’t take away from the main concept: ease. That was especially important for the jewelry, as was choosing items that aren’t overpowering or gaudy. We love this simple-chic Mansur Gavriel canvas tote with clean lines made of Italian vegetable-tanned leather. It’s an ideal item for every day, but also a nice touch for a summery going-out look when you want something bigger than just a mini-bag or a crossbody.

If you blink, you might miss this sculptural Anika Inse necklace. The glass collar is a cool, reflective piece that plays with the feel of water. Similar to the necklace, these Marco Panconesi bracelets have the same fluid movements in their warped, wavy shapes that mimic the swimsuit’s curved lines. While the bracelets appear like several stacked pieces, they’re actually two bold bangles that add a final shine to the overall look.