Light and cool: the best beach dresses and accessories for summer

Beverly Clements August 1, 2022

Updated 2022/08/01 at 2:41 AM

Fabric is key, so look for light and airy natural fabrics that dry easily. Sezane’s elegant Gizeh wrap dress, £190 (6) in silk and cotton seersucker works worn over swimwear or over a black slip for evening with some jewellery and a statement sandal. Marks & Spencer’s V-neck frill-detail midaxi slip dress, £22.50, is perfect for grabbing lunch by the pool or popping to your room – and it weighs next to nothing in your luggage. Choose bold block colours, like All Saints’ multicoloured maxi (1, below) or vivid green, as seen on Nina Urgell in Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza (left), or try a vibrant print – Brazilian brand Farm Rio’s uplifting prints (3, below) are investment purchases that will become a regular fixture in your vacation wardrobe.

Nina Urgell in Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza.

Pack a favourite belt (14) and jewellery (13) to style up the look for evening. For sheer dresses add a vintage slip underneath when you head out. Search eBay for a pre-loved bargain. Accessorise your beach dress with a sun hat (10). Choose something you can fit in your suitcase without it getting crushed. Rae Feather’s packable Panama (available in two sizes) rolls up like a dream. With a wide-brim straw hat, either wear it or pack the crown with your swimwear and roll up your sun dresses and coil them around the crown to protect the shape of the hat. Complete the look with either minimal leather sandals or something embellished. And don’t forget to slip a held fan into your hand luggage and stay cool on the flight and by the pool. We love Toast’s Cambodian palm leaf fan, £12 (9) and the Columbia Collective’s fluted woven fan in muted colours, £32 (15) – both are great, stylish additions to any outfit.