Sometimes, putting together the perfect beach outfit can feel like a challenge. With an endless array of bikinis, cover-ups, accessories, and striped totes to choose from, finding exactly what you want can quickly turn into a scavenger hunt—especially when you have something specific in mind.

And if you’re even a little self-conscious about wearing a bikini in public? Multiply that difficulty by ten. At times, finding the perfect summer bikini can seem nearly impossible.

Here’s a tip I’ve shared before: if you come across a bikini top or bottom you love but it doesn’t have a matching counterpart, buy it anyway. You might be able to mix and match it with something already in your swimwear drawer.

If you’ve never tried mismatched bikinis before, check out my post When & Why It’s Okay to Wear a Mismatched Bikini for some inspiration. It’ll show you that finding a bikini you love doesn’t necessarily mean finding one that matches.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When it comes to beach fashion, everyone has their own taste. Some gravitate toward boho, relaxed looks, while others prefer something sleeker—think Calvin Klein minimalism. I find myself drawn to both.

I appreciate the classic, clean lines of certain beach outfits, but I also love the playful boho spirit of stacked beaded bracelets and embroidered bikinis.                                                                     

How to Create Your Perfect Beach Outfit

The first step in putting together your ideal beach look is deciding on the style you’re going for. To help with that decision, think about what you love most about summer fashion.

Are you drawn to oversized sun hats and round retro sunglasses? Do you prefer delicate lace cover-ups paired with dainty jewelry? Or maybe graphic crop tops, shell accessories, and strappy leather sandals are more your vibe?                              

When narrowing these different styles down I like to use Pinterest at my inspiration point. I pin my favorite beach outfits and see what components make up the outfit and try to recreate a look with my flare.

The next step in putting together cute summer beach outfits is, of course, the swimsuit. Do you want to wear a two piece, one piece, tankini, board shorts? Decide on a bikini that you’ll feel comfortable in and that you’ll love. Remember you want to look and feel stylish while at the beach so if you don’t feel comfortable in a bikini find another one.

The third step is deciding if you’re going to wear a beach coverup or not and if yes, what type of beach coverup matches your bikini. In this beach outfit, I went with a maxi printed lightweight beach cover up. The pattern, color, and style matches the bikini I’m wearing the outfit. The floral print coordinates with the floral print on the bikini. And it’s actually a kimono that I used as a beach coverup.

The last component in putting together a cute beach outfit is accessories. Do you want to accessorize or not and if you do what type of accessories match the outfit?

In this outfit I went with a cream hat that had a patterned ribbon around it, that kept the boho feel going. I then added beaded bracelets and a long necklace. Overall this beach outfit has a cohesive style. You want to follow the same rules in putting together a beach outfit as with any other outfit.

Remember the 5 step checklist I shared with you the first of the year! There are five questions you need to ask yourself before leaving the house: Does it fit? Do the colors match? Is it flattering? Is it balanced? And What does this outfit say about me?

If you need a refresher read, look stylish every day – your 5 step checklist.