Let's be honest: some of us have aged out of caring about a "beach body." Fortunately, not every beach day calls for a swimsuit. When you don’t plan on getting in the water at all, why would you want to spend the day in a swimsuit?
This summer, we’re making the case for beach outfits that don’t involve swimwear. If your perfect beach day involves walking the shoreline, grabbing fish tacos, or watching the kids splash in the waves, these are the looks to wear instead. Our stylists pulled together outfit formulas that deliver all the relaxed, coastal energy of beachwear without requiring you to spend the day in a bikini.
If you're only packing one beach top, make it an oversized button-up. Armoire members are especially loving this embroidered linen shirt, which has earned a 4.5-star rating. One member summed it up: "This was the perfect cover up for the beach! I absolutely loved it and would rent again. Got compliments too." Paired with this summer's comeback trend, jorts, the look feels effortless and current. The longer length offers a little more leg coverage than cutoffs while still giving laid-back beach vibes. Throw on a woven tote and sunglasses, and you're ready for everything from a morning walk on the shore to mojitos on the patio.
BeachLunchLounge also has some really great breezy beach tops.
This playful printed set has become a favorite, earning 4.3 stars across hundreds of member reviews. (We love, love, love a matching set.) Kristin from Team Armoire (pictured) calls it exactly what every beach outfit should be: "Feels like summer. Easy breezy set in such a fun pattern for beach days." Wear the pieces together for maximum impact, or split them up to create even more vacation-ready outfits.
Armoire has a collection of popular Matching Sets.
If your ideal beach day includes a little movement, an athleisure dress is hard to beat. The built-in shorts and stretchy fabric make it comfortable enough to actually be active, while the sporty silhouette looks just as at home grabbing ice cream or browsing the boardwalk as it does playing in the sand. Add a pair of sneakers as Sylvie from Team Armoire did, or choose sporty sandals.
Browse Beach Riot or Beyond Yoga for loads of options, all highly rated.
If a lot of leg isn’t your thing, meet your beach uniform. A breezy midi skirt keeps you cool without leaving you overexposed, while a cropped tank provides just enough airflow to beat the heat. Team Armoire’s Kim shows how polished this formula can look with clean lines and lightweight cotton fabric that moves with you instead of sticking to you. Comfortable, flattering, and easy to wear from morning to sunset, this is beach dressing at its smartest.
Change of Scenery and Yumi Kim have some really cute crop tops + midi skirt sets too.
The best beach outfits aren’t always the ones with the least fabric. They’re the ones that let you enjoy the day comfortably, whether you’re walking the shoreline, sipping something cold on a waterfront patio, or catching the sunset with friends. With a few lightweight staples and an easy outfit formula, you can capture that effortless coastal style without ever reaching for a swimsuit.
From Our Closet to Yours,
-Armoire
Lookbooks
Annual Trend Report
Jan 27
If you’ve already flipped through Armoire’s Annual Trend Report, you know what we’re about to say next: this year is all about elevated confidence and fearless expression. And if you haven’t yet…well, consider this your official invitation to check it out.
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