Planning a trip to the Virginia Beach boardwalk this year? You’ll want outfits that move easily from sand to seafood shack without a wardrobe change. These beach looks lean into breezy fabrics, bold prints, and easy layers that actually hold up in ocean air and summer heat.
Here are 29 ways to dress for the shore in 2027, whether you’re strolling the boardwalk, lounging by the water, or heading to a casual dinner after sunset. Each look balances comfort with a bit of polish, so you feel put-together without overthinking it. Expect flowy dresses, playful shorts, and relaxed sets that photograph well and pack even better.
Patterned Midi Dress for Beach Days
The bold geometric print in cream, blue, and green covers the entire dress, so the silhouette stays simple: a fitted bodice that moves into a gathered skirt ending mid-calf. That contrast is what makes the cream blue green patterned midi dress work for the beach, since the busy fabric carries the look without extra layers. The barefoot styling suits sandy walks, and the straw bag, layered necklaces, and bangles keep the accessories light. It works for most body types and adapts to cooler evenings with a light cover-up. To recreate it, look for a patterned midi dress, then a straw bag, layered necklaces, and bangles.
Floral Maxi Dress with Cut-Out Detail
What makes a cut-out waist feel modern instead of fussy? On this floral maxi, the open sides sit at the natural waist while the dress falls in a flowing silhouette from there. The pink, orange, and white floral print stays lightweight, and the plunging neckline balances the covered length. Strappy heeled sandals keep the maxi from dragging and give the whole look a dressier edge for a beach vacation. The cut-out waist detail draws the eye, and the gold bangles add a subtle shine. To recreate it, look for a maxi dress with cut-out sides, then gold bangles and strappy heeled sandals.
Crocheted Shirt Over Bikini for Beach Resort
The white crocheted shirt has short sleeves and an orange trim that picks up the resort palette, and it sits open over a black bikini top with matching shorts. Because the crochet knit is breathable, it adds coverage without trapping heat, which makes it a natural layer for moving from the sand to a poolside bar. The open front lets the bikini show through, so the outfit reads as one deliberate piece rather than two separate ones. Layered necklaces and sunglasses complete the look. It suits anyone transitioning from beach to a casual resort setting. To recreate it, look for a crocheted shirt with orange trim, then a bikini top, crocheted shorts, layered necklaces, and sunglasses.
Flowing Blue Maxi Dress for Beach
A practical rule for beach dressing is to pick pieces that move with you, and this flowing blue maxi does exactly that. The loose fit means the skirt swings freely as you walk, and on a rocky shoreline that ease matters as much as the color. Flat sandals are the sensible choice for uneven terrain, since they give you steady footing where the sand meets the stones. The blue shade stays cool and calm against the ocean backdrop, and a white woven bag plus sunglasses keep the accessories minimal. The relaxed cut is comfortable for various body types and leaves room for movement. To recreate it, look for a flowing blue maxi dress in a loose fit, then flat sandals, a white woven bag, and sunglasses.
Brown Strapless Top and Sheer Pants Set
The brown strapless top fits close to the body, and the matching sheer wide-leg pants hang loose from the waist, which creates a clear top-heavy balance. Sheer fabric over swimwear gives the set a fashion-forward edge that a solid pants pair would not, and the coordinated brown tone keeps it from feeling scattered. Brown sandals tie the whole look together. This set suits a more daring beach silhouette and provides leg coverage while still showing skin through the sheer weave. To recreate it, look for a strapless top and sheer wide-leg pants set in brown, then brown sandals.
Linen Trousers with Tie-Detail Top
High-waisted, wide-leg beige linen trousers create a long, clean line for a casual day out. The cream sleeveless top with tie details at the shoulders adds a soft, feminine counterpoint to the trousers’ relaxed volume. Pointed-toe heels sharpen the proportions, making the wide leg look deliberate. A brown handbag and gold earrings keep the palette warm and cohesive. This ensemble offers a sophisticated yet comfortable option for errands or lunch. To recreate it, look for wide-leg linen trousers, a sleeveless top with tie details, a brown handbag, and gold earrings.
Gingham Shorts with Ruffled Top
Red gingham shorts in a cotton fabric bring a playful, graphic punch to a beach vacation wardrobe. The fitted white ruffled top balances the shorts’ short length and bold pattern, keeping the silhouette light and summery. Espadrille wedges with ankle ties add height and a relaxed, seaside feel that matches the outfit’s energy. A straw tote bag and a simple watch complete the look without weighing it down. This pairing works well for different heights, and you can adjust the wedge height to suit your comfort. To recreate it, look for red gingham shorts, a ruffled top, a straw tote bag, and espadrille wedges with ankle ties.
Wrap Mini Dress with Voluminous Sleeves
What makes a wrap mini dress feel right for an event rather than just the beach? The voluminous sleeves and tie waist give it a structured, dressy quality that makes the white fabric stand out. Gold strappy heeled sandals add a metallic finish that catches the eye, while white sunglasses and a white quilted handbag keep the look cohesive. The wrap style adapts easily to different figures, and the sleeves provide a fashionable focal point. This outfit suits a mini dress that transitions from a seaside lunch to a late-afternoon gathering. To recreate it, look for a wrap mini dress with voluminous sleeves and a tie waist, plus gold strappy heeled sandals to dress it up.
Floral Print Midi Dress for Summer
A white short-sleeve midi dress with a delicate pink floral print and an A-line silhouette offers a light, airy option for summer days. The midi length hits below the knee, creating a modest yet breezy profile that pairs well with strappy heeled sandals. The A-line shape skims the body without clinging, making it a comfortable choice for daytime outings. This dress suits a range of body types and occasions, from a garden party to a casual city stroll. To recreate it, look for a floral print dress in a short-sleeve midi length, and add strappy heeled sandals to keep the look polished.
Tiered Mini Dress with Coral Print
For warm-weather dressing, choose a sleeveless tiered mini dress when you want ease of movement and a relaxed fit. This teal style with a red coral print offers a vibrant, resort-ready look that requires minimal styling. The tiered silhouette adds gentle volume without being restrictive, and the cotton fabric keeps it breathable. Clear block heel mules give a modern touch to the playful print, while sunglasses complete the beach-resort aesthetic. This dress works as a statement piece that feels comfortable in the heat. To recreate it, look for a sleeveless tiered mini dress with a coral print, and pair it with clear block heel mules.
Striped Wide-Leg Pants with Navy Top, Close-Up Take
The wide-leg striped pants carry the whole outfit, and they do it without much help. The navy blue jersey knit top sits close through the body, which gives the voluminous white and blue striped pants room to move without the look feeling shapeless. White sandals keep the finish light and let the pants stay the focal point. Wearing white blue striped wide leg pants with a navy top suits a relaxed, beach casual silhouette that still looks deliberate. To recreate it, look for striped wide-leg pants in a woven fabric and pair them with a fitted navy top.
Blue Floral Maxi Dress by the Ocean, Nude Block Heel Sandals
The blue floral print maxi dress uses a lightweight fabric that falls from the shoulders into a clean A-line shape, with the hem grazing the ankles. Nude block heel sandals add subtle height while keeping the stance steady on sandy ground. The blue, white, red, and green print gives the dress a classic beach palette that does not rely on accessories. This blue floral print maxi dress works as a flowing dress that still holds its shape, and the block heels make it easy to wear from the boardwalk to an outdoor dinner. To recreate it, look for a maxi dress in a lightweight floral print and add nude block heel sandals.
Black and White Floral Maxi Dress on Beach, Close-Up Take
A spaghetti strap maxi dress in a black and white floral print has a skirt that moves with every step, and that movement is the point. The lightweight fabric catches the breeze and swings freely, so the dress feels more like a cover-up than a structured gown, which suits a relaxed beach day perfectly. Flat shoes are the natural match here, since the flowing skirt already provides the drama. The monochrome floral pattern keeps the look crisp even when the wind picks up, making it a versatile choice for anyone who wants a beach dress that photographs well without trying hard. To recreate it, look for a maxi dress in a lightweight floral fabric and wear it with flat shoes.
Linen Pants with Knit Cardigan Set, Relaxed Fit
What makes a white linen pants beige knit set casual outfit feel finished without any effort? The layering. Wide-leg white linen pants set the relaxed base, while a beige cropped knit top and an open cardigan in the same warm tone add structure without tightening the fit. Flat sandals keep the whole look grounded and easy for a day of wandering. This comfortable combination suits anyone who wants a put-together look that still allows movement, and the cardigan can be slipped on or off as the temperature shifts. To recreate it, look for wide-leg linen pants in white, then add a cropped knit top and an open cardigan in a matching neutral.
Striped Wide-Leg Pants with Off-Shoulder Top, Platform Sandals
An off-shoulder neckline draws the eye upward, which makes it a clever counterpoint to the volume of wide-leg pants. This light blue off-shoulder top with lace trim sits against blue and white striped wide-leg pants, so the fitted upper half balances the sweeping lower half. Platform sandals add height and keep the wide-leg silhouette from overwhelming the frame, while hoop earrings fill the space the bare neckline leaves open. The combination suits anyone who wants to highlight the shoulders without giving up the comfort of a relaxed pant. To recreate it, look for an off-shoulder top in light blue with lace trim, and pair it with blue and white striped wide-leg pants.
Red Lace Top with White Denim Shorts
A red off-shoulder lace top gives beach dressing its focal point. The cropped cut lands at the waist, which keeps the proportions balanced against short white denim shorts, so the look stays playful and fuss free. Studded flat sandals are the right call here: they add a bit of detail without competing with the lace, and they handle sand and boardwalk miles with ease. The white wide-brim hat and sunglasses tie the red and white palette together. This red off shoulder lace top and white denim shorts pairing suits a mix of feminine and casual. To recreate it, look for a red lace top, white denim shorts, a white wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and studded flat sandals.
Lace Top and Slip Skirt for Evening
A slip skirt with dark brown lace trim at the hem brings a subtle texture contrast that moves the piece beyond basic. Here it is paired with a brown long-sleeve lace top, and the two share enough tonal warmth to look like a deliberate set. The fitted top balances the column silhouette of the cream skirt, which skims straight down for a clean line. Strappy sandals keep the evening look grounded, and a necklace and bracelet add the finishing touches. This elegant pairing suits evening occasions. To recreate it, look for a lace trim slip skirt, a long sleeve lace top, and strappy sandals.
Hot Pink Ribbed Knit Midi Dress
The cut-out details on a hot pink ribbed knit midi dress catch the eye before the color even registers, and that is the point. The fitted silhouette follows the body through the torso, while the midi length keeps the look event-appropriate. A tie front adds a soft break in the bold color. Strappy heeled sandals extend the leg line, and the tweed handbag introduces a different texture against the ribbed knit. A gold necklace completes the vibrant evening look. The fitted shape suits anyone who wants to highlight their figure, and the midi length works across dress codes. To recreate it, look for a cut-out midi dress in a ribbed knit, hot pink, strappy heeled sandals, and a tweed handbag.
Pale Yellow Midi Skirt with Off-Shoulder Top
A pale yellow midi skirt with lace trim has a softness that makes it an easy reach for summer outings. The skirt sits at the natural waist and falls into a flowy shape, while the white off-the-shoulder crop top keeps the upper half fitted and bright. That contrast, a snug top over a fuller skirt, gives the outfit its balance. Pink block heel sandals add a pop of color and a little height without sacrificing comfort on a long day out. This combination suits anyone who likes to pair separates and wants a feminine detail in their rotation. To recreate it, look for a pale yellow midi skirt with lace trim, an off-the-shoulder crop top, and pink block heel sandals.
Cream Linen Shorts Set for Beach Vacation
What is the easiest way to look put-together on a beach vacation without thinking too hard about it? A matching set. A cream cropped puff sleeve top pairs with high-waisted shorts in the same linen blend, so the outfit already coordinates before you add anything else. The fitted top balances the relaxed cut of the shorts, and the puff sleeves give the set a little personality. Flat slide sandals are the practical finish for sandy walks, and sunglasses plus a crossbody bag keep your hands free. This coordinated set offers a comfortable option for beach destinations. To recreate it, look for a cropped puff sleeve top, high-waisted shorts in a linen blend, flat slide sandals, sunglasses, and a crossbody bag.
Floral Romper for Beach Vacation
An off-the-shoulder romper in an orange and white floral print with ruffled details is a one-piece answer to beach vacation dressing. The woven fabric holds its shape through the fitted bodice, while the short length keeps things cool. Flat sandals are the practical pick for sandy strolls. This style suits anyone who wants a single piece that works from the shore to a casual lunch. To recreate it, look for a floral print romper with an off-the-shoulder neckline, ruffled trim, and flat sandals that match the print’s accent colors.
Taupe Romper for Casual Summer Day
A practical rule for a casual summer day: choose a romper with a drawstring waist, because it lets you adjust the fit in seconds. This taupe short-sleeve version is cut from a jersey knit that drapes into a relaxed silhouette, and the pockets add real utility. Heeled sandals give the laid-back piece a bit of polish without overdoing it. The drawstring waist makes it adaptable for different body shapes and comfort preferences. To recreate it, look for a short sleeve romper in taupe with a drawstring waist, and finish with heeled sandals and a delicate necklace.
Denim Shorts with Striped Top and Yellow Cardigan
High-waisted blue denim shorts paired with a white and blue striped top get a dose of sunshine from a yellow cardigan. The cardigan adds warmth for breezy beach moments and ties the whole look together with its cheerful hue. Yellow platform sandals echo the cardigan and add a little height. This layering approach works well for a beach day when the weather can’t make up its mind. To recreate it, look for high-waisted denim shorts, a striped top, and a yellow cardigan, then match it with yellow platform sandals.
Floral Ocean Maxi Dress
A floral ocean maxi dress brings the beach’s palette directly into your outfit, with a tropical print that mixes yellow, white, green, blue, and purple. The lightweight woven fabric skims the body through a fitted waist before falling to a short length. The halter neckline and fitted waist create a flattering line that suits beach vacations and summer days alike. To recreate it, look for a floral ocean maxi dress with a halter neckline and a fitted waist that flares into a short skirt.
Striped Maxi Dress for Beach Boardwalk
Bold blue and white stripes on a cotton maxi dress make a clear nautical statement for a beach boardwalk. The A-line silhouette skims the body from the shoulders down to a full, flowing hem, which moves nicely with each step. White sneakers keep the look comfortable for long walks, and a straw tote bag adds a natural touch. The classic stripes and A-line cut make this dress a versatile choice for casual seaside strolls. To recreate it, look for a striped maxi dress in blue and white with an A-line cut, and pair it with white sneakers and a straw tote bag.
Orange Printed Midi Dress with Asymmetrical Hem
What makes a printed midi dress feel current instead of predictable? An asymmetrical hemline does exactly that. This orange spaghetti strap dress with a blue palm print has an A-line shape, and the uneven hem keeps the eye moving. Flat sandals are the practical call here. They let the dress’s modern line do the talking. The asymmetrical cut works well for a midi dress with more structure than a standard tiered style. To recreate it, look for an orange printed dress with a spaghetti strap cut and an asymmetrical hem.
Yellow Tunic Over Light Blue Jeans
The asymmetrical tunic top has a hem that falls longer in back than in front, which gives a simple cotton jersey piece a defined shape. This bright yellow version sits loosely over light blue jeans, creating a relaxed top half balanced by the fitted denim below. Snakeskin print low heels add a textural contrast that keeps the outfit from reading as purely athletic. It is a solid choice for casual daytime wear when you want coverage without bulk. To recreate it, look for a yellow tunic top with an asymmetrical hem and light blue jeans.
Tropical Leaf Print Maxi Dress for Beach
For beach dressing, a simple silhouette lets the print stand out. This sleeveless maxi dress has an uncomplicated A-line shape, and the multi-colored tropical leaf pattern provides all the visual energy. The dress skims the body without clinging, making it a comfortable choice for warm days by the water. Heart-shaped sunglasses and large statement earrings echo the playful spirit of the print without competing with it. To recreate it, look for a sleeveless maxi dress in a tropical leaf print and add small accessories that match the mood.
Pink Eyelet Peplum Top with Denim Skirt
The peplum top gets its shape from a flared ruffle at the waist, and the eyelet fabric adds a layer of texture that reads as summery rather than formal. This pink camisole version pairs with a blue denim button-front skirt, which gives the outfit a clear structure: fitted above, A-line below. Brown slide sandals keep the finish casual, and a crossbody bag reinforces the low-key mood. The combination suits anyone looking for a put-together summer look that still feels easy. To recreate it, look for a peplum top in pink eyelet and wear it with a denim skirt.
Final Thoughts
- Pair flowy maxi dresses with flat sandals for easy boardwalk walking.
- Balance cropped tops with high-waisted shorts or wide-leg pants.
- Let bold prints, like florals or stripes, be the focal point of your look.
- Pack light layers, like a crocheted shirt or cardigan, for breezy evenings.
Keep these outfit ideas in your back pocket for your next beach trip. A little planning goes a long way toward feeling comfortable and confident in the sun.
