woman on a rock on the beach wearing a white beach dress

It doesn’t get much better than summer, especially when you’re spending time by the sun and surf, going out in the evening, and enjoying the warmth and beauty of the season. It’s also one of the best moments for showing off your favorite fashion items, and the beach dress is the ultimate style piece. You have wonderful options in fabric, color, and design, and our shopping pros are sharing great beach dress ideas for this summer.

1. Shirt Dress Coverup

Let’s face it. If you’re at the beach, then, you’re probably down by the water in your swimsuit soaking up a few rays, reading a book under the beach umbrella, taking a dip into the ocean, and more.

Our shopping experts have the ideal item to wear both on and off the sand. It’s classic and casual. A shirt dress coverup is minimalistic in design with a button-down collar and three-quarter to long-sleeves.

Wear it over your bathing suit or over a slip dress at night. It looks easy-breezy and super-casual.

2. Kimono Dress

Here is another dress idea for the beach that is elegant in a flowy fabric. The kimono dress is all about its exaggerated sleeves. You can find these pretty, v-neck dresses in a variety of bold colors and patterns and usually, in striking floral prints.

A kimono dress can come belted or without and is often available in a mini, midi, or maxi length. Finish the look with strappy sandals and a straw hat.

3. White Dress

Fashion designers would agree that the shade of white is the color that best defines the summer season. White shows off a tan like no other and complements every color on the planet. It looks cool, crisp, and elegant and is flattering on every skin tone.

Best of all, cute white dresses are perfect for the beach on any occasion. Try one in eyelet, or sexy cut-out styling, or with puff sleeves in a mini. Dress it up or dress it down because you can rock a dress in white wherever you go this summer.

4. Gingham Dress

This summer classic looks youthful and playful, and the fabric works beautifully as a beach dress idea. Gingham is known for its brightly colored cotton material in the famous checked pattern, and it’s been around for a long time. Even movie star Brigitte Bardot got married in a pink and white gingham dress in 1959.

Gingham remains popular, and superstars such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna have both wowed their fans in gingham dresses. Actress Mindy Kaling also adores wearing the print quite often during summertime.

5. Halter Dress

This summer dress enhances the collarbone as well as the shoulders and can show off your cleavage depending on its cut. The halter dress is another timeless design that looks lovely on all figures and creates a long, slimline in its vertical styling.

The design of the dress also calls attention to your back, which is often bare, and the halter dress also slims down the upper half of the body. It’s a nice choice for summer by the beach.

6. Smocked Dress

Another fun, beach dress idea to consider this summer is the smocked dress. The design technique of smocking adds feminine details to a summer dress, and it’s flattering to your figure. Smocking fits close to the body but adds enough texture to camouflage any imperfections. Also, smocking offers great stretch to a dress.

A smocked dress might feature the embroidery technique along the bust or waist and looks extra pretty when paired with tiered ruffles on a dress.

7. Two-Piece Maxi Dress

This is an elegant and effortless look for beach dressing. The two-piece maxi is a versatile item and is often designed to form a wrap, maxi dress bodice.

It’s comfy in a fabric such as rayon and also gives a subtle, peek-a-boo of your waist with its crop top styling.

What would summertime be without a visit or vacation to the beach, right? When you want to look chic and comfy, put on a beautiful, beach dress. It’s a versatile outfit that can go from casual to dressy.