Australia is renowned for its stunning coastlines and white sandy beaches, so naturally locals and visitors frequently think about how to dress for a beach party. Although relaxed in nature, these beach parties can sometimes be tricky to dress for.
After all, there are unpredictable obstacles to contend with here — wind-blown sand, temperamental tides and sometimes a significant hike to reach the beach itself. Not to mention the overwhelming urge to jump in the ocean.
So when dressing for a beach party, it's a good idea to contemplate what makes you feel most comfortable. Once you have a clear understanding of the setting, you'll naturally start thinking about beach party outfit ideas, after which, you can just have fun by defying the rules a little bit and injecting your own sense of personal style. Never forget, it's your beach party and you can swim if you want to.
Define your dress code
When contemplating how to dress for a beach party, your first point of reference is the invitation itself. This will tell you a lot about whether the beachside bash is a sophisticated Bondi affair or a more relaxed occasion on the tropical sands of Fiji.
If it's a smart, casual event in Byron Bay, for instance, you might want to heighten hemlines a little and experiment with your colour palette. Meanwhile a decadent, Hérmes-hosted affair at Whale Beach could call for more sweeping silhouettes and a nod to contemporary elegance. Either way, the dress code offers a good starting point in terms of defining your beach party fashion ideas.
Defy the rules
Once you've got those dress rules in mind, consider playing around with them a bit. Opt for unexpected details, for example, or go a little tongue-in-cheek by choosing prints that mirror your milieu. Sophistication is unexpected on the sand, so the romantic femininity of Chloé styles provide an elegant entrance when dressing for a beach party in Bondi. Inspired by these lace-trimmed dresses and diaphanous floral creations, you could defy the rules of relaxation and be set for cocktails at Icebergs afterwards as well. Take a cue from Miranda Kerr here and embrace white-on-white looks by Alex Perry or Dion Lee. Ultimately though, comfort is your main priority, so as long as you've got that down, you'll be on solid ground.
Put your best foot forward
Speaking of solid ground, it’s also important to contemplate footwear when dressing for a beach party. No one likes the feeling of sand filling their shoes, so if you suspect the party might spill out onto the shoreline, consider an outfit that allows for simple sandals or even bare feet. Flat, strappy silhouettes work best here, so turn to designers like Marni and Valentino for inspiration.
For men, going barefoot might be an even more attractive option, because plenty of trouser styles also work easily withou shoes, like chinos that you can roll at the ankle, for example, or a pair of tailored shorts. Alternatively, take inspiration from Jude Law circa The Talented Mr. Ripley and opt for streamlined white sneakers instead — you can always kick them off later in the night.
Prints charming
If your destination is Palm Beach, Phoebe Tonkin provides inspiration for beach party fashion ideas. Mixing sleek maillots and bright, printed dresses in sumptuous silk, Tonkin makes a case for putting comfort first and foremost, looking to labels like Stella McCartney for fun, feminine styles.
Prints for men don't have to be limited to the eclecticism of the Hawaiian shirt, either. Although if bold is your thing, then Comme des Garçons offers a compelling case for wearing palm tree prints with style – just think less Ace Ventura and more Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. If looking to keep things a little more muted, though, you could turn to printed button-downs by the likes of Etro or Givenchy.
Why not slip into something a little more comfortable?
Ultimately, the key to mastering the relaxed nature of a beach party is comfort. When dressing for a beach party at home in Byron Bay, for example, Liam Hemsworth chooses comfortable cotton T-shirts and a pair of Kenzo-style chinos to beat the heat. Consider opting for a slightly lighter hue on top and darker navy through the legs to really anchor your look.
With a similar nod to comfort, blogger Margaret Zhang favours sporty lines when it comes to how to dress for a beach party, accessorising her look with refined details like a straw hat or a sheer skirt. If dressing for a remote beach party in Samoa for example, Dion Lee captures the perfect marriage of polished athleticism — with a racer back here and a form-fitting dress there. In other words, your best beach party outfit will be that which makes you feel most at ease.