Teenage style: what to wear to the beach

Editor’s note: Samantha (Sammy) is Miss SY’s best friend from school and a journalism student. Each month she shares some style and beauty tips that are relevant to teenage girls of all ages – please leave us a question if you have a teenage style/beauty question you’d like answered.

14 SLEEPS. THAT IS ALL THAT’S LEFT.

Oh Stylers, I am so very excited. Christmas is such a beautiful time of the year.

But firstly, I’d like to say a big WARM welcome to summer!

For us Queenslanders, it has indeed been a very prolonged welcome. But now that December is here, you don’t think I’d wrap up for the year without a beach wear post, would you? 😉

As someone who’s been practically born and raised by the beach, I can assure you I have some helpful tips on not only what to wear to the beach, but also what to take with you too.

Beach wear tips

First up today are some simple tips on what to do before you head to the beach.

Tip #1 – wear something easy to slip on and off

Don’t worry about getting all glammed up – if it’s the water you’re there for, nine times out of ten you’ll be grateful for wearing something easy to slip on and off when it comes to stripping down for a dip in the water.

Nothing worse than having to find a public toilet to change in!

Tip #2 – big bag and big sunnies

A big bag is a must to keep all your belongings safe and to carry all of your essentials in (ie. towel, hat etc.).

Also be sure to protect your eyes by wearing some large sunglasses. At this time of the year, UV rays are at their highest, and even just by sitting on the beach, these rays can do more harm than you think.

Tip #3 – sunscreen is a must

Just do it. No matter how “greasy” or uncomfortable it may make you feel, you’ll be thankful in the long-run.

Unfortunately for me, I disobeyed this rule last week whilst visiting Bondi Beach – and after just a touch of sunburn, it was enough for me slip slop slap again the next day.

What to wear to the beach

H&M Dress | Nine West Sandals

Now that we have all the nitty gritty tips out of the way – let’s move onto the fun part. FASHION.

Whether you’re heading to the beach for a dip in the water, lunch with friends, or a BBQ with the family, it’s always good to remember to keep it casual.

This season it’s all about keeping as cool as you can.

Outfit #1

1. H&M Bikini Top $19.95 | 2. H&M Bikini Bottom $14.95 | 3. Cotton On Morgan Sunni $14.95 | 4. H&M A-line Dress $19.95 | 5. H&M Straw Hat $19.95 | 6. Havaiana Slim Metallic Rose Gold $29.99

Like to keep it really simple? Check out the outfit above.

With a simple A-line dress, you can’t go wrong. By dressing it down, this allows you to go bold with your swimwear.

Who doesn’t love a good pineapple print, right? 😉

Outfit #2

1. H&M Swimsuit with a print $29.95 | 2. H&M Patterned Sarong $14.95 | 3. H&M Straw Hat $24.95 | 4. Havaianas Slim Mix Black $29.99 

Not a fan of the bikini? Try a full-piece instead. Just grab yourself a sarong to tie around the hips! Perfect to also drape over your shoulders whilst in the sun too.

And keep it simple with a pair of Havaianas. These thongs are probably the most durable and comfortable pair of thongs I’ve ever worn – coming from an “Aussie”, that means they must be good 😉

Outfit #3

1. H&M Crepe Dress $29.95 | 2. H&M Bikini Top $19.95 | 3. H&M Bikini Bottoms $14.95 | 4. Lipstik Coconut Tan Sandals $69.95 | 5. Rubi Shoes Holiday Tote Bag $19.95

Heading to a BBQ or a lunch by the beach instead? It’s still acceptable to wear your swimwear underneath (after all, it is summer), but why not trade the throw-over with a patterned jumpsuit/dress instead.

Also swap the thongs for a pair of sandals. And if you’re heading for a swim afterwards, throw in a pair of thongs for later – makes for an easy and comfortable change!

So there you have it Stylers!

Still in need of more outfit ideas? Check out some photos below of myself, Yani and Ebony for more beach wear outfits.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you again Stylers for your support and for taking part on this journey with me throughout 2015 – it has been an absolute pleasure! 🙂

Now tell me, will you be heading to the beach this holiday season? What have you got planned for Christmas? 

Samantha Cheney is a Brisbane-based freelance writer at www.samanthacheney.com, and is currently completing her Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Business degrees at the Queensland University of Technology. Her interests include travelling, writing, and photography. Check Samantha out on instagram to follow her adventures @sammycheney