Beach Party Outfit Ideas: How to be Chic in the Sun

Tis the season for beach parties in our beautiful island nation, Jamaica. (Well, it’s always the season here.) That means it’s time to refresh my beach party outfit ideas! If you’re wondering what to wear to a beach party, you’re in the right place.

My absolute favorite thing about living on the islands has to be the abundance of beach parties. It’s my favorite favorite favorite type of party! So trust me when I say I know what you need to wear to enjoy yourself all day long!

First things first, your water party outfit.

Beach Party Outfit Ideas

My recommendation for your beach party outfit is to keep it light and airy. Remember, you’ll be out in the sun for a bit and will probably be consuming a few alcoholic drinks. You won’t want to be a hot sweaty mess when the sunset comes around. So especially for Jamaican party outfits, keep it cute!

If you’re opting out of wearing a swimsuit, a short set or romper is a good way to go. They’re everyone’s go-tos for beach party outfits here in Jamaica. Matching sets are also very on trend right now like this one.

This ruffled shorts set goes up to size XXL and is perfect for a tropical beach party. It comes in a few different colors but I love the white. Here I am in mine.

Don’t you love how it pops against the hues of the ocean?

This cute ruffle bikini is available in a variety of colors and prints as well and goes up to size 22. If you’re going to wear a swimsuit, it’s a great option. Here are some other swimsuit options that are currently trending and some options for plussize swimsuits too.

Here I am making a plus-size version work.

And if you’re not feeling to bare the belly, a one-piece off-shoulder swimmie with ruffles is cute too! Get a similar one to my blue piece here. I paired them with these cute harem shorts with pockets.

These adorable crochet shorts would work well too and they come in a variety of colors to match or contrast your swimsuit.

Coverup Ideas

Speaking of crochet, this is a cute coverup perfect for a beach party outfit. Crochet will keep you dry and cool in the heat and is also island-chic.

Lace is also a perfect option too. Get this one here. It’s the perfect white dress for a beach party.

For a little more coverage, beach party dresses like this are a great option. This unique wrap dress coverup is available in a number of colors and is super chic and easy to wear. I have a short print version and I love it.

If your party starts late afternoon and goes to sunset and beyond, don’t be afraid to bring the glam. This neon two-piece set with a high slit is the perfect tropical beach party look for making a statement at a beach party. It would be amazing with metallic accessories, an obnoxious beach hat a red lip, and your sunnies. It comes in white and different colors too.

Speaking of sunnies, let’s get into some beachwear accessories that are super important for a sunny day of rum and festivities.

1. Sunblock

Of course, number one on the list is sunblock. It’s going to be hot! This is my favorite one for my face because it’s very light but has SPF 60!  It’s also small enough to fit in my purse. Apply sunscreen to your skin before you leave home and bring it with you to reapply, especially if you sweat or are likely to go in the water. At the very least, use a tinted moisturizer above SPF 30.

2. Lipstick/gloss

Beach parties tend to be more brutal on the skin than night parties because they go from day to night which means our makeup takes more of a beating than a night out. You’re likely to be munching on something delectable at some point through the night so be sure to bring your lippie to reapply. Here’s a great lip balm with SPF!

3. Wristlet/Cross Body Bag

These are your best bet on the beach to keep your hands free for drinks or selfies while keeping all your knickknacks in place. This isn’t the time for one of your best designer crossbodys.

These options I have and love. The first is a vegan leather one that can be worn as a wristlet or cross-body bag and the other printed embroidered option is a great accessory for solid-color outfits.

They’re stylish and big enough to stash your phone, sunnies when the sun goes down, cash, keys, ID, cards, travel-sized sunscreen/moisturizer, and lip gloss. You don’t need anything else at a beach party.

4. Sunnies

Surely you can’t go to a beach party without a pair of sunnies that make a statement while protecting your eyes from the rays.

White sunnies for a beach party is perfect. Or of course go with the black bejeweled sunnies. Just make sure your peepers are protected.

5. Sandals

Bridget’s are the go-to sandals in this demographic in Jamaica which means you’ll be in the same sandals as everybody else. Branch out and get something stylish that feels better on the sand or even in the water. A leather upper with a rubber sole has never looked so good. Function and style. Just don’t be that girl trying to navigate sand in heels.

6. Water bottle

It’s becoming a trend to bring your own signature cup or bottle to these types of parties because going to the bar countless times really isn’t the business. Bring this infuser bottle filled with water to sip in between your cocktails. Keep yourself hydrated and responsible.

An infuser bottle will add style, function, AND taste/nutrition to your party experience. Add some fruit to the insert and fill it with water from the night before so that your water will be ready to go in time for the party.

7 – Beach hair and hair ties

Remember, it’s hot. We love the pretty curls, beachy waves, and carefree hair but a backup scroogie aka hair tie is a must, just in case you have to tie up your situation when it gets too hot and sweaty on the dancefloor.

8 – Obnoxious Beach Hat

An oversized floppy hat is a must at the beach for protection from the sun and to look tres chic! This one even has a quote embroidered on it which is so on-trend.

If your hat looks monotonous, you can give it a makeover to make it look unique.

For example, use Hat Pins to decorate your hat. Not only do hat pins reflect your sense of fashion and personality, adding more fashion elements to your hat, but also they are very practical, which can help to secure the hat to your hair so that it won’t be blown away by the sea breeze. Hat pins also adjust the size of your hat for a better fit and comfort.

Remember to wear a beach party dress that will take you from day to night. If you go for a swimsuit, you might ditch the cover-up during the day but you may need it if it gets nippy at night. Wear something that you’ll be comfortable in and won’t be self-conscious the whole time.

Paint your nails a pretty tropical color and keep your accessories light and fun. Let loose and enjoy yourself, just do it responsibly so you won’t feel like you want to bury your face in the sand the next day. See you on the sands this weekend!

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