Looking Great at the Beach Without Trying
If you hit the beach with perfectly coifed hair, a brand spanking new fedora and shiny loafers, you are doing it wrong. Sorry to be so blunt, but it is true. You should make your beach look seem effortless. We admit, it might be a bit of a sham but, hey, we are slaves to fashion. Want to know how to look great at the beach without trying? Read this.
Men’s suits can be whimsical like The Sea Stallion from Tipsy Elf (left), but full-sized, while women can be a bit more revealing in one like this Bill Halter one piece by Norma Kamali. (Photos: Tipsy Elf/Norma Kamali)
A proper bathing suit
If you are letting it all hang out, so to speak, we must repeat — you are doing it wrong. Leave a little to the imagination, okay? Yes, even if you are ripped, you can still follow this rule. Men’s bathing suits can be very whimsical but, please, let them be full-sized, especially if you live in the U.S. It is perhaps more acceptable for European men to wear Speedos but, even then, it is iffy.
Women can get away with a bit more as far as the itty-bitty bikinis go but, still, we prefer the classy look. In fact, there are some gorgeous one-pieces that are almost sexier than the tiny two-pieces many wear. Something like this chic halter one-piece bathing suit makes for perfect beach-to-street transition for those days you are doing something post-sand. Remember this rule: Bitty isn’t always better, and we are talking to both genders here.
A stylish rash guard
If you are going to paddle out in any fashion, a rash guard can keep you from, well, rashes. Fortunately, there are a ton of attractive options out there for both men and women at places like REI and/or your local surf shop. Roxy offers a wide variety in all sorts of colors and styles. And whether you go with a long-sleeved or short-sleeved rash guard, you will love that they provide both form and function.
Sand-friendly shoes
When we say “sand-friendly,” we don’t mean those old flip-flops you got in 1992. Make sure you have got a new pair that is in good shape, as flip-flops can get pretty slouchy looking pretty fast. A nice pair of sandals is fine, too, although you don’t really want to go with something like gladiators, as these are a pain to put on (and they are not really in fashion any longer). The key is something you can slip on at a moment’s notice and that will protect your feet from the fiery hot sand as you head back to your car. Sneakers are just a bad decision all-around, as they are clunky, hard to put on and will fill with sand in an instant. Pro Tip: Pedicures go a long way in pulling off any shoes that are open-toed.
Be the real Slim Shady
Sunglasses aren’t even an item of clothing and yet they somehow have the power to bring a whole ensemble together without even really trying. And, these days, just about anything goes. From aviators to wayfarers, your sunglass options are seemingly endless. We don’t recommend buying sunglasses online unless you know you like them, however, as it is important to make sure the ones you choose look good with the shape of your face. If you have got the budget, invest in a few pairs to ensure your beach look is always on point. Get those shades at a lower price with a Sunglass Hut discount code.
Hats are in style and can make you look cool at the beach as well as protecting your face from the sun. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Hats off to you
Well, really, it’s hats on, but who’s counting. Hats are more in fashion than ever before, and both men and women can look effortlessly cool at the beach in a style that suits them. Whether it’s a fedora, a floppy hat, a cowboy hat or a stylish ball cap, a hat is a great way to express your personality. Even better, it protects you and your noggin from harmful UV rays! Another great thing about a hat is, if you do decide to go in the water, it can help you go from the beach to the bars (if that is your thing) while still looking stylish.
You don’t have to spend hours primping in order to be beach-ready. Follow these tips on looking great at the beach without even trying. No one even has to know that you did!
Article by Melissa Frank
