What to wear to the beach when it’s too cold to swim
Oh, how we love to be by the seaside. Day trips or weekend getaways to the beach during the summer—or even spring!—are exactly what the doctor ordered. Soaking up the Vitamin D (safely!), breathing in the fresh air, feeling the ocean breeze through your hair… it’s the dream.
However, just because we love spending time by the ocean doesn’t mean all beach weather is bikini weather. If you find yourself itching to go to the beach, but the forecast isn’t on your side, here’s what you can wear to the beach during the spring, or just when it’s too cold to swim.
Obviously, we don’t want you to freeze your bum off! You should have more chances to enjoy the beach than just on a warm summer day. And just because you’re on the shore, doesn’t mean you have to wear a cover-up or sundress. In fact, there are plenty of chic and cozy alternatives for those not-so-warm spring days on the beach.
Linen pants are perfect for spring days at the beach when it’s still too cold to swim. Linen will be breezy enough to keep you cool if the sun gets warm, even if the water is too cold. Throw on a long sleeve and a light jacket or cardigan to complete the look: you’ll be laid back and comfy, but still stylish AF.
Max Studio
Two-Tone Textured Woven Linen-Blend Pant Blue
$39.99
Rue La La
-40%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Canvas cargo pants Green
$195.00
$325.00
Mytheresa
Reiss
Farrah Linen -Blend Taper Trouser
$50.00
Rue La La
-87%
Chloé
Pants Blue
$204.00
$1,601.00
Yoox.com
A maxi dress works on one of those cool beach days too. Grab your favourite maxi dress from your summer collection, but throw something over top: a cardigan or a cute cropped jacket will do the trick!
A.L.C.
Bianca Pleated Strapless Gown Black
$695.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-20%
Rotate
Floral embroidered mesh maxi dress Purple
$360.00
$450.00
Mytheresa
Dress The Population
Laney Sleeveless Sequin Maxi Dress Silver
$368.00
Anthropologie
-60%
Dress The Population
Layana Ruffle Strapless Evening Gown in Wisteria Multi at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Large
$178.99
$448.00
Nordstrom
Throw this on with a pair of boyfriend jeans and sandals. It will look like you put some effort in your outfit when in reality, you slipped on two pieces of comfy clothes!
Kenneth Cole
Button Front Shirt Green
$39.99
Rue La La
Sanctuary
V-Neck Buttondown Top Black
$69.00
Anthropologie
Nic+Zoe
Portofino Long Sleeve Shirt Blue
$58.99
Rue La La
-64%
Pilcro
The Hadley Velvet Relaxed Buttondown Shirt by Pilcro Blue
$49.95
$138.00
Anthropologie
Brooks Brothers
Cable Knit Sweater Blue
$56.99
Rue La La
A bright knit cardigan in a fun, summery shade is a must-have on a cold day at the beach. If it gets breezy, you can throw it over top of whatever you’re wearing. The best part is you’ll still look put-together for your post-beach adventures!
Nic+Zoe
Mesh Cocoon Cardigan Blue
$48.99
Rue La La
Alo
| Supernatural Sweater Cardigan Top in Green Olive, Size: Medium
$148.00
Alo Yoga
Jones New York
Sutton Cardigan Green
$39.99
Rue La La
Miss the 90s? Then you’re in luck, because ultra-baggy denim shorts are back in full swing. Love ’em or hate ’em, they’re a great compromise between short shorts and full-length trousers for those days that are warm, but not quite hot.
7 For All Mankind
Cut Off Clean White Short
$41.99
Rue La La
-40%
Alexander Wang
Pre-Styled Pleated Denim Shorts with Chain Belt in Faded Black at Nordstrom, Size 25
$357.00
$595.00
Nordstrom
Rag & Bone
Mckenna High-Rise Ari Bermuda Short Blue
$63.00
Rue La La
Mother
The Maven Bermuda Fray Denim Shorts White
$198.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Original text: Steph King
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli
