I Moved to the Coast—Here's What to Wear to the British Seaside

I've lived by the coast since February 1 last year, and I'm still in the process of working out my best British seaside looks. Although most of my outfits for blustery seafront walks have been focused on layering, with the weather forecast looking up, my hopes for a more fabulous summer wardrobe are too. So what can one wear to the British seaside this summer and not feel cold? And also, how can a staycation wardrobe be just as exciting to prepare as a vacation one? 

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(Image credit: @sara_waiste)

First and foremost, it's about checking your chosen trusted weather app religiously. Basically, don't even think about hitting the coast without fully scoping out the forecast. Second, dress for the beach experience you're aiming for. If you want to sunbathe or swim, then make sure you've got clothing that's easy to whip on and off, and don't forget to pack a jumbo towel or sheet to change behind at the end of the day. If you're planning on staying late for a little sundowner moment, take knitwear and layers—this is the UK, not Greece, after all. And finally, start from the shoes up: If you're planning on a long walk or a stroll around a seaside town, keep things sensible. Pebbles and sand are no friend to heels, and you don't want to be held back from getting stuck at this stage. A big basket bag will tote all the essentials around, and a hat, headscarf or hairband will stop the annoying sea-breeze hair choke from happening every 30 seconds. And don't you dare forget your SPF! Keep scrolling for some perfect British seaside outfit ideas to spend the summer in.

1. Shorts Co-Ords

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: So you've checked the Met weather app a thousand times, and the forecast looks hot, hot, hot. Yes, a little sundress would do nicely, but if you're looking for a cute alternative, I'd guide you to this season's collection of shorts co-ords.

2. Jacket + Jeans + Sneakers

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: It's very possible that your beach plans go from sunbathing and reading to having a brisk "blow the cobwebs away" kind of walk. If that's how things are looking, then be sensible and pack for the experience you're getting. A cool jacket, classic jeans and trainers you don't mind getting a bit dirty will be the formula.

3. Kaftan + Flat Sandals

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(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Style Notes: High-summer beach days call for something easy and bohemian to lounge about in that you can quickly whip on and off over your chosen swimwear. Take a cue from Erica Davies with this combination of a retro kaftan and simple sandals.

4. White Jeans + White Top + Basket Bag

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: The vibe is more French Riviera than Norfolk, but the idea of an all-white look with a basket bag is one that travels the globe well, looking chic wherever it goes.

5. Classic Midi + Flip-Flops

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(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Style Notes: Your friends have decided to have a beach barbecue at the last minute. What do you do to get out of the house as fast as possible? Throw on a classic striped midi dress, slide into those flip-flops, and make sure you pick up some halloumi en route—that's what! 

6. Tee + Printed Skirt + Trainers

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(Image credit: @mariamcfarlanee)

Style Notes: You want the outfit to say "I made an effort" without saying you made an effort. So herein lies the answer: a casual beachy ensemble with a motif or vintage tee tucked into a swishy skirt and topped off with classic white basket sneaks. 

Next up, 13 classic dresses worth the money.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.