Picture Perfect Luxury Looks for a Day at the Beach

Here’s our style inspiration for beach towel, tote, umbrella, swimwear and sunglasses combinations for a picture perfect luxury look for a day at the beach.

As we write this from New York City, it turns out summer is not completely cancelled after all! Beaches across the country are opening (with the necessary restrictions, of course) and pool builders’ phones are ringing off the hook.

We may not have our ideal beach bodies in time, but for once, we can truly say, “Who cares?” The anticipation and joy of returning to beloved summer rituals is a feeling that can’t quashed.

Picture perfect luxury looks for a day at the beach

Bring on the dramatic sunglasses, straw bags, and gauzy cover-ups of the summer uniform! Here are our favorite aquatic friendly looks for a cohesive and picture perfect day on the shore – or for 6 feet away from your friend by the pool. 

Bring it on, summer!

1. Popsicles & Pool Parties

The thought of summer immediately conjures children (and some adults) running after the ice cream truck for a fruity popsicle or frozen yogurt covered in rainbow sprinkles. That feeling of sweet innocence and optimism is something we’re all after as we venture out again.

First, be prepared with Serena & Lily’s gingham and teak beach chair ($298) and plush Turkish cotton towel ($58) in bold, nautical inspired stripes. And this nostalgic rainbow umbrella ($29.99) will be easy to spot as you tumble out of the waves and back to your spot on the sand.

Onia’s red gingham ruffle bikini top ($95) and bottom ($95) are an enduring classic. We love the preppy colors of Arizona Love’s airy cotton dress in green and navy ombre ($210). Loewe’s canvas and leather tote ($1,646), Rosie Assoulin’s canvas ruffle hat ($300), and Mansur Gavriel leather sandals ($205) add instant polish to post-swim activities.

2. Summer Safari

Leopard prints and sandy khaki strike a sizzling and sophisticated look for the hot weather.

Norma Kamali’s feminine bralette ($110) and ruched bottoms ($125) have a glamorous 1950’s vibe – and they also smooth and flatter. These Loeffler Randall sandals ($195) with dancing gold stars are irresistible.

A linen khaki dress ($518) from Three Graces London tames the beast and keeps the ensemble from going overboard. While accessories like Celine sunglasses ($570),  Foundrae’s medallion necklace ($7,395) and L’Space’s striped straw tote ($110) add a breezy sophistication. Pack this whimsical tiger towel ($54) and you’re good to go.

3. Tie-Dye Wave

Summer is all about lightening up and not taking things too seriously. We can think of no better trend to channel that mood than with the carefree styling of tie-dye.

Inspired by a lilac and orange sunrise, check out Cynthia Rowley’s wetsuit ($345) made of neoprene and nylon. The color story is carried through with Palm Angel’s ’90’s inspired slip dress ($825) and Dior’s square frame sunglasses ($388.) For chilly nights, don this ultra soft sweatshirt ($198) from the cheekily named brand “I Stole My Boyfriend’s Shirt.” And Vive Handmade’s luxurious shibori dyed scarf ($98) can be used as a generous wrap or  sarong.

Surf-inspired accessories complete the look: Off-White’s fluorescent accented trek sandals ($575), Isabel Marant’s tie dye bucket hat ($160), Zimmerman’s surfboard key ring ($100) and L’Space’s transparent handheld tote ($88).

4. Lush Tropics

Tropical themes are a perennial summer inspiration and in the absence of vacations to exotic islands, we’ll be doubling down on this look all summer long. Set the scene with the lush, green jungle leaves in Society’s 6’s oversized beach towel ($39.99) and Sunny Life’s insta-worthy pool float ($65).

We’re in love the flirty ruffles and azure blue of Adriana Degreas’ bikini set ($410). And La DoubleJ’s drapey yellow sarong ($355) crafted in Italy from a rich cotton and silk blend is a must-have. Post-swim never looked so good in Zimmerman’s crinkle jumpsuit ($530) in the perfect mossy green with crochet belt.

For even more vibrant colors, consider Altuzarra’s raffia tote bag ($895) in turquoise and Loewe’s bright neon rope sandals ($550). Top it all off with a wide brimmed straw hat ($475) for maximum effect.

5. Floral Fairytale

Everything’s coming up roses, right? And this pretty and graceful look will make you feel put-together (even if you’re secretly freaking out).

Tory Burch’s vintage-inspired floral bathing suit ($258) with a sweetheart neckline reminds of the illustrations in a fairytale book. SO pretty! Pair with light pink muslin shorts ($155) and flat sandals ($250), both with drapey, bow detailing. This Sparrows Weave timeless wicker and leather bag ($625), Eugenia Kim’s silk headband ($165) and Avec NY’s pearl hoops ($298) complete the ladylike ensemble.

Beach chairs get an upgrade with this gorgeous hammock style lounger ($149). And make sure to have this adorable swan float ($79) and rose quartz gem water bottle ($98) on deck.

Picture perfect luxury looks for a day at the beach

That’s it – 5 mood boards of style inspiration for a luxury beach towel, tote, umbrella, swimwear and sunglasses combinations – everything you need for a picture perfect luxury look for a day at the beach. Stay safe and healthy, and have fun out there!

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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