Everything You Need For Your Beach Holiday Wardrobe
Your guide to a fail-proof holiday closet
Picking essentials for a seaside vacation can be a daunting task!
Do you just plan to read a book or do you also fancy a paddle? Or do you actually plan on dipping in the sea? Your beach tote needs to address every possibility. A great pair of swim trunks and sunglasses along with a beach towel are a must. Jude Law's South of Italy wardrobe in The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) is a great reference point for anyone itching to nail the effortless beach style. From his knitted polo to pleated shorts to slinky sheer short-sleeved shirts, Dickie Greenleaf epitomises Riviera chic to a T, with classic sunglasses, a steel wristwatch, gold rings, and a pork pie hat - accessories befitting the exotic Amalfi coast.
Recently, Vedang Raina was seen lounging on a beach towel sporting a pair of Calvin Klein shorts. He clearly knows the power of a pair of snug-fitting, well-cut swimming trunks which can be a firm foundation for all your seashore vacay clothing!
If you aren't much for colour then go for pieces in either black or navy. Perhaps add a pop of colour by picking a piece featuring a contrasting elasticated drawstring and trimming around the waist. If you're up for some fun and not shy of bold prints then botanical, nautical and floral prints will win you brownie points - both on and off your IG grid.
Louis Vuitton’s Pre-Fall 2025 menswear collection, designed by Pharrell Williams, proposes a travel wardrobe that works wonderfully on a beach, a yacht and also in town. Moreover, swimwear specialist brand Orlebar Brown and back home, Sarah and Sandeep offer some nifty pool-appropriate options.
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Pick swimming trunks which complement your body shape. If one's an oval shape, then an XL size swimwear in monotone, muted hues or vertical stripes work well. If short shorts are too much for you then go for knee-length trunks. For the post swim hours, slip into a pair of cargo shorts or cropped cargo trousers. However, if you aren't a swimmer but enjoy a walk on the beach then Orlebar Brown's co-ord sets are worth considering. Featuring prints adapted from works by artist Sarah Graham, the twinsets are unapologetic, bold, blooming without restraint. Sandro Homme too offers resort shirts featuring prints inspired by summer getaways and silhouettes that breathe. Think light fabrics, spread collars, and understated motifs bringing a sense of ease to each look—perfect for days that unfold slowly and stretch into golden hour.
An organic cotton or a linen short sleeve shirt thrown over a white tank can take your style quotient several notches up. For evenings, a lightweight knitted vest or a jumper worn with a pair of trousers work at an elegant setting, for instance a seaside watering hole. Recently, Ishaan Khatter during his press day photo-op at Cannes, wore a snug fitting jumper from Wales Bonner. Alternatively, the classic white tank top is a smart way to flash your tan. Also worth considering is a half-unbuttoned resort shirt or a marine-style T-shirt or polo. The Cuban collar resort shirt is the beach OG and never lets you down.
Complete your look with a baseball cap or a straw trilby which adds to a dapper finish while also protecting you from the harsh UV rays. Dump all your beach essentials like the SPF, moisturizers, headphones, books etc in a chic raffia tote. Otherwise, a crossbody bum bag or a backpack works too. If you want to ditch the predictable flip-flops, then leather sandals and espadrilles are chicer alternatives. Sandeep Gonsalves, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Sarah & Sandeep likes to keep things effortless but refined. "A good linen co-ord works everywhere — it's structured, breathable, and easy to dress up or down. Our bespoke swim shorts are clean and minimal, with just enough detail to stand out quietly. And I always pack a couple of our knits — they’re sharp, lightweight, and carry that relaxed elegance we believe in".
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Devika Joshi, Brand Lead at Kingdom of White suggests starting with the essentials like crisp white linen shirts and relaxed-fit linen pants. "Invest in light, breathable options made from premium European linen with a 60s yarn count — which means they feel just as good as they look," she suggests. White keeps things cool and the best part is that it pairs effortlessly with soft pastels or earthy neutrals. "Throw on a blush tee under an open white linen shirt, or style those white pants with a beige camp collar shirt — easy, elevated, and totally summer-ready. And don’t sleep on cotton-linen hoodies — they’re soft, breathable, and just right for the breezy evenings," she quips.
Moreover, consider packing lightweight joggers or linen pants that move with you throughout the day. Then, throw in a pair (or two) of cotton shorts — perfect for everything from breakfasts to beach walks. For a dinner date by the shore, swap the shorts for relaxed-fit linen pants — add minimalist leather sandals and a woven belt to polish off your look. "For sporty beach vibes, layer a cotton-linen hoodie over a tank or go bare-chested with your shorts and slides. Don’t forget classic aviators or wayfarers and a bucket hat," she shares.
Beach vacation looks worth investing into:
Louis Vuitton
Pastels always work by the beach as they complement the blue and green of the ocean. These pink shorts worn with a striped shirt and accessorised with a tote epitomise beach chic.
Sarah & Sandeep
This wine hued polo tee and matching shorts pairing can instantly brighten up the poolside.
Kingdom of White
Crisp, white, and breathable — linen shirts work as a cover-up at the beach or buttoned-up for sunset cocktails.
Orlebar Brown
This lumina print co-ord set radiates a silk scarf like sheen. Ideal for lounging by the pool.
