Key Takeaways
- Your favorite bikinis and one-pieces can carry you through the entire day with the right styling, without ever needing an outfit change.
- Transform your beach staples into city-ready bathing suit outfit ideas with smart layers like cover-up dresses, oversized shirts, or flowy midi skirts.
- Creativity is what makes the look your own. Rework pieces like sarongs in unexpected ways to create fresh, confident swimwear outfit ideas that work beyond the beach.
Bikinis were once seen as something to change out of, not styled around, but that’s no longer the case. Beach-to-street is one of the biggest swimwear trends to have emerged in the last couple of decades, combining elements from lifestyle and resort wear.
The purely beach and poolside fashion is now chic and versatile enough to transition through a whole day, across whatever plans you have, whether it’s a sunset dinner post swim or a casual stroll through town. Get inspired to do more by slipping into some of our favorite beach-to-street swimwear outfit ideas.
The One-Piece Bodysuit
The iconic one-piece bathing suit is a must-have in every beach babe’s wardrobe. If you're looking for an outfit that transitions effortlessly from sandy shores to city sidewalks, this piece is the perfect starting point.
The form-fitting silhouette of a one-piece swimsuit transforms into the perfect bodysuit when paired with breezy bottoms like linen or denim shorts, flowy pants, or tiered skirts. If you need a more polished swimwear outfit idea after a swim, tailored shorts and trousers are a great option too.
The Bikini + Skirt Combo
A bikini top paired with a cover-up skirt is yet another easy way to dip your toes into bathing suit outfit ideas that go from beach to street. It lets you keep the relaxed vibe of the coast while adding more coverage for whatever plans the day holds.
For the top, opt for pieces with some personality, like a halter-neck, balconette, or bralette top. Triangle tops with an eye-catching O-ring detail are also fair game if you’re after a sexier look. Balance out the daring factor with a midi or maxi skirt in a lightweight material, preferably with a back slit for easier movement.
The Captivating Cover-Up Dress
Need beach-to-street swimwear outfit ideas with more coverage and style? Then stop treating cover-up dresses as an afterthought and wear them like the fashion statement they are.
Reach for pieces in neutral hues made from beach-ready materials like cotton and linen that you can quickly throw over your bikini. Look for details like side slits, open backs, or cut-outs so the final look reveals just enough skin while retaining the effortless feel of swimwear.
Finish with low-heel wedges and your go-to jewelry, and you have the perfect swimwear outfit idea to flaunt at summer pool parties, sunset dinners, and post-swim cocktail hours.
The Button-Up Shirt Over Bikini
An oversized button-up shirt is a beach staple that can transform your bikini or one-piece into a city-ready outfit in seconds. There are multiple ways to style one. Keep it open for a laidback vibe or tie it at the waist to define your shape.
For the bottom, just slip on a pair of shorts or airy pants over the bikini bottoms, unless you’re going for those “pantless” bathing suit outfit ideas. Tuck the shirt in halfway for a slightly more polished feel. Finish it off with the usual beach accessories like vintage sunglasses, woven sandals, and minimal jewelry.
It’s such a low-effort, high-impact swimwear outfit idea that proves you don’t need to overthink beachwear to make a splash.
The Convertible Sarong Top
If you haven’t worn a sarong as a top yet, you’re missing out on one of the most fashion-forward swimsuit trends of the year. That one piece of fabric is versatile enough to be twisted, wrapped, or knotted into an endless array of styles.
Tie it at the front over your bikini top to turn it into a bandeau top, twist it around the neck for a halter style top, or wrap it and secure it behind your neck for a stunning criss-cross front version.
Pair it with linen pants, denim shorts, or a midi skirt for a swimwear outfit idea that looks spontaneous but put-together.
Upgrade Your Beach Wardrobe With WET Swim
Swimwear is no longer something you wear only at the beach or pool. By approaching your beach staples with an open mind and a little creativity, you can redefine their purpose beyond the sand and create bathing suit outfit ideas for every moment that follows.
WET Swim’s elevated collection is the best way to experiment with these swimwear outfit ideas. Explore bold silhouettes, flattering fits, and enduring style. Shop our high-quality bathing suits and cover-ups with free U.S. shipping on $200+ or $5 flat rate otherwise.