Nothing says summer like a trip to the coast. Whether you’re embracing a seaside staycation in Cornwall or Norfolk, escaping to the French or Italian Rivieras or following the sun to the tropical islands of Hawaii or the Maldives, there’s something remarkably special about stepping onto sun-soaked shorelines to take in picturesque ocean views. Better do it in style, then, and that starts with packing the right pieces in your suitcase.

From lightweight linen and breezy summer dresses to stylish swimwear and floppy straw hats, coastal dressing should strike a balance between laidback and effortless, glamorous and sophisticated. Think cool and comfortable but undeniably chic looks to see you through days of salty sea air, open-water swimming and gelatos and spritzes at beachside bars. 

So, what to pack for a coastal getaway? We’ve got you covered, from sunrise to sunset, with our edit. 

Swimwear

Let’s start with swimwear, because let’s face it, a beach holiday means spending the majority of your time in your favourite cossies. Whether that’s a stylish Riviera-ready one-piece or a flattering, feminine bikini, choose from an abundance of designs for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in style. Top tip: take a couple with you so you always have a dry one to slip into.

For a standout statement look, we love Emilia Wickstead’s sunny yellow checkerboard swimsuit, created in collaboration with Palm Heights, while Paper London’s navy stripe style promises coastal chic that would fit in perfectly in the Hamptons and Monaco. Faithfull’s Greek island-inspired bikini, meanwhile, is girly and playful, and Sara Cristina’s two-piece allows for maximum tanning.

Cover-ups 

Complete your beach look with a glamorous cover-up to fling over your swimwear when headed to the beach cafe or club. From exquisite kaftans and exotic sarongs to easy breezy linen dresses, there’s a style for every taste. 

Johanna Ortiz and SIR both offer gorgeous styles that wrap around the waist to sit perfectly over your bikini. The former’s printed design brings a tropical edge, while the latter’s monochrome palette and shorter silhouette offers a contemporary look. If you prefer a little more coverage when strolling around coastal villages, look to Lemlem’s easy-to-throw-on kaftan in a pretty pink and white print – it will pair wonderfully with your raffia tote and sandals. Elsewhere, Anna Kosturova’s cobalt blue maxi dress is fun, bold and a little bit risqué with its peekaboo crochet fabrication.

Co-ords

When you’re not in your swimwear, lapping up the rays or floating in the ocean, it’s best to have some equally cool and coastal-ready looks on hand. For daytime, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics that don’t compromise on style. Think linen and cotton, floaty fits, pretty pastels and light-hued colours. 

A co-ord is a great choice, as you can wear both pieces together or as separates, which saves space when you’re packing and offers several outfit options. The Frankie Shop’s matching striped shirt and shorts bring a nautical edge, while Agua by Agua Bendita’s tank and mini skirt duo are feminine and beautifully finished with scalloped edges. Both sets are perfect for wearing from day to night; just swap from sandals to heels, and finish with your favourite holiday accessories. 

Summer dresses 

Alternatively, you can’t go wrong with a summer dress. Striking the perfect balance between glam and effortless, accessorise with a floppy hat and big sunnies for undeniable holiday chic. 

Looking for something simple but effective? Co’s Basque midi dress is ideal for wearing from your morning iced coffee run to evening cocktails, and is nice and airy thanks to its cotton fabric. For something a little more extravagant, Farm Rio never disappoints with its fun prints and intricate design details – this shell-printed halterneck dress is a case in point. 

Shorter lengths more your vibe? Andres Otalora has you sorted with its joyful Joyita mini dress in a punchy blue and white tropical print, as does Posse, with its elegant Luna dress in more muted tones and dainty halter straps.

Sun hats

Accessories are paramount for a coastal getaway, and a trip to the beach without your sun hat is like braving the Alps without a woolly beanie. Not only will a good sun hat protect you from strong UV rays and keep you shaded and cool, but it will also add instant je nais se quois to your seaside look. 

For a classic wide-brimmed style, make Loro Piana your point of call. Its straw Artemisia hat is inspired by traditional Venetian headwear and oozes effortless old-school glamour. Dolce & Gabbana, meanwhile, takes a trusty raffia sun hat and adds a big splash of colour (as the Italian fashion house does best) with a floral printed ribbon, perfect for la dolce vita.

Prefer something a little more modern and youthful? Loeffler Randall’s gingham-effect bucket hat is bold and unique, while Miu Miu’s baseball cap is sporty and tres chic in its blue cotton denim. 

Sunglasses 

Perhaps the crème de la crème of summer dressing, make sunglasses an essential for your coastal escape and wear all day, every day, from dawn ‘til dusk. The best part? There are so many styles to choose from to suit all face shapes, from oversized to rectangular and cat-eye silhouettes. 

Chloe and Celine both do sunglasses very well, each offering timeless styles that are perfect for the modern woman. Chloe’s round-framed acetate pair will bring the drama to your look, while Celine’s geometric metal frames are unique and understated. Prada adds a yellow frosted finish to its rectangular frames for a colourful iteration, and Loewe takes it a step further with a blue flower-shaped design guaranteed to make a statement. 

Jewellery

Of course, no outfit is complete without a splash of jewellery, and while on your coastal getaway, it only seems fitting to don a few sea-inspired pieces. From shells to fish and beautiful corals to freshwater pearls, nautical jewellery is the perfect way to embrace coastal style and subtly nod to your surroundings.

Binker + Eliza, Jennifer Behr and Anni Lou each showcase shells in their collections across elegant, sculpted necklaces and earrings, while Isabel Marant’s fish drop earrings are playful and fun. An easy solution for transitioning your look from day to night.

Suncream

We couldn’t not include this highly important item on our coastal packing checklist, and if it’s not on yours already, add it now. Sun-soaked destinations and warm, balmy days call for suncream, especially by the coast. Ensure you have the appropriate SPF protection with you and stay safe and shielded on your trip (and avoid returning home a tomato – it’s not a good look, trust me).

Swedish brand Narcyss has just launched a new suncream offering SPF50+ with a hydrating formula to keep skin nourished all holiday long (usefully, it’s also water-resistant). Lancaster’s Sun Beauty Bold Milk provides SPF30 and will help prolong your tan thanks to its tan activator complex formula (win win). Too much exposure? Have after-sun and aloe vera gel at the ready. Caudalie and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s offerings are both great options for instant relief and rehydration.

Shoes 

While you may spend a lot of your time barefoot on the beach, having an easy pair of flip flops or trusty Birkenstocks on hand is always a good idea. Sand-appropriate and breathable, they’re easy to slip on when wandering to and from the beach and hopping between the cafe and bar. De Siena’s beaded flip flops will go with every outfit, while Birkenstock’s Arizonas in a high-shine baby blue are as comfy as they are chic. 

When dressing up for the evening, change into something a little more glamorous and elevated, like Amanu’s black leather sandals with gold detailing, or Loeffler Randall’s chunky platform espadrilles with vibrant red ribbons and raffia soles.

Bags

Last but by no means least is a coastal getaway-appropriate bag. That means beach totes and baskets by day (to fill with your sunglasses, suncream, beach towel, book, etc), clutches and mini shoulder bags by night (for the bare necessities – lippy and your phone).

Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza raffia basket tote is capacious, chic and will match perfectly with your straw hat, while Lulu Guinness’ stripy beach tote with the brand’s signature lip motif is a summertime staple. When evening hits and you’re dolled up for sunset mojitos, swap for smaller, less bulky styles that are both sweet and sophisticated. We love Seni Studios’ clutch adorned with faux shell charms, while Pucci’s playful ‘Puccinella’ bag is charming and simply irresistible.  

Read more: What to pack for a weekend in the country