Ah, summertime. The days are longer, the weather is warmer and people are eagerly planning their beach trips of the season. A day at the shore may be easy on the soul, but it can be harsh on your style game. Yet, we're often left making the difficult decision between wearing something stylish or throwing on something functional—but what if you didn't have to choose? Well this season, we're squashing your beach-style misconceptions and making the bold claim you can look chic despite a day of sun and sand. To do this, we teamed up with NYC and Romio Lifestyle Expert Jada Wong to share her seven exclusive style tips for nailing your beach look, without sacrificing comfort and safety. So, don't just beat the heat this summer—bring it.
Try a One-Piece Swimsuit
I’ve been into one-piece swimsuits recently. They’re more comfortable than bikinis IMO, and they double as tops so you can easily go from the beach to the bar. I have a few styles from Michael Kors that I really love and are on heavy rotation all season long.
Choose a Sundress Instead of a Cover-Up
I like to wear breezy sundresses or T-shirt dresses over my swimsuit. They’re just as flowy as traditional cover-ups, but offer more coverage and make for an easier transitional piece for the boardwalk. Pick a loose style that’s easy to pull on and off, and in a fast-drying fabric like cotton or linen. (I also wear my “cover-ups” as regular summer dresses — double-duty FTW!)
Slip into Beach-To-Bar Sandals
If I know I’m going to dinner that’s not at a fast food joint after the beach, I’ll wear something more appropriate than cheap, plastic flip-flops. I love everything from Madewell, and their shoes are amazing. These slides are perfect for the beach — they’re flat, easy to slip on and off, and ring in under $100!
Wear Sunglasses that Actually Cover Eyes
I’m a function-over-fashion type, so I like large sunglasses that actually protect my eyes from damaging UV rays. I don’t understand why the tiny ones are so popular! Yay Sunshine has a great selection of chic styles that fit my Asian face — they sit on the bridge of my nose instead of resting on my cheeks, so I don't wind up with half-moon indents on my face.
Try a Protective Hairstyle
Ever had a sunburn on your scalp? Yeah, it’s not fun. Protect your scalp at the beach by pulling your hair back to cover your part. Throw your hair up in a ponytail, bun, or even a braid — the key is to just slick your hair back and keep the sun from burning any exposed skin. Once you’re ready to leave the beach, just let your hair down and give yourself a deep-side part for beach-blessed texture.
Or Just Wear a Hat
For more protection, try a hat. It’ll protect your scalp and skin, and there are tons of cute styles out there that won’t cramp your style. I have an oversized straw hat that says “Do Not Disturb” along the brim — it really embodies my beach-day vibe so I can drink my canned rosé in bliss.
Don’t Forget The Sunscreen!
I wear SPF 15 every day, but when I’m in the sun for hours, I make sure to use SPF 35 or 50. And I reapply after I swim or have been out for an hour or so — just because you put on sunscreen in the morning doesn’t mean your skin is still protected in the afternoon.
And read the Label for Harmful Ingredients!
Even if you can’t swim, you might splash around in the ocean. But before you do, make sure your SPF is coral reef-safe by avoiding harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. There are other ingredients to look for, but these two are the most common ones that can damage coral reefs. The Environmental Working Group is a great source of education for reef-safe sunscreens, and you can check if the one you use or want to buy is reef-safe too.
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