Understated but Luxurious Coastal Looks

Coastal fashion style is classic, cozy, and sophisticated. It is the sort of style where you can step right off a boat and into a night out at a nice restaurant. But how do you achieve this look shapeshifting from day to night?

Elevate Your Coastal Fashion Style

There are several fun and easy ways to elevate your style to take you straight from the sand of the beach to rooftop cocktails as you watch the sunset.

Bring Layers

Being near the ocean means the weather may be unpredictable and change at a moment’s notice. Luckily, you can be prepared for the weather and be stylish at the same time. Here are a few of our favorite styles to layer over your beach outfits.

Jumpsuits

Workwear has been in the fashion conversation quite a bit lately as designers play with industrial fits. Just recently, Miu Miu sent their models down the runway in cute apron-like fits and jumpsuits.

Jumpsuits are versatile, sporty, and unexpected. They can elevate a look from the beach to the boardwalk and help you feel comfortable after a long day on the beach.

Kimonos

Feminine, floaty, and easy to throw on, kimonos are a great way to elevate a casual daytime look into a chic nighttime look. A boutique kimono pairs well with any bathing suit and a pair of shorts or loose summer pants.

This light coverup also allows for just the right amount of coverage when moving about your day.

The Perfect Tote

Going out for the day on a coastal vacation may mean needing to tote along a bag with all of your essentials. So which bag should you choose? We like a bag in a neutral tone and natural fabric that will go seamlessly with all of your travel outfits.

A sturdy and high quality bag will also look perfect on the beach or at the seaside bistro.

Fisherman’s Sweater

Planning to go out on a boat? It can feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler on the water, bringing along an extra layer is always a good idea. But why not just a sweatshirt or regular sweater? Cable-knit fisherman sweaters, also known as Aran sweaters, are not just stylish and timeless, they are specifically designed to be worn on boats!

The warm wool is often water resistant and knitted tightly enough to withstand the high winds that can come when you’re out on the water.

Strappy Sandals

Flip-flops won’t cut it when it comes to days when you’re going from one activity to the next and want to look your best. Opt for some strappier sandals. They will stop you from having sand in your shoes all day but also won’t flop off like a less supported shoe will.

Billow-y Button-Ups

A chic and oversized button up is a cute and comfy way to cover up a bathing suit and bring your outfit from day to night. We like something in a classic chambray or off-white. Don’t be afraid of classic patterns too! A blue and white pinstripe gives a great nautical feel and a lightly checkered shirt can feel off-beat and unique.

The billow-y fit of these tops is as important as the style. No one wants to wear tight or restrictive clothing in the heat (especially if you have some lingering sand on your skin). This look is as much about comfort as it is style.

Swap out Sunglasses

Want an even easier way to change your look from one vibe to the next? Just swap out the sunnies you are wearing! Packing 2-3 pairs of sunglasses in your day tote is a great way to switch up your look. Maybe you want ultimate coverage for the beach, but then something cat-eyed and flirty for when you’re enjoying a cocktail at sunset.

Wrap Dresses

Similar to the button-up shirts, wrap dresses can be an easy way to toss on something and look incredibly chic. There are dresses for all seasons and we love something simple for the warmer months.

Go for ones with simple patterns, oceanic color palates, and preppy touches. This will fit the coastal fashion style perfectly, and make you feel chic while also moving seamlessly through your day.

All Linen Everything

Although we always think about the looks we want to be sporting on holidays, often we don’t consider the fabric. Natural fabrics like linen are extremely breathable and stand up in the heat.

Monochromatic linen sets are a great way to achieve that casual but chic old-school coastal fashion look. Paired with some delicate jewelry and a classic pair of sunglasses, you’ll be the envy of everyone on the boardwalk.

Simple But Impactful Jewelry

If you’re going to the beach, boardwalk, and dinner you’ll want some jewelry that doesn’t get in your way. Big chandelier earrings or chunky necklaces are going to be uncomfortable as you transition throughout your day. We like simple stud earrings in classic gemstones and layering delicate necklaces.

Layering different looks on top of your base daytime look is the best way to elevate your coastal fashion style when you are on your seaside holiday. Tucking a few key items into your day bag will ensure that you do not need to go back and forth to your hotel or vacation rental.

And these tips will help you to properly pack your bags. No one likes wasting space in the suitcase, so plan ahead and make sure you have room for goodies to take home!

The Coastal Fashion Attitude

Sophistication and class is at the center of the coastal fashion trend. This style is understated, but luxurious and it invokes fashion icons like Jackie O, Taylor Swift, and Alexa Chung. Coastal fashion style can also be taken from the beach to the boardroom with a few minor tweaks. Whether in the sun, on the boardwalk, or in the office, coastal fashion will always make you look like the most elegant one in the room.

About the Writer: Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys reading and writing about adventure, fitness, and lifestyle.

About the Editor: Staci is the New Yorker who launched NovemberSunflower.com in March of 2009. In the beginning this digital publication had just one writer. Over the years, Staci opened her platform to guest writers, and she then not only wrote for NovemberSunflower.com, but also stepped into the editor role, making her the Editor-in-Chief. Learn more about Staci.