From boho to Y2K, 6 beach looks that will dominate the trends of summer 2026
Summer 2026 is fast approaching, and with it comes a question that pops up every year: what beach looks should you wear to be both comfortable and on-trend? This season, six outfits clearly stand out, driven by major trends from the runways and the Instagram accounts of the most influential fashion figures.
The must-have colors for great beach looks this summer
Two shades stand out this season with surprising clarity. Turquoise blue, seen notably at Courrèges and Christopher Esber, and tangerine orange, already adopted by Hailey Bieber on Instagram, are the two colors to bet on. Choosing either one guarantees an outfit that’s instantly on-trend.
When it comes to tangerine orange, the Mango x Eckhaus Latta collaboration perfectly captures this trend. The collection features a sheer backless dress, best paired with a raffia basket and a pair of clogs. From the beach to the city, this look transitions effortlessly.
When it comes to turquoise blue, the Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza collection is a natural fit. The capsule collection showcases this signature color with a turquoise blue strappy bikini adorned with charms, which pairs effortlessly with a sequined bag and jelly flip-flops.
The ’90s Revival: When Gucci Revives Chic Eroticism
Since Demna was named creative director of Gucci, he has been paying frequent homage to the Tom Ford era, with a boldly sensual flair. For summer 2026, the Italian fashion house has launched a logo-printed micro-bikini that is reminiscent of the string dress worn by Kate Moss during the new creative director’s first runway show. This is sure to instantly revive the trends of the late 1990s, steeped in chic eroticism.
For accessories, go for slim-framed gold-rimmed sunglasses and low-heeled jelly mules. These beach outfits with a ’90s vibe work just as well on the sand as they do by the pool.
“Our inspiration? Anita Pallenberg’s hippie style during her vacations in Saint-Tropez in the early 1970s.”
The bohemian trend and Italian summer: two styles to embrace
The boho trend shows no signs of slowing down. As festival season approaches, 70s-inspired looks from the Isle of Wight and Woodstock are making a comeback on mood boards. To channel this vibe with your feet in the sand, go for long, slightly sheer dresses with a ’70s vibe, paired with raffia baskets. For example, an ice-blue dress adorned with tassels works just as well at the beach with a swimsuit and a tote bag as it does in the evening with flat sandals.
What’s more, the “Italian summer” remains one of this season’s biggest fashion trends. On the Instagram accounts of influential figures across the Atlantic, everyone is looking forward to just one thing: jetting off to the Italian coast. Pucci is one of the brands to turn to for experiencing this “Italian summer” down to the last detail, with its long printed tulle dress worn over a pristine swimsuit.
- Turquoise blue: the must-have color of the summer, as seen at Courrèges and Christopher Esber.
- Tangerine orange: embraced by Hailey Bieber, confirmed by the Mango x Eckhaus Latta collaboration.
- 70s boho vibe: long sheer dresses, tassels, and raffia baskets inspired by Anita Pallenberg.
- Italian summer: Pucci prints, raffia floppy hats, and leather flip-flops for that Amalfi Coast vibe.
- 90s revival: Gucci-logo micro-bikini, thin gold-rimmed sunglasses, and low-heeled jelly mules.
The Y2K Look: Two Trends to Mix and Match
For those who love to have fun with fashion, there are two trends to mix and match. On one hand, the studded bikini —adorned with small studs—adds an unexpected rock-and-roll touch to the sand. On the other, balloon pants, which divide opinion as much as they unite, are becoming a see-through trend on the beach.
Pair them with pink sunglasses for a true throwback to the early 2000s. These Y2K beach looks are perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement without taking themselves too seriously.
How to put together beach outfits that suit your style
Ultimately, the strength of these six outfits lies in their ability to adapt to every personality. The bohemian woman will choose a long, sheer, ruffled dress over a triangle bikini, paired with a large wicker tote. The cool girl, on the other hand, will opt for the turquoise jacquard bikini from Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza, denim shorts, and jelly flip-flops.
For those dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway, Italian-inspired beach looks—a Pucci dress, a raffia hat, and a striped swimsuit—offer an instantly recognizable, laid-back elegance. Plus, the 90s revival trend lets you play with pieces now available for every budget, from jelly mules to logo bikinis.
So whether you’re drawn to the chic sensuality of the ’90s or the freedom of bohemian style, these 2026 beach looks offer a concrete solution for every summer fashion craving. The studded swimsuit and balloon pants, on the other hand, are for the more adventurous, ready to shake up the norms for a day in the sun.
