What to Wear to the Beach for Under $100 in 2025

A Terrycloth Set

Do you remember when the two-piece Juicy Couture terrycloth capri set was everything? Is that too niche? Well, only the very best trends come back in style and terrycloth sets is one of them. Terrycloth is the perfect material for the beach because it’s basically just like wearing a towel—any sweat or salt water will be absorbed quickly. Terrycloth can also be dressed down for daytime with casual sandals or spiced up for a fancy dinner with platform shoes. There are so many terrycloth sets available right now from sites like Revolve, Frankies Bikinis, and PacSun so you’re bound to find one before you’re bound for the beach.

Dandy Del Mar The Santorini Bralette and Pant
On Sale 30% off

Buy NOw on Dandy Del Mar $48

I have a few terry cloth pieces from Dandy Del Mar and I am obsessed. They feel like a grown-up version of our beloved Juicy Couture sets. This bralette and pants lounge set is a great option if you’re looking for something super comfortable (yet stylish) that you can wear while actually on the beach but also change into after a day in the summer sun. The pattern also comes in a shorts style so you can still get the look on a hot day.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colorways: 1

Nation LTD Fallon Terry Cloth Popover
On Sale 72% off

$37 Buy Now on Revolve

For a shorts and cropped shirt look, go with this set from Nation LTD on Revolve. The set is constructed from a French terry textile, made in Peru, and features a roomy 3/4 sleeve top and a comfortable pair of drawstring shorts. Wear it as a beach cover-up, to a seaside lunch, or while lounging after a sun-filled day.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colorways: 1
A Halter Dress

Halter tops had their moment and now it’s time to take things up a notch with a halter dress. In my opinion, a halter is one of the most universally flattering silhouettes—the high neck is elongating and everyone looks good when they have a little extra shoulder to shimmy. Plus, it’s a great silhouette to wear for the beach if you want to get a little sun (just make sure to layer on the SPF). Wearing a strapless bra to the beach is annoying so use the halter dress as an opportunity to let loose (if you get what I mean).

Zara Knit Halter Dress

$50 Buy Now on Zara

For something a little more elevated, consider a knit halter dress like this chic style from Zara. The dress features bright and colorful summer hues, a tie at the back, and a breathable fabric. We love that you can easily lounge on the beach in this look, but it’s also dressy enough to wear for a seaside brunch date.

Sizes: S-L
Colorways: 1

Abercrombie & Fitch Halter Ruched Maxi Dress
On Sale 25% off

$90 Buy Now on Abercrombie & Fitch

For another versatile dress, you can wear casually to the beach or dress up for an afternoon by the shore, consider this ruched halter dress. The dress is made from Abercrombie’s lightweight flowy fabric so it’s airy, comfortable, and breathable.

Sizes: XXS-XL
Colorways: 2
Full-On Fringe

If you’re a “pics or it didn’t happen” kind of gal (like I am), you know how important it is to have an Instagram-ready outfit for every occasion. Fringe is still very much in style this summer and there’s no better place to wear it than on the beach. I’m personally excited to go big with the trend and wear fringe sets and full-length dresses.

More To Come Avi Maxi Dress

$74 Buy Now on Revolve

There is something so beachy about this fringe dress. I love that you can throw it on over a swimsuit as a beach cover-up or dress it up with a pair of wedges for a more elevated beach look. The dress is constructed from polyester, so even though it’s knitted, it’s lightweight.

Sizes: XS-L
Colorways: 2

Superdown Mika Maxi Dress

$64 Buy Now on Revolve

For a cheekier style that follows the naked dress trend, this Superdown fringe dress might be just what you’re looking for. It’s design is perfect for letting your swimsuit peak through from underneath.

Sizes: XS-L
Colorways: 2
A Lightweight Knit

Move over sweater vests, I’m crushing on the sweater dress. It may seem counterintuitive to wear knit sweater material to the beach, but the finely woven material will make you feel (and look) cool. Knit dresses are all about texture which will complement the grains of sand you’ll feel between your toes. They can be long-sleeved, cut-out, or trimmed with fringe so there’s not a single way to nail this style. The best part about a knit dress is that they’re also a great option to wear to a beach wedding.

Abercrombie & Fitch Crochet-Style Maxi Dress Coverup
On Sale 24% off

$68 Buy Now at Abercrombie & Fitch

I’ve been shopping at Abercrombie for beachwear since I was a tween and it just keeps getting better and better. Case in point: This chic crochet-style coverup features an elegant straight neckline and an open back. Throw it on over your swimsuit with a pair of platform flip-flops for a stylish nod to the Y2K era.

Sizes: XXS-XL
Colorways: 1

Cherie Knit Halter Maxi Dress
On Sale 29% off

$67 Buy Now on Meshki

Make way for this stunning knit maxi dress from Meshki. It’s the perfect combination of sophistication and allure. Boasting a slightly deeper neckline, an open back, and a slit down the side, this sexy number adds a touch of drama. Plus, it flaunts two rosettes, which are super on-trend right now. You’ll be sure to make a statement at the beach or any occasion when you’re strutting your stuff in the Cherie Knit Halter Maxi Dress.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colorways: 2
A Classic Button-Down

A good button-down is a shirt that keeps on giving. The style fits every known aesthetic including off-duty model, coastal grandmother, dark academia and the beach-goer. Whether a button-down could be solid or striped, worn with denim shorts or slacks or stolen from your dad’s closet, it will always look good. For the beach, look for a button-down that’s made out of lightweight fabric, like linen and pair it with vintage-inspired denim shorts.

Universal Thread Gauze Long Sleeve Collared Button-Down Shirt
On Sale 24% off

$19 Buy Now on Target

I bought a similar Target button-down shirt two summers ago and now have it in like five different colors and wear it all the time. I sized up so it would fit a little oversized and I love the way it looks over my swimsuits as a lightweight coverup to protect my skin from the ocean breeze (and sun).

Sizes: XS-4X
Colorways: 5

Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt
On Sale 21% off

$55 Buy Now on Gap

Gap is one of my go-to spots when I need a classic button-down shirt. I love the oversized fit of this style and that you can make it a set with the matching Organic Cotton Striped Poplin Shorts.

Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colorways: 7
An Oversized Sweatshirt

I live in sunny southern California but, to be honest, it’s not actually that sunny at the beach (at least not until the afternoon). If you’re headed to the coast on an overcast day, don’t leave without a sweatshirt to ward off that ocean breeze. I prefer oversized crewneck sweatshirts because they’re cozy and chic in an effortless way.

Abercrombie & Fitch Golf Graphic Crew Sweatshirt
On Sale 24% off

$53 Buy Now on Abercrombie & Fitch

I love an oversized men’s sweatshirt (the fit is just so much better) and am obsessed with this option from Abercrombie. The San Francisco graphic boasts major vintage vibes and feels like the epitome of a chilly day on a beach.

Gap VintageSoft Arch Logo Full-Zip Hoodie
On Sale 42% off

$35 Buy Now on Gap

I love the idea of rocking a nostalgic mall brand like Gap to the beach. This vintage-looking hoodie is at the top of my wishlist this summer. The sweatshirt comes in several colorways and features a comfortable, relaxed fit that you can zip it up over your swimsuit.
A Versatile Scarf

It’s time to pull up the TikTok video you saved about 100 ways to tie a scarf. A large scarf can either be the ultimate beach outfit or accessory. Depending on the size, you can tie it around your waist, twist it into a top or tie it around your head. Scarves also take up virtually no room in your suitcase so they’re an easy way to maximize your packing room and outfit options. I love mixing and matching scarf patterns and tying a small scarf around my bag to match my outfit.

Zara Floral Print Model Scarf

$46 Buy Now on Zara

This printed scarf from Zara is the epitome of versatility. You can tie it around your waist and wear it as a sarong or use it as a shawl around your shoulders when the ocean breeze starts to kick up.

Sizes: One Size
Colorways: 1

Lulus Instinctive Glam Pink and Orange Floral Strapless Top

$45 Buy Now at Lulus

This scarf top from Lulus is another fun way to try this style out. It works well with a pair of baggy jean shorts and slides for a more casual look, or flowy beach pants for something a little more dressed up. Plus, the pink and orange are a great way to add some color to your summer wardrobe.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colorways: 1

What to Wear to the Beach That’s Not Just a Swimsuit & Shorts—All for Under $100

What to Wear to the Beach at a Glance

A Terrycloth Set

A Halter Dress

Full-On Fringe

A Lightweight Knit

A Classic Button-Down

An Oversized Sweatshirt

A Versatile Scarf

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