I’ve styled numerous celebrities, helped plenty of “regular” people style up their outfits for important events, participated in organizing high-class weddings, beach parties, over the top birthday bashes, etc. and with all this experience I’ve learned that style is an inborn feature but that it also can be nurtured in a person who lets their kitsch guard down and lets experts like myself and plenty of my amazing colleagues help out.
Out of all the people and events I’ve been engaged with, to my surprise – most common style mistakes had to do with beach parties. And, to some extend – I get that. You want to look fabulous (especially if we are talking an A-lister’s party) but then again it’s summer and it’s hot and it’s supposed to be casual.
Not to let a what-was-she-thinking-moment happen to you I’ve listed some of the things you should and should not wear when attending a beach wedding party.
Here we go…
High heels
It’s a beach party. I do understand you want to look taller, make your legs look slimmer, and that tushy go plump on you but still – unless the party is in a hotel or a closed space with actual floor, don’t wear high heels. Instead, opt for strippy sandals, gladiator boots or open toe flats. Even ballet flats in light colors may work.
Makeup and hair
Too much makeup is a killer of any outfit, especially the one you were going to wear for the beach party. Say goodbye to all that contouring and go with that easy-breezy makeup style. A lot of mascara will make your eyes pop, a slightly darker blush (depending on your skin tone, opt for darker shades of bronze or pink) will add drama to your cheekbones and a glossy lipstick will look summery fresh but make a statement.
Oh and, under no circumstances wear a full-on bun on a beach event. A messy bun is okay while your hair slicked back like you’ve just emerged from the water, or light, tousled hair are definitely the best choices!
Accessorize
Summertime is all about accessorizing! Huge hat pieces, statement necklaces and bracelets, oversized bags and such similar articles are an absolute must! Can you honestly imagine attending a fabulous party without sporting an amazing head-piece? Of course not!
Going for fabulous designer accessories featuring ethnic or marine ornaments like sea stars, anchors, animals, etc. may be really cute! If you overdo it, though – you’ll just look tacky!
Tight clothes
If you opt for a tight outfit for a beach party don’t be surprised if you end up being the talk of the party. In a bad way, though. Summer is all about easy put-togethers and you want to look effortlessly chic for a beach event! Flowy dresses, tunics, wrap dresses, shorts, flowy trousers (the best materials are cotton, linen, silk, Georgette, poly crepe, etc) paired with see-through tops (always wear a bra or a top of your bikini underneath!)… Anything too stiff will suffocate you.
Playsuits
Playsuits are my favorite piece of clothing for a beach event! There are so many options when it comes to this chameleon outfit! Dressing a playsuit down makes it a perfect option for a day event while dressing it up creates a fabulous outfit for an even more fabulous A-list party. Paired up with a floor-length lacy cape or wrap, simple sandals and a stand-out piece of jewellery, a playsuit will make you look like a queen!
I honestly hope you’ll take at least some of my advice. Now, go enjoy your party and look fabulous!
Disclosure: This post was authored by Peter, a fashion stylist and a writer from Brisbane, Australia. Who has worked as a wardrobe assistant for Fashion Festival Brisbane!
rosemary palmer says
cute ideas, but most are too young for me. I’m always looking for ideas for my cruise wear though. Cute and cool and the rules for this.
Stephanie says
Those outfits are amazing! I especially like the heels and the playsuit. And also someone needs to feed the model in the vintage looking picture. That’s just craziness!
Jeanine says
Great tips and the outfits? Are amazing. Wish I could pull off any of them. They are actually really gorgeous. I love the looks in “high heels” so pretty !
Rebecca Swenor says
These are great tips for what and what not to wear for a beach party indeed.. I have to admit I have never wore heels with a swim suit or shorts. Thanks for sharing.
Franc Ramon says
I think for beach wear, it’s best to go for more comfortable outfits. It’s also better to go simple.
XmasDolly says
Well, if I looked like a model I’d be looking that good too! The thing is I DON’T look like a model and it really makes me tired of looking at these girls. What’s wrong with a healthy looking model for us bigger girls. Advertisers they lose so much. I think they catalogs for men and not women.
Angie says
Great tips! I would think the sand might be irritating if it got stuck in ballet flats, but they at least would look good! This gets me excited to hopefully get to at least one beach party before the summer is over:).
Jaime Nicole says
Such great fashion tips as always. I wish I had a beach party to go to so I could put your suggestions to use!
Michelle says
I sure wish I’d had you around for my 10th high school reunion beach party. I was the only woman wearing a bikini I was wearing a sarong to but I felt a little uncomfortable !
Joanne T Ferguson says
You always have great styling tips that I love to see! I love have you have a natural instinct on mixing and matching and highlighting the perfect accessory!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
These all look great! I’m way more casual going to parties, especially at the pool or beach. But, then again, I’m not going to A list events 🙂
Vera Sweeney says
These are great style tips!! I love the sandal options they would be perfect for the beach and a night out as well.
Liz Mays says
These are important things to remember. You have to consider a lot of different things when prepping for a beach party.
Lauren R says
SUCH cute options! I personally don’t accessories on the beach (minus sunnies) but I love these options! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer says
I had no idea there was a dresscode for the beach but these tips make complete sense. No point in going over the top with crazy makeup and hair when you’re having fun on the beach.
Ourfamilyworld says
These are great tips. I can’t understand why some can go to the beach wearing heavy make up.
Zoe Clark says
What an eye candy! Amazing photos!
Chubskulit Rose says
Those are all gorgeous, if only I have the bod like them, lol. Thanks for sharing this stylish beach party clothes.