It’s true that co-ord sets have earned a permanent place in our hearts over the past few years, but beach dresses remain a close second. The humble dress still remains a reliable choice in most closets—even on vacation. For your next beach trip, we’ve curated a list of beach dresses from homegrown labels that are thoughtful, unique and feel like a second skin.
If you tend to lean towards minimal tones even on vacation, The Casablanca dress from Sand by Shirin can be worn as a dress or an overlay with your swimsuit. Made in seersucker cotton, it's the perfect antidote to tropical humidity. The butterscotch-hued strapless Matera dress with an open back detail from Summer Somewhere is a pretty alternative if you want something that’s understated.
Sand By Shirin Casablanca dress
Summer Somewhere Matera dress
Still want to keep your outfit monotone but don’t mind experimenting with bolder colours? The Mati Veza dress from their Rang collection is a beautiful halter, open-back silhouette that comes in multiple pop colours.
Mati Veza dress
Seen at the Spring/Summer 2023-24 runway shows of Gabriela Hearst, Ulla Johnson, Proenza Schouler and Khaite, crochet was a key trend. Closer to home, designers experimented with the trend in their new season collections—Studio Moonray’s stunning Ciana Crochet Dress is made from pure cotton, making it breathable on the skin. The semi-precious stones give it an elevated look, allowing you to take it seamlessly from day to night. The pastel Naz handmade bead dress from Essgee containing colourful wooden beading throughout is another great pick.
Studio Moonray Ciana Crochet Dres
Essgee Naz bead dress
Colour-wise, lime green made an appearance at the shows of Brandon Maxwell, Tory Burch, Fendi and Aliétte. The bold hue is a refreshing addition to your beach wardrobe — and the buttery siba kaftan dress from Ituvana does an incredible job of letting just the colour do all the talking. If wearing lime green as a single seems too experimental, The House of Eda’s dramatic Crimson dress is an unexpected way to adopt the trend. Withmicro pintucks and pleats cinching at all the right places, this structured dress works well as a glamorous brunch outfit for the island.
Ituvana Siba long dress
House of Eda Camilla Dress
This piece from House of Eda is also reminiscent of the Sunset Ombré trend we saw in the S/S 2023 shows of Zimmerman, JW Anderson and Courrèges. A darker, moody adaptation of this trend is the gorgeous Leheriya dress with kimono sleeves and fringe details from Studio Rigu — a vibrant choice for a private dinner by the ocean. If you love the ombré style but want a minimal version, the graceful Folly dress from Rangeela is perfect for a sundowner.
Studio Rigu Leheriya round collar dress
Rangeela Folly dress
Moving on to everyone’s favourite form of self-expression—dopamine dressing! If you love prints but prefer keeping it simple, Inca’s draped houndstooth dress is wonderful for its mild bursts of colour, fluidity and lightness. The Daydream Dress in the Carnation print from Happi Space is another free-flowing piece when you’re out exploring on the beach. A tip to make it more fun? Get the matching tote and hair tie.
Inca Houndstooth draped dress
Happi Space Daydream Dress in Carnation print
If your vibe is usually ‘go big or go home’, the Cabo Mocha Kaftan dress from Ani hits all the right notes. Featuring tropical prints and gold tassels that add plenty of charm, it makes for a wholesome beach look. A staple print in everyone’s summer wardrobe includes florals—the Marilyn Maxi dress from Thr3Letter, with its exaggerated sleeves and soft tones, is a romantic option.
Ani Clothing Cabo Mocha Kaftan dress
Thr3Letter Marilyn Maxi dress
Finally, there are pieces that let you simply blend in with the ocean. Studio Verandah’s hand beaded Kimono jacket is a multi-purpose overlay that can be worn as a casual wrap dress or over your bikini.Made in the brand’s super soft and trademarked Ecovero fabrication, the butterfly print makes an impactful statement while being sustainable. For an easy tie-up kaftan dress, The Jodi Life’s Ariel Kaftan, which is hand-dyed to perfection using traditional techniques of clamp dyeing, is effortless.
Studio Verandah Hand Beaded Belted Luxe Kimono Jacket
The Jodi Life Ariel Kaftan
Also read:
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Bikini trends that celebs are wearing this summer–from Dua Lipa's sequined bikini to Ananya Pandey's gingham one
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