OUTFIT IDEAS: BEACH TO BAR OUTFITS
Here is What You are Allowed to Wear to the Beach Bar
Beach to bar outfits here – because the sun is up, champagne is opened, cocktails are mixed, music is on, the sea is just a few meters away, you are wearing fashionable swimwear, and it’s weekend. What else do you need for a perfect summer day? Summer days are meant for swimming and sipping sparkly cocktails by the beach, aren’t they? Just not in the wet bikini. So what to wear if you go straight from the beach to bar with no stops in between? You do know the no swimwear bar policy, right?
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While the relaxed atmosphere and beach setting might suggest a casual dress code, beach bars in Europe have implemented policies that restrict entry to people wearing merely swimwear. Seaside cities, with their stunning Adriatic coastline and historic charm, take this dress code as an opportunity to merge the holiday spirit with the European’spenchant for style. Whether you’re looking forward to sipping a colorful cocktail in Dubrovnik or lounging in Split, eating gelato by Lake Como or drinking Moet et Chandon on the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera, make sure you respect the beach bar dress code. *Upgrade to paid subscription to get the beach dress code guide.
Times when you could sip your cocktail in a wet bikini while sitting in the poshest bar on the beach are over.
In recent years, an increasing number of European cities have opted to implement dress codes that prohibit entry to people dressed solely in swimwear.
The aim is to create a comfortable atmosphere for the locals and minimise the gentrification of the cities.
The thing is that a beach bar is a scene. A scene where the music is a medley of catchy tunes that infuse your soul with joy. A scene where the twinkling lights wrap around you like a warm hug, turning the sun’s goodbye into a welcoming hello. Furthermore, a scene where you are enjoying a meal, and indulging in an experience that’s as sensory as it is sumptuous. But also a part of the city where people live.
But mostly, beach bars are a space for socializing, enjoying live music, and hosting events. Dress code policies help toensure that the atmosphere remains appropriate for various activities, discouraging behaviors that might be seen as overly casual or inappropriate.
Besides, no swimwear dress code policies can contribute to a more upscale experience for all the guests. By encouraging guests to dress a bit more elegantly, beach bars can create an ambiance that feels special and unique, enticing visitors to return.
Surely we will miss watching all those tanned six-packs. Although truth be told, we had hardly seen much of six-packs the last summer anyway.
However, practical reasons also play a role. Bars with seating areas, dance floors, and performance spaces often have problems with hygiene, comfort, and potential accidents that could arise from guests wearing only wet swimwear.
Obviously, clothes won’t save you from HPV, but they help to protect you from bacteria. Wet swimwear that remains in contact with the skin for extended periods can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. This can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and even more serious infections.
Finally, let’s be honest – beach bar dress code won't restrict your style; it will elevate it.
It’s about adopting the thrill of transforming from beach bum to beach belle, from sun-soaked swimmer to captivating cruiser.
Look at it as a chance to swap out sand-covered flip-flops for strappy sandals and black chic espadrilles that are giving old glamour, or to ditch the soggy swim trunks for tailored shorts that wink at the old money.
Furthermore, this new no-swimwear policy gives you an excuse to pack all of your summer clothes for the summer holidays. You will actually need all those clothes for the beach this year.
So what to pack with you to make sure you dress from the beach to the bar fashionably?
THE BEST BEACH TO BAR OUTFITS YOU NEED TO TRY THIS SUMMER
Here are the most fashionable summer 2025 beach to bar outfits you should try this summer. Ps. You can also wear all of these outfits for a date on the beach or in a seaside town.
And yes, I made sure you won’t need to spend more time looking for all these summer dresses, swimwear, shoes and basket bags that I used to create these chic summer outfits. Find all the links under the collages. Every link will take you to the store where you can shop for the item.
Don’t forget to read the 101 style guide for every outfit. You can learn so much. It’s like taking a styling course. Yes, I’m telling you WHY we pair that top with those shorts, that dress with those shoes and that hat/headband.
*If you need more help or have more questions, you can always book a styling session with me. Just fill out this form and I will help you.
Btw, you can now get your styling consultation for free if you help me spread the word about Brunette from Wall Street. Bring 50 new subscribers (or 10 paid subscribers) to Brunette from Wall Street - reply to this email with the list of all the people you brought and you will get a $350 styling consultation for free.
CUTE BEACH BAR OUTFITS
A good moment is nothing without a cute outfit. From a white beach dress to the prettiest espadrilles yet, discover cute beach bar looks that require close to no effort.
1 WHITE BEACH DRESS WITH LEATHER SLIDES AND TURBAN
Enter the bar, dressed in a fashionable white dress. I picked two for you because I wasn’t able to decide which one I like more. Pov, I also ended up purchasing both for myself. The mini and the midi (find your size here).
The precious upper, adorned with the brand’s signature patterns and appliqués, adds a touch of artisanal craftsmanship, but you might want to cover your knees and add length to this cute beach bar outfit.
Short or long, whichever dress you prefer more, they will both look stunning paired with flat leather slide sandals.
You might want to add satin ribbon to embellish the slides and bring an element of rococo opulence, contrasting beautifully with the charm of the leather.
Or not, and merely finish the look with a turban – the trendiest hair accessory of the moment. Ps. Don’t forget to grab the prettiest beach tote of the season or a trendy clutch.
SHOES: leather slides - get these.
DRESS: white beach dress - shop for the mini white dress here or the midi here (or find your size here).
HAT: turban - buy here.
BAG: beach tote - buy here. Or get this clutch for the evening.
*The warm caramel tones of the leather sandals create a subtle bridge between the crisp white dress and the luxurious golden accessories. I chose these specific tan strappy sandals because their horizontal lines create a visual counterpoint to the vertical flow of the midi dress, grounding the look while maintaining its breezy elegance. The flat sole is intentional – it keeps you comfortable on sand while the refined leather elevates beyond basic flip-flops.
The white midi dress with the appliqués is the perfect canvas. Notice how the appliqués create dimension and draw the eye upward, which is exactly why I paired it with the statement turban.
The golden turban echoes the appliqués on the dress, creating visual harmony through repetition of shapes. And links to the golden accents we find on the slides and on the bag.
The structured golden bag completes this trio by adding architectural interest against the dress's fluid lines.
CHIC BEACH TO BAR OUTFITS
Chic beach-to-bar outfits exude an air of luxury, and are a stylish way to seamlessly transition from a day of sun and sand to a relaxed evening at a beach bar. Maintain a sense of elegance and comfort while respecting the environment and ambience of the premium coastal establishments.
They all come in light and airy fabrics. Think linen, cotton, or my favourite, silk. That will keep you cool and comfortable while waiting for your refreshments.
As the sun sets on the horizon and the beach takes on a golden glow, beach bars come alive with a distinct energy. The atmosphere shifts from the carefree vibe of the day to a more intimate and vibrant evening air.
Conversations are animated, laughter resounds through the air, and the sound of clinking glasses interrupts the rhythm of the music.
In the evening, the chic beach-to-bar outfits truly shine, seamlessly blending in with the evolving mood and creating a picturesque scene of sophistication against the backdrop of the shimmering sea.
2 NAVY SILK SHIRT AND MATCHING LINEN SHORTS WITH BLACK ESPADRILLES
Picture this: a navy blue silk shirt, lovingly crafted from organza. Orgnaza delicately captures the sun’s rays as you saunter toward the beach bar.
The silk flutters in the breeze, mirroring the soft undulation of the waves along the coastline. Your understated elegance effortlessly aligns with the easygoing charm of the beachside.
Pair this exquisite shirt with matching linen shorts, an eminently practical choice for embracing the carefree spirit of days spent by the sea.
The deep navy hue harmonizes beautifully with the tranquil seascape, creating a visual symphony that blends seamlessly with the expansive horizon.
As you walk gracefully along the sandy shore, slip into black Castañer’s Carina espadrilles. They exude an undeniable sense of elegance, plus their comfort and secure fit also ensure that not a grain of sand will get inside.
And they won’t get damaged if you slip in with wet feet. The sunscreen might, however, discolour them. Luckily, I was able to remove the white spots from my espadrilles. There were white spots inside my espadrilles. Surely, I didn’t have to bother as the spots were inside the shoe, but I like to keep my shoes clean.
SHOES: Castañer black espadrilles - buy here. They are the most comfortable and easy to walk in espadrille wedges. *Take your normal size.
TOP: navy blue silk shirt - shop for this one here - it’s Lanvin and on sale!
SHORTS: navy blue linen shorts - shop for similar here. Or buy these - at the same store as the shirt.
BAG: V°73 tote bag - mine is sold out and this raffia tote bag is pretty, too.
*I specifically chose to match the silk shirt with linen shorts in the same navy tone because this tonal dressing creates an unbroken line that elongates the silhouette – crucial when wearing shorts in an elegant setting.
The contrasting textures prevent the monochromatic look from falling flat; silk catches light while the matte linen absorbs it, creating visual depth through fabric alone.
The black espadrilles are a calculated choice over the expected nude or navy options. Black grounds the deep navy in a way that prevents the outfit from floating into sailor territory, adding a sharp, decisive edge that signals evening sophistication rather than daytime nautical. The espadrilles' jute soles provide that essential beachy element while the black canvas uppers maintain the outfit's refined palette.
Now, the raffia tote brings a pop of color. The Barbie pink tone sits directly opposite navy on the color wheel, creating vibrant tension that brings the entire outfit to life. But you can achieve the same effect with this perfume.
3 LINEN SKIRT SET WITH LOW SANDALS AND AVIATORS
Picture this: the sun begins its descent over the horizon, radiating a warm and golden glow upon the beach bar. The air is laced with a sense of anticipation as people gather to chill in the tranquil luxury of the evening.
For me, it’s idyllic – the gentle waves serenade the shore, and you step into the scene with an outfit that epitomizes boho luxury.
Enter the Valentino linen skirt set, a masterpiece that is giving luxury boho.
The linen skirt set, pleasantly embroidered, catches the fading sunlight, creating a dance of shadows that echo the gentle ebb and flow of the waves. And polka dots on the hem stand out against the rich tones of the sand.
Pair with these low sandals. Their refined yet fashionable design perfectly aligns with the atmosphere of relaxed refinement.
And if you want to bring all your beach things to bar with you, stack them into Max Mara large crochet bag. This bag effortlessly accommodates all your beach essentials while adding a touch of textural allure to your look.
SHOES: low sandals - buy here. I have just bought them, too.
TOP: embroidered crop top - buy here.
SKIRT: maxi beach skirt - buy here.
ACCESSORIES: boho chic aviator sunglasses - buy here.
BAG: Max Mara large crochet bag - buy here.
*The polka dot trim creates a graphic framework that prevents the soft cream from looking washed out against sun-bleached backgrounds. At the same time, the tie-front crop top and high-waisted midi skirt create the illusion of a dress while offering the versatility of separates – essential for temperature changes between beach heat and air-conditioned bars. You can swap the skirt for these shorts.
The low leather sandals are precisely the right choice here. The warm brown tone harmonizes with the cream base while matching the earthy elements in the skirt's embroidered florals. The multiple thin straps create a delicate visual weight that doesn't compete with the outfit's ornate embroidery, yet the rich leather adds enough substance to ground the ethereal fabrics. This is why I avoided metallic sandals – they would have fought with the embroidery for attention.
The oversized aviators with gradient lenses echo the geometric trim on the outfit, creating a visual connection between accessories and clothing that feels intentional rather than random.
The woven hobo bag in rich brown leather provides the perfect textural counterpoint to the smooth embroidered linen. Additionally, the slouchy, unstructured form balances the outfit's fitted crop top and voluminous skirt. The bag's earthy weave brings in that beachy boho chic element.
*You might need to upgrade your subscription to see the rest of the outfits. You know, the rule of 3 FREE OUTFITS. But it's about time you upgrade your subscription. The extra benefits you get as a subscriber this season are too good.
And of course, you get to see all the remaining outfits in this outfit edit. Including the beach bar outfit I wore recently. And read cheesy romantic story.