When it comes to personal styling, it can be difficult to find the type of garment that can go from your place of business to the bar for cocktails or a late night meal with friends. But when summertime rolls around and the beach becomes a fixture of every day, it can be even more of a stretch to find fashion that can take you from the office to the sleek sands.
Fortunately, instead of having to rush home and change to catch a few waves or see the sunset, there are a few primped and ready looks that will keep you feeling ladylike and wave-ready. Whether you’re going for a completely casual look or you want to up the ante, here are some ways you can take your daytime look down to the seaside.
Wrap it up
A wrap dress may be a classic item that is part of every woman’s wardrobe. But, it’s easy to forget that the simplicity of this clothing item is what makes it ideal for hot summer days and the beachy evenings that often follow. While you’ll want to keep the fabric light and airy, and maybe stick with a light-colored pattern so it’s beach appropriate, this is a look that will keep you fancy for the day and footloose-ready for the evening.
Amp up your coverage
When it comes to hanging out on the beach during the summer, few items are more necessary than a cover-up that will take you from the car to the water to the restaurant, fuss-free. Fortunately, the right cover-up can be even more versatile. Instead of going with a too-casual garment, try the kind of cover that you can dress up with a belt and some jewelry for the office, and pare down at the end of the day for a low-key look.
Maxi dress
The right maxi dress can be one of the ideal staples of summertime for the woman who likes her garments feminine without the fuss. Conveniently, the maxi dress will also work when it comes to beach time since most maxis are made of lightweight cotton and fun fabric patterns. To transition, all you have to do is add a cardigan or a jacket for the nine-to-five.
Feminine and floral
Few prints are more enduring and alluring than the bright, vibrant floral prints that own the months of summer. And, these are the kind of looks that play up a classy look in the office but can easily convert to ready-to-wear for a beachside glass of wine after work. To make this day look stretch into the evening, ensure a lightweight fabric and a simple style.
What about the onesie?
A onesie might seem like a pretty risky nod to the past and the kind of fashion piece that can really sink or swim. But, if you’re planning a few after-work days at the beach this summer, the onesie is making a comeback – and it can be the perfect piece to take you through the day. In order to make this look work, stick with a solid or neutral color that’s subtle with an air of sophistication. Once you’re at the beach, feel free to lose the bangles and the cardigan for a comfy and casual vibe.
A bit of glam
The summer might not seem like the right time to amp up the volume of your daily wardrobe, but a fitted bandage or corset dress can be perfect for keeping things cool while reveling in the hot weather. When it comes to wearing this dress, go for a simple style and pair it with wedges or heels and a thin cardigan for a more professional look. When the tides turn and it’s time to head for the waves, this type of dress will be perfect for a beachside bonfire that shifts into the night.
Bride (Model: Hannah Park) posing at Tallebudgera Beach, Queensland. Dress: Begitta Couture, Photographer: Ben Roache
Lacy and white
Words like ‘lace’ and ‘white’ might bring bridal attire to mind, but there’s a lot more that you can do with these two things than a wedding gown. White easily recalls the buoyancy and lightness of summer while lace is a great way to keep things feminine and breathable. Fortunately, this style is also convertible so if you want to put it over your bathing suit later, it works great as a cover-up.
The little black dress
Few items have the simple, stately elegance of the little black dress, and that’s why so many women spend a lot of time trying to find the perfect one. Fortunately, a casual LBD is also the kind of item that can go from the office to a beach barbecue in the blink of an eye. All you have to do is remove the heels and the jacket, and add a pair of sandals or a light scarf to the mix.
